19i 



THE MARBLERS 



OF PURBECK. 



[ Read in the Museum, Corfe Castle, 1859. ] 



The traveller along the line of the South Western Railway 

 may observe many a conspicuous object that will call to his 

 mind historical events, whether of ancient or of more recent oc- 

 currence. The pile of Lambeth Palace, and the single relic of 

 Wolsey's abode at Esher, — the ruins of Basing house, — the lofty 

 entrenchments overhanging the silver Itchin, — the park-like 

 glades of the New Forest, — may arouse many an association of 

 authentic history ; — while as he proceeds in our own regions the 

 steep escarpments of Flower's Barrow, and the tumuli of bygone 

 ages dotted about the wild heaths, may launch him into specula- 

 tions more or less capable of proof. 



But in passing along the borders of our so-called Isle of 

 Pm-beck, he must not depend on the information of his eyes to 

 become aware that he is in the region, which is, I fear, better 

 known as the former parent of " Purbcck Marble," than by any 

 distinction of the present day. The traces of modem enterprise 

 in the working of stone or marble are only "conspicuous from 

 their absence." Our traveller will, perhaps, if charitably disposeld, 

 conclude that the absence of stone traffic on the railway, arises 

 from the superior facilities and accommodation afforded by 



