In this issue

Dorset Quirky Facts

It would be hard not to fall in love with Dorset. With its easy charm and inspiring scenery, many have come to adore the beautiful county in all its glory. Whilst it may be diffi cult to fully explore Dorset’s fi nest hidden gems during this current climate, from a local landmark often visited by Thomas Hardy to a special kind of local cheese to enjoy, here is another handful of some of the fascinating facts from around Dorset. 1. One person who would openly confess his love of Dorset was famed author Thomas Hardy who would likely share his fondness of the county with another love in his life.The lady in question was a certain Eliza Nicholls to whom Thomas Hardy was greatly attached. The two would spend as much

time as possible together and loved to visit Clavell Tower which was built in 1830. The tower, noted for its circular structure, was built as an observatory looking out over the beautiful Dorset coastline. 2. As so many are celebrating

Dorset from the safety of their own home, one of the fi nest products produced in the county must surely be the Dorset Blue Vinney. It could be said that the local cheese had somewhat of an humble origin after it was created with the left-over skimmed milk from the butter which many Dorset farmers sold in markets. Now it is celebrated and guarded with Protected Geographical Status and has in the past few decades enjoyed great popularity. 3. It would be diffi cult to select one particular area of Dorset as a favourite however countless visitors as well as local residents have often favoured Lulworth Cove which is not only recognised for its sheer beauty but also its geological importance. Five

Lulworth Cove - Photo: Roman Grac

types of rocks can be seen at Lulworth Cove including, Chalk, Wealden Clay, Purbeck Beds, Greensand and Portland Stone, all of which provide a fascinating and rare insight into the geological history of this amazing part of Britain. 4. Did you know that the Portland

Bill is the southernmost point in Dorset and that the lighthouse was built in 1906 to replace the two existing lighthouses? The iconic red and white structure has become a popular visitor

attraction as many fl ock to see the lighthouse which helped to uphold the tradition of providing a guiding light for seafarers. Interestingly, the need for a light was recognised as early as the Roman times when a fi re was lit to warn vessels of the dangerous coastlines around the Isle of

Portland. 5. King Charles II’s fl ight from his defeat at the Battle of Worcester and his subsequent journey is a tale that has often been told however an interesting snippet of Dorset’s history also includes the story of how the king’s plans for escape were scuppered by a local woman. The king was eager to escape to France and eventually a certain Captain Limbry was willing to use his ship to transport the monarch. However, the captain’s wife uncovered the plan and whether disapproving of the king or anxious for her husband’s safety, locked Captain Limbry - and reportedly his clothes - away so that he could not help the monarch! Written and researched by Mica Bale