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Swanage has a very long and
interesting history, the area was first
inhabited in 1000 BC when the Celts arrived to settle and establish
communities in the area. The area fell under Roman influence after they
invaded in 45 AD. This part of Dorset was well known for it's
stone, and quarrying, continued under their supervision. Much of this
stone was used by them to construct the many fortifications
and roads they needed to pacify the
hostile Britons.Many
Roman-British graves have been discovered along with many
artifacts such as building materials and coins. When the Roman's
finally left these shores in the middle of the 5th century
Swanage and the surrounding area suffered many hostile raids from the
Norsemen yes the Vikings regularly plundered the West Country coast.
This happened at the time the Saxon's were trying to unite England
after the Roman's had left the country King Alfred The Great
was struggling to stem the Danish onslaught. And at the very time his
fortunes were at there lowest ebb defeated in battles,he was forced to
seek refuge with a
small band of followers among the woods, and fen fastnesses, of the
marshes of Somerset. King Alfred had found temporary respite
on the strategic and easily defended island of Athney. Here a
dejected and defeated King Alfred had a spiritual rebirth for St
Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, appeared to him in a vision, assuring him of
ultimate
victory,with these words. 'All Albion is
given to you and your sons'... It was here on the
island of Athney that
the legend of King Alfred and the cakes is reputed to have happened,
Alfred was given refuge by a peasant woman who was unaware of his true
identity, she left him to watch some cakes she had left cooking on the
fire. King Alfred preoccupied with the problems of his kingdom, forgot
all about the cakes which subsequently burnt, upon her return
the furious woman scolded him . Then realizing the king's true
identity, the woman apologized profusely, but Alfred modestly insisted
it was
indeed he himself who needed to apologize.
Thus bodily and spiritually revitalized King Alfred set out on his
mission to defend England and defeat the Danes. He was mostly
successful. It was here at Swanage that the Danes had gathered a great
fleet of 120 ships in
order to finish off Wessex, King Alfred
the Great the warrior king who had fought long, and hard to stem the
hordes of
Danes,
bent on pillaging, and plundering England, once more gathered his army
and navy, to meet the threat. And it was King Alfred's navy ( king
Alfred is rightly credited with building the countrys first navy ) that
destroyed the Danish supply ships in Swanage bay, while the King and
his Army went off to Exeter to destroy the main Danish Army. For this
is exactly what it was an army, this was no mere raid but a full scale
invasion. And our very own warrior King went on with his quest to rid
England of the
Danish threat it was not for nothing he was called King
Alfred The Great. All this makes one realize just what an
important place Swanage and our Saxon warrior king hold in
English history.
Right up to the 19th century Swanage
remained much the same a small
port used for exporting the stone quarried near-by, and of course the
fishing industry.
At this time both Lyme-Regis and the Devon town of Plymouth were being
developed as holiday resorts and Swanage attempted to do like-wise with
limited success. But all this was to change in 1885 with the
arrival on the railway, the resort really expanded, as can be seen from
the many buildings which were built in the late 19th and early 20th
centuries. Yes the Victorians had arrived. And they were quick to
realize that Swanage situated on the western edge of the jurassic coast
was the ideal base from which to explore . The coast is now a World
Heritage Site there is a link to the informative official jurassic coat
site on right of screen
Swanage nestling in a sandy
bay, at the foot of the Purbeck Ridge, is a small, attractive and
friendly traditional seaside town. The town boasts a fine selection of
guest houses and hotels and other accommodation and in addition to many
bars, restaurants and cafés. to accommodate the holiday
maker, in the town itself there is plenty to see, with its parks,
gardens, museums and shops,situated in the attractive winding
streets.
Swanage's main beach has a gently
shelving shore, and a mile of sand
and is ideal for its safe bathing make it an ideal family beach,
unfortunately you can not take man's best friend to the beach with you
for, No dogs are allowed on the beaches in the season, but I am
sure you understand why. Swanage is all so is the ideal place
for sailing and water sports, All the local beaches are
amongst the best in the UK. With An added bonus for some ( but not for
me lol ) is that Studland beach is one of the country's finest and most
populate naturist beach. Studland is owned and
managed by the National Trust.
The area all so has a wide range of attractions, besides one of which
is the pier, built by the Victorians in 1896 The Swanage Pier
was originally used to assist the transport of
locally quarried Purbeck Stone by sea to London.
The Town Museum is sited on the pier and is a treasure trove of
interesting
facts and displays and informs one, about the local sea life, and
marine
habitat, and includes information about the effect the pier has on the
undersea ecology. It is open every day during the summer season and at
weekend in the winter. Perhaps the best known and interesting place for
the visitor is Corfe Castle, the castle was the scene of one
of the great battles of the English Civil War. A battle that
ended in defeat for the Royalists forces of Charles 1st.
Corfe Castle is believed to have originally been a Roman defensive
position, however the castle is known to have been built as a wooden
edifice in the 9th century. The present ruins are the remains of the
11th century fortification rebuilt.
A great and relaxing day out is a
trip on the Swanage Railway. The
railway operates on six miles of track between Swanage and Norden and
is a ideal way in which to see the lovely scenic countryside. that
surrounds Swanage. Durlston Country Park
is nature reserve situated on the coast south of Swanage and
is well worth taking the time to visit, covering more than 260 acres of
land. It is home to various species of animals, birds and reptiles. The
reserve is a very popular place for ornithologists, for there is a
abundance of bird's to be seen. Here one can all so see the
dolphins playing in the sea below . Yes with it's history
amenities and location Swanage I think you will agree, is in
the top of echelon of holiday locations.!
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