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St Catherines Oratory
St Catherines Oratory was built around 1318 on downland high above Chale Bay (where numerous ships have come to grief over the centuries).
Today, all that remains of the building is the end tower that once housed a warning beacon. It was, in fact, the first 'lighthouse' to be built on the island.
The tower is known locally as The Pepper Pot because that's exactly what it looks like!
Approaching 'The Pepper Pot'
As you can see from the above picture, the tower is around 25-30 feet high (my son, standing against the tower, is over six feet tall).
The site is managed by The National Trust in partnership with English Heritage and, although only the tower remains, a display board positioned nearby shows how the building would have looked when it was in use. It also reveals the story of how and why it was built!
Apparently, at the beginning of the 14th century, a ship carrying wine from a French monastery was shipwrecked in Chale Bay. The wine was taken by a certain Walter de Godeton, Lord of Chale.
When the monks discovered what had happened to their wine they threatened to excommunicate de Godeton unless he built an oratory on the hilltop as penance! This he did, and a priest attended the light and said prayers for all the souls lost at sea.
It is thought that the oratory fell into disuse after 1538 when the monasteries were dissolved.
If visiting, bear in mind that it's a longish walk uphill, but the view all along the south coast is surely reward enough for your efforts!
You will find a carpark (and view point) on the main A3055 as you leave Blackgang roundabout and head towards Niton. A National Trust signpost will direct you from there.
Click here for more National Trust attractions
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