Hengistbury Head - The Whole Story - Hardcover

W A Hoodless

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1873535600 ISBN 13: 9781873535608

Publisher: Poole Historical Trust, 2005

Synopsis

The idea behind the book is to give the whole story of an extraordinary place. In the Iron Age, it was a flourishing trading port, a prototype early English town. Today, Hengistbury Head attracts a million visitors a year.

They come to relax, to enjoy its deep sense of peace and history, and spectacular views that sweep from the Needles to the Isle of Purbeck, and across the harbour and priory town of Christchurch. Others are keen to explore its remarkable geology, archaeology and wildlife. This is a book for all of them.

It is more than an important work of local history and topography. It is one you can read for countless fascinating details from Hengistbury's long story. What was the connection with Hengist and Horsa? Meet colourful characters from the past. Where did they look for Sam Hookey's gold? Read tales of smugglers, fishermen and heroic sea rescues - or discover local lore, from the medieval Christchurch Dragon to sightings of unidentified flying objects.

A fairly remote, idyllic place between the wars, Hengistbury became a big military installation in World War Two. It has known mystery and tragedy, shipwreck and murder. Now it faces controversies over conservation and coastal erosion. All are described in a highly readable way.

The author has put years of research into what is the most comprehensive and up to date account of this extraordinary place. There are over 60 illustrations.

About this title

From the Author:

My hope, with this book, was always that people would dip in to the widely varying content and say "how interesting!" It is gratifying that there has been quite a bit of feedback along these lines already.

Perhaps it depends upon the mood of the reader, who may feel like the lighter stuff (such as the 12 foot sturgeon carried into Christchurch, for certain reasons, draped in ladies lingerie!) or the more serious stories, e.g. to do with coastal erosion or the Neolithic settlement. Similarly, there is a big contrast in the section concerning the murder at White Pits on the one hand and the amazing geology on the other. The reader will find virtually no shortage of material on any aspect.

Hengistbury Head and its vicinity will probably always be both fascinating and controversial.

About this edition

• Publisher: Poole Historical Trust
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1873535600
• ISBN 13: 9781873535608
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 192