Pictures of Powerstock

About Powerstock

Nestling at the foot of the ancient Hill Fort of Eggarden, Powerstock is scattered over hills and dales with it's roots embedded before history was recorded. The village is completely pastoral and appears to be protected by a maze of deep lanes which once negotiated, reveal a gracious collection of orchards, gardens and enchanting cottages set at angles on a series of knolls. Interspersed here and there are the grander, stone built houses with mullioned windows, and deep doorways overwhich Wisteria climbs high.

To the south-east of the village is a large hilltop, here you will find the earthwork of Powerstock Castle . The castle was built in Norman times and was later converted into a Hunting lodge for King John who hunted in Powerstock Forest.

The parish church of St. Mary is of Norman structure which was largely rebuilt in the 1850's. It has a row of gargoyles-probably Norman-and on the door inside the South entrance is a beautiful 15th-century carving. The carving shows a King holding a staff and a woman giving bread to children. They are thought to be Good King Wenceslas and St. Elizabeth of Hungary.

In the churchyard, east of the path and south of the main door, is a rare survival. A 13th-century Dole Table from which in pre-reformation times charitable doles of bread were distributed to the poor.

Powerstock is a very English village, it is in the midst of fine pasture land, and it is not unusual for your car to be held-up whilst a local farmer moves his cattle from one field to another. Should you stop to stroll for a while you will chance upon two Wells. It is said that at certain times the water of the one well runs red, there is a local legend to this which I am sure the landlord of the local inn will be happy to chat about!

Other places you should visit are the stately homes of Kings Lacy House, Park and Garden and Sherbourne Castle. Travel a little further south and you will find the delightful town of Bridport and the magnificent West Dorset Heritage Coast.