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

  1. [ WINCHESTER AND CENTRAL HAMPSHIRE]
  2. [ SOUTHAMPTON WATER AND THE NEW FOREST]
  3. [ POOLE, WIMBORNE AND THE ISLE OF PURBECK]
  4. [ DORCHESTER AND ITS SURROUNDINGS]
  5. [ WEYMOUTH AND PORTLAND]
  6. [ WEST DORSET]
  7. [ EAST DEVON]
  8. [ THE SOMERSET, DEVON AND DORSET BORDERLAND]
  9. [ SALISBURY AND THE RIVERS]
  10. [ STONEHENGE AND THE PLAIN]
  11. [ THE BERKSHIRE BORDER AND NORTH HAMPSHIRE]

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS