Swanage’s position on the Dorset coast has shaped its history since its earliest years. In 877 a Danish fleet threatening King Alfred’s army was destroyed in Swanage Bay and in the nineteenth century the town became a popular seaside resort for the wealthy. Before that, for centuries the town’s port had enabled the locally quarried Purbeck stone to be used throughout the country, including the Purbeck marble to be found in Britain’s medieval churches and cathedrals. Swanage’s history has also been shaped by its famous sons John Mowlem and George Burt, who vastly improved the fortunes of the town during the Victorian era by creating the famous Mowlem quarrying and construction company and also importing many old London buildings and giving them a new lease of life in the town. Swanage’s story also includes the Great Globe, Durlston Castle and the Anvil Point Lighthouse, as well as the historic Corfe Castle presiding over the landscape just outside the town, which has been the scene of violent and cruel incidents.

With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked-away or disappeared historical buildings and locations, Secret Swanage and Around will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this town in Dorset and the surrounding area.

'A very interesting read.' * Dorset FHS, December 2024 *

Andrew Jackson lives in Dorset and has been interested in the local history of the area for many years. He has written several books for Amberley previously including Poole Pubs, Historic England: Dorset, Secret Bournemouth, Secret Dorchester and Around, Secret Swanage and Around, Secret Christchurch and A-Z of Poole.