SWANAGE TOWN WALK

Explore some of the lesser known monuments of this lovely seaside resort on this easy urban stroll through its history

- Edward Griffiths

Since its first written mention in 877AD in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles, when 120 Viking ships were lost off Peveril Point in a great storm, Swanage has grown quite a lot. Initially this was chiefly through fishing, stone quarrying and mining, but in the 19th century the day-trippers on pleasure boats started to visit and the arrival of the railway helped to establish it as a seaside resort.

Swanage is a fascinating place and, behind its ‘holiday town’ façade, there are plenty of fine historic buildings to admire, some dating from the 17th century. On this walk we will come across some unexpected stories of famous visitors, society’s customs and conventions from days long gone.

Many local books have concentrated on Swanage builders and contractors John Mowlem and his nephew George Burt, but in this town walk we will explore Swanage’s lesser known monuments and ‘attractions’.

THE WALK

1. Starting from Swanage Station, which opened in May 1885 for trains serving Corfe Castle and Wareham, walk up Rempstone Road. Past the pedestrian crossing, turn left into Gilbert Road. With the railway left, continue to Northbrook Road T-junction. Turn left over the bridge to Court Road. Go left - but first divert right for Swanage Railway’s engine workshop viewing area. Down to Kings Road West, cross into Church Hill. Over Swan Brook bridge, on your left is Swanwic House, the oldest building in Swanage, dating from 1667. The west half is the Old Rectory. Turn into St Mary the Virgin’s church yard. When built in the 17th-century, St Mary’s incorporated the 13th or 14th-century tower of unknown purpose. The Church was rebuilt 1859-60.