A church was built here in the 12th century by the monks of Milton Abbey, though this structure has not survived.[3] The current church, dedicated to St Peter and St Paul,[3] was rebuilt in the 19th century by architects Sir George Gilbert Scott and his son George Gilbert Scott Junior. The Perpendicular-styled tower was the work of the latter, and has led to the church being dubbed the 'Cathedral of the Frome Valley'; he was also responsible for the porch, north aisle and vestry.[4] A carillon of 35 bells was installed in the new tower a few years after its construction. This was the first carillon to be introduced to England and attracted hundreds of visitors to the valley, though the bells were destroyed by a fire in the tower on 15 September 1940.[2][5] The fire also destroyed the very large clock, which previously almost spanned the width of the tower.[2] In 1972 the Pevsner guide to Dorset architecture said that "for the mid- to late-nineteenth century, this is the masterpiece amongst Dorset churches".[2] The church is a Grade I Listed Building.[6]
Chantmarle
Nearly 1.75 miles (2.82 km) north of the village is Chantmarle, a house dating from the 15th century, with additions in the 16th, 17th and 19th centuries.[7] It received its name – which means "song of the blackbird" in Norman French – from the Chauntmerles family, who lived on the site in the early 13th century.[8] In 1910 Inigo Thomas designed new end wings and a terraced garden with ponds.[2][9] In the late 20th century Chantmarle was used as a centre for police training.[2] It then became a Christian retreat and wedding reception venue, but is now once more a private home.[8]
Cattistock Hunt
The Cattistock Hunt is a foxhound pack established by a parson at Cattistock Lodge in the mid 18th century. It was given the name 'The True Blue'.[2]
The Hunt has been affiliated with all UK naval vessels named HMS Cattistock, including the latest to bear the name, HMS Cattistock (M31).
The village also has a close relationship with those named ships too and has hosted the ships' crews on many occasions.
An ensign and emblem shield of HMS Cattistock - a blue cornflower, the symbol of the Hunt's colours and a wildflower local to the area - is displayed in the village church.
Food festival
Cattistock hosts a Dorset knob throwing event and the Frome Valley Food Festival every year on the first Sunday in May.[10]