![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT765cV-B7pMoFBCB5b_G3ySjhYh_9Ytf5ItMqSh5ZBojIlzpggkoanXHAw2klw-g0FjWo8BNJqbb-J5cZL0g6CCczGCQ50HqNgfFmdmZ9n75S2mbMKicaNzzOUr0CcaHHNMsgpg/s400-rw/DorsetShrine.jpg)
Fr. Finigan tells us:
The framework of the building was originally, a barn where the Catholic faithful gathered to attend secret Masses celebrated by priests operating under cover. Very soon, the location was identified and became unsafe but then a secret chapel was built in the loft area and the walls painted in fresco fashion. These faded and peeling images are still clearly visible today.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrB2vN94ccI3xGPCQdPHiqPM-FoBwL_Y5XPEKPwgyT2x-HPL8Xtn6pq5xSUd3kUwqKmr_Z3yNesH_AySMPh5gm81lheZPd-og3k5YjIwzTC7Er2aOHGM4UGGGtav9T68nJyNtKyA/s400-rw/Chideock+Church+005.jpg)
Of particular interest, however, is this relic. A portable altar from the 16th century which was used by priests to celebrate Mass upon, used during the period of Catholic recusancy.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-dBZFyjKEwL-pkiRDhaNwm5rXVV7s5QDEZKyzGTm3PO-3EJDdLwo3FcZlVU8uAN4MQxQB-JUtogmqX2Z5CLd65moCybUDFRiP1E8gVf9XEnCgHbqAuQAFZBsGJ-RW3cN0j434A/s400-rw/Chideock+Church+007.jpg)
See the Hermeneutic of Continuity for more details, and thanks to Fr. Finigan for bringing us details of this.