TOLLER FRATRUM & TOLLER PORCORUM

This walk introduces you to some interesting aspects of Dorset’s medieval history

- Edward Griffihs

Toller Fratrum was held by the Knights Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem from medieval times and the Knights dedicated the chapel to St Basil, patron saint of hospitals. ‘Fratrum’ means ‘of the brothers’. At the Dissolution in 1539, Toller Fratrum came to the Samways of Martinstown who built the manor house, now Little Toller Farm whose thatched stable-block may have been the refectory. The present Victorian church, built on the original chapel’s foundations, retains its original font.

Our other village is Toller Porcorum, ‘Swynesthoire’ in the 13th century. ‘Porcorum’ means ‘of the pigs’. St Andrew’s Church is still mostly 13th and 14th century, including the unusual octagonal font. Toller Station was opened in 1862 on Bridport Railway’s 1857 Maiden Newton to Bridport Harbour line.

THE WALK

1 Walk back to High Street with St Andrew’s high above the T-junction. Turn right along High Street. Go over the railway bridge and pass the left-return lane. Continue up through the whole village. Past the right ‘High Street’ nameplate and ‘Toller Porcorum’ board, reach a right bend. Turn down the ‘Toller Fratrum’ footpath-signed track. BEFORE the cantilever gate into woodland, take the left ‘Footpath’ and ‘Right of Way’ arrowed grass and sedge track.