More Dorset mysteries!

Dorset is a county of mystery, or should I say, mysteries! 
We have discovered wonderful, atmospheric, inspiring places... 
Here are a few of them (there are so many!). This really is a very small selection and there are many many more fascinating places around the county. 

It seems that ancient beliefs and superstitions are still alive and well in Dorset. 
All pictures here are  © Carya Gish and © Matt ArtPix.

The hidden ruined chapel in Chapel Coppice, Abbotsbury

There is a small altar on which have been deposited various offerings.

Offerings.

Some people have left some coins, I guess after having made a wish.

Whale bones over a gate in Chideock.

A wishing tree in Chideock

Langdon Hill "was known for having possessed an ancient coven of hereditary witches and it is possible the descendants of this coven are still working here on the hill. [...] Altars have been found in hidden-away locations." 

Louise Hodgson, Secret Places of West Dorset, Roving Press 2011.  

View from the path on Langdon Hill

Eerie woods on Langdon Hill.

The sun trying to peek through the trees on Langdon Hill.

Another great atmospheric place is Knowlton church and rings. The Neolithic rings were probably a religious site and you can still see the circular bank and ditches. The church was built in the middle of the rings in order to destroy their religious power at a time when Christianity was asserting its powers over Paganism. It doesn't look like it worked though, as apparently the parishioners were all killed by the plague in 1348. After that, the church fell into disuse, and by 18th century, it was a mere ruin. 
Ghosts and mystical energies have been associated to the site. 
When we were there, we stumbled upon the remains of what we think had been a very recent Pagan ceremony. I would love to know more about the various elements in the pictures below. The main circle was made of branches, leaves, stones, twigs, feathers and sticks. There had been a small fire in the centre, and someone had hung some small wicker amulets(? not sure how to describe these) to a big branch. 

The church and the circular bank.

The church and the ritualistic circle.

The centre of the circle.

Small amulets.

Each time we have been to St Catherine's chapel in Abbotsbury, we have found some messages in the niches, even some small candles. 

Prayers to St Catherine for Peace.

The more traditional prayers to St Catherine: women pray in order to get a husband. Surprising in this day and age!

I will wrap up this blog by adding a entirely gratuitous picture of the view from the top of the Golden Cap, looking West.