CAUNDLE-PURSE, a parish in the hundred of
SHERBORNE, Sherborne division of the county of DORSET,
Ij mile (E. S.E.) from Milborne-Port, containing
142 inhabitants. The living is a discharged rectory, in
the archdeaconry of Dorset, and diocese of Bristol,
rated in the king's books at £7. 8. 8., and in the patronage
of Sir R. C. Hoare, Bart. The church is dedicated
to St. Peter: in the chancel, under a plain marble
tombstone, are interred the remains of Dr. Highmore,'
a distinguished writer on medical and anatomical subjects.
There is a fine old mansion of stone in this
parish, said to have been a hunting seat belonging to
King John. Dr. Mew, Bishop of Winchester, was born
here, in 1618: the year following his translation from
the bishoprick of Bath and Wells to that of Winchester,
he was commanded by the king to proceed against
Monmouth, in the rebellion, and had the management
of the artillery at the battle of Sedgmoor, where he
rendered considerable service, and was rewarded with-a
rich medal.