Jl 



on the toork of $3rmrbation 



of 



FROM ITS ORIGINAL FOUNDATION BY THE SAXONS TO THE DATE 

 OF ITS COMPLETION BY THE NORMANS. 



By WILLIAM MASTERS HARDY 



(Swanage, Dorset). 



THE SITUATION OF STUDLAND. 



HE village of Studland is beautifully situated on the 

 east coast of the Isle of Purbeck, Dorsetshire, near 

 the entrance to Poole Harbour, and the site of the 

 church lies three miles north of Swanage and six 

 east of the historical Corfe Castle. Away 

 southward swell the Bollard Downs, terminating 

 eastward in the " Old Harry Rocks," which break the waves from 

 entering Studland Bay. Elms, cypresses, and yews (the latter must 

 be over a thousand years old) shelter and literally preserve the 

 unique building. For instance, in 1881 a strong S.W. gale was 

 not felt in the ancient churchyard. 



In the year 1880 the rector, the Rev. C. R. Digby, B.A., and his 

 churchwardens (Mr. A. M. Luckham and Mr. J. Gould), after 

 receiving suggestions from the Society for the Preservation of 

 Ancient Buildings, determined to save the church from a threatened 

 and utter collapse. There were immense cracks in the walls and 

 arches of the tower, rendering it far from secure. 



