Grade II listed · Dorset

The Square and Compass

The Square and Compass is a Grade II listed building in Dorset, first listed on 13 December 1984. It is one of 8,488 Grade II entries among 9,210 listed buildings in Dorset; 75% of Dorset’s current entries were listed before it.

List entry
Field	Value
Name	The Square and Compass
Grade	Grade II — special interest
List entry number	1151928
Date first listed	13 December 1984
Local planning authority	Dorset
Location	50.59791, -2.03717 (map)
Official record	Historic England list entry 1151928

Planning works on this listed building?

Planium checks which consents Dorset will require for your works on The Square and Compass, lists what the heritage statement must cover and drafts the application text.

Ask Planium what consent you need

What the grade means for works

Grade II buildings are of special interest and make up over 90% of listed buildings in England. Most alterations, extensions and many internal changes still need listed building consent from the council.

The protection covers the whole building, inside and out, plus fixtures and attached structures. Typical works that need consent: replacing windows or doors, removing walls or historic fabric, changing roof coverings, installing solar panels or external insulation, and adding extensions.

Listed buildings near The Square and Compass

Name	Grade	Distance
Worth Farmhouse and Worth Cottage	II	110 m
Ivy Cottage	II	143 m
Gullivers, Including Attached Outbuildings at Rear	II	149 m
Pond View	II	152 m
Worth Matravers Post Office and Village Store	II	164 m
Barton Cottage and Rose Cottage	II	191 m
Boundary Wall and Gatepiers to Churchyard, Church of St Nicholas	II	216 m
Parish Church of Saint Nicholas	I	221 m
Stone House	II	223 m
Two Headstones to Benjamin and Elizabeth Jesty. 12 M North of Church of Saint Nicholas	II	225 m

Frequently asked questions

Is The Square and Compass listed?

Yes. The Square and Compass is on the National Heritage List for England as a Grade II listed building, list entry number 1151928, first listed on 13 December 1984. The full list entry with its description and map is on Historic England’s website.

Do I need consent for works to The Square and Compass?

Works that affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest — inside or out — need listed building consent from Dorset, in addition to any planning permission or building regulations approval. Like-for-like repairs often do not, but confirm with the council’s conservation officer before you start.

Source: National Heritage List for England, © Historic England 2026, via planning.data.gov.uk. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right. Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Retrieved 12 October 2026. Local authority assigned from the list entry point. This page is a summary — the legal record is the official list entry.