Kingston (near Corfe Castle)

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DORSET OPC

Vicarages

This photo shows the ‘Old’ Vicarage. It is on Kingston Hill, on the left-hand side approaching from Corfe Castle, just before you reach the Scott Arms.

Further research is needed to establish when it was built. It was used as a Vicarage up to 1887 when the new church and the new vicarage were built. According to Kelly’s Directory of 1889, it was occupied by Joseph Hughes.

The ‘Old’ Vicarage

The ‘New’ Vicarage

This drawing, published in The Architect in 1878, is of the ‘New’ Vicarage. It is constructed of pale Purbeck stone, has part-leaded and stone mullioned windows set with seats, and has tall chimneys.

As well as designing the new church, the architect G E Street, also designed and supervised the building around the same time of a seven-bedroom house as a parsonage for the new church next door. It even had its own private path leading to the church.  

According to Kelly’s Directory of 1885 it was occupied by Rev. Spencer Compton Spencer-Smith M.A.

Further research is needed to establish when the building ceased to be used as the Vicarage. It is now known as ‘Kingston House’ and is a Grade II listed building.

Immediately adjacent to the house were the stables, just visible on the left of the house in the drawing above, which also housed the vicar’s coachman and his family.

If you have any information about either Vicarage which you would like to share, be it stories or old photographs etc., please email us at info@kingstonopc.org.uk

View of Kingston, showing the rear of the New Vicarage (top-left)  

Postcard courtesy of David Sansom

Lesley Pond lived next door to Pete & John in The Lane, Brian & Mary Palmers' parents farmed Blashenwell Farm, Brian & Derek Collins lived in South Street, Michael Streeters' parents ran the Post Office [until Angela & Pete took it over].