Athelhampton with Burleston

Situated 6 miles North-east of Dorchester, Athelhampton and Burleston were originally separate Manors on the old road between Puddletown and Tolpuddle. In the Domesday Book (1086) Athelhampton is listed as 'Pidele', after the river which runs through the parish. It is not until the 13th Century that 'Athelamston', a form of the modern name comes into use. By the 16th Century the name 'Adminston' was in popular use, a name which can still be found in the parish in the small hamlet of South Adminston.

Both parishes, originally in the diocese of Salisbury transferred to the diocese of Bristol in 1542, but maintained separate Rectors until Andreas Bromhall was appointed Rector of Athelhampton in 1638 and then Burleston the following year when it became vacant. The advowson (the right to recommend the rector) for both parishes was purchased and since that time one Rector has overseen both parishes, with the living at Burleston becoming annexed to that of Athelhampton. Burleston old church was declared rudundant by the church of England in 1975 since when it has been classed as a momument.

The original church of 'Admiston' was a small edifice repaired by Sir Robert Long in 1740 before which it contained an apartment supposed to have been inhabited by the rector. The church of St Johns was built in 1862 as a way of moving the old church away from Athelhampton house which dominates the parish. It was designed by a Dorchester architect named Hicks who at the time had Thomas Hardy in his employment.

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