[2] The square stone chapel stands within a low circular earthwork, which may be the remains of a pre-Conquest Christian enclosure.

[3] Its identification as a purpose-built chapel rests on records of payments to a chaplain in the reign of King Henry III (1216–1272).

Evidence uncovered during 20th century repairs to the chapel roof suggest that it may have been topped with a beacon at some time.

[5] In 1957 a monumental slab of Purbeck stone was uncovered by ploughing in a field 400 metres (1,300 ft) NNE of the chapel.

[6] The central column of the chapel bears dates and initials from the 17th century, indicating that it was still visited, although falling into disrepair.

[6][7] A hole in this column appears to have been used by young girls to make wishes, by dropping pins or hairpins into it.

[7] By this time the chapel roof was described as being overgrown in grass, and with parts of the groins collapsed.

[5] By 1873 the chapel had been reconstructed, the cost being borne by the 3rd Earl of Eldon (1845–1926), who also presented the baptismal font.

[5] A service was held on 18 July 1874 to commemorate the reopening, at which Alfred Gibson, son of the chief boatman of the coastguards, was baptised.

[5] During the late 19th and early 20th centuries regular weekly services were held, attended by coastguards and their families who lived in nearby cottages.

[5] In November 1965 the chapel was given by the Encombe Estate to Worth Matravers Parochial Church Council.