The Project Gutenberg EBook of Wanderings in Wessex, by Edric Holmes

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Title: Wanderings in Wessex
An Exploration of the Southern Realm from Itchen to Otter

Author: Edric Holmes

Release Date: March 2, 2004 [EBook #11410]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

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[Illustration: WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL.]

WANDERINGS IN WESSEX

AN EXPLORATION OF THE SOUTHERN REALM
FROM ITCHEN TO OTTER

BY EDRIC HOLMES

Author of "Seaward Sussex," etc.

With 12 full-page drawings by

M.M. VIGERS

and over one hundred illustrations in the text by the author.

Map and Plans

Dear hills do lift their heads aloft
From whence sweet springes doe flow
Whose moistvr good both firtil make
The valleis covchte belowe
Dear goodly orchards planted are
In frvite which doo abovnde
Thine ey wolde make thy hart rejoice
To see so pleasant grovnde

(_Anon. 16th Century_)

NOTE

The obvious limitations imposed by the size of this volume upon its
contents, and the brief character of the reference to localities that
require separate treatment to do them justice, would call for an
apology if it were not made clear that the object of the book is but
to introduce the would-be traveller in one of the fairest quarters of
England to some of its glories, both of natural beauty and of those
due to the skill and labour of man.

The grateful thanks of the author are due to those of his predecessors
on the high roads and in the by-ways of Wessex who, in time past,
have chronicled their researches into the history and lore of the
country-side. In one way only can he claim an equality with them--in
a deep and undying affection for this beautiful and gracious province
of the Motherland.

CONTENTS

CHAP.

INTRODUCTION

I WINCHESTER AND CENTRAL HAMPSHIRE

II SOUTHAMPTON WATER AND THE NEW FOREST

III POOLE, WIMBORNE AND THE ISLE OF PURBECK

IV DORCHESTER AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

V WEYMOUTH AND PORTLAND

VI WEST DORSET

VII EAST DEVON

VIII THE SOM