Sedgehill

In the 12th century, and possibly the 11th, the lands which became Sedgehill parish were part of the estates of Shaftesbury Abbey.[1] After the Dissolution, Sedgehill manor was bought by Thomas Arundell of Wardour Castle (c. 1502 – 1552) and then in 1573 by William Grove (died 1582) who was briefly MP for Shaftesbury.[2] The estate remained in the Grove family (from 1874 the Grove baronets), although reduced in size as farms were sold, until the death of Gerald Grove in 1962.[1]

The population of the parish rose to 216 at the 1871 census, and by 1961 had declined to 130.[1]

In 1986, on recommendation of Salisbury District Council, the parish was amalgamated with Semley to form Sedgehill and Semley civil parish.[3]

The Church of England parish church of St Catherine has origins in the 14th century.[4] In 1395 it became a chapelry of the church at Berwick St Leonard, which was connected with Shaftesbury Abbey.[1] This pertained until 1914, when Sedgehill was made a parish and supplemented with 318 acres transferred from East Knoyle.[5] Today the parish is part of the Benefice of St Bartholomew, which covers six churches including St Leonard's at Semley.[6]

The church is in limestone with slate roofs. The west tower was built in the 15th century;[4] work in the 17th included rebuilding of the tower's upper stage, and the porch was rebuilt in 1765.[1] In 1845 the chancel and nave were rebuilt, and the vestry added.[1] The tower has five bells, including two from the 17th century, but they are said to be unringable.[7] The church was recorded as Grade II* listed in 1966.[4]