tijroitgl) 

 Centuries* 



By HENRY SYMONDS, F.S.A. 



-VE: !&- 



|N the coast of Dorset there are several harbours 

 more widely known among mariners than 

 the little haven which I have chosen for the 

 subject of this paper, but it may be 

 doubted whether any of the neighbouring 

 ports can show a more interesting or better 

 authenticated record of long struggles 

 against adversity. And when I speak of 

 adversities it should not be assumed 

 that a complete history of the under- 

 taking, if such a goal were attainable, would be a mere 

 catalogue of woes ; it is, however, undoubtedly the fact 

 that when all went well and useful work was being done the 

 sources of history are silent, but when the sun of prosperity 

 ceased from any cause to shine, then we find that contemporary 

 evidence is no longer wanting. We have, therefore, good 

 reason for believing that some at least of the lengthy intervals 

 between the events to be narrated in these pages were periods 

 in which the haven furnished shelter for those who came by 

 sea and profit for those lived in the town. I think it will 

 be conceded by all who know the locality that Nature has not 



