108 WAREHAM I ITS INVASIONS AND BATTLES. 



by heavy storms, all flowing in the same direction, can be attributed 

 the large accumulation of mud in the river ; this fact was eventually 

 recognised, and then, when too late, the channel for the drainage was 

 turned eastward. In the early part of the 18th century the lakes 

 are said to have been cut for draining the Morass, south of 

 Wareham. On May 31st, 1776, the foundation of the present 

 bridge was made. As we have seen, the reign of Henry VII. was 

 a flourishing period at Wareham. By the accession of that 

 monarch the broken line was restored, the Crown of England worn 

 by its legitimate owner, and thus the eagle's prophecy was fulfilled. 

 The arrival of the fleet of Philip of Castile on the coast of Dorset 

 in January, 1506, excited much alarm ; but the loyalty of the county 

 was aroused and troops speedily marched to meet the supposed 

 invaders. During this century the country was again in a state of 

 excitement by reason of an engagement between the English Fleet 

 and the Spanish Armada, which Hutchins states took place in 1588 

 off Portland. The antiquarians amongst us not the nominal but 

 real acknowledge our deep obligations to, and honour with 

 profound respect the memory of Mr. Hutchins, a former rector of 

 the town, and Mr. Charles Warne, F.S.A., for their valuable works 

 on our county ; but, never till years of study have been spent on, 

 and a thorough investigation of this particular portion of Dorset 

 made, will the pristine importance of the town be in any degree 

 realised, or the history of Wareham written. Again Wareham 

 sustained a series of calamities. During the Civil Wars Wareham 

 again became a seat of war, and at the commencement the walls of 

 Wareham were considerably strengthened ; the town fortified and 

 garrisoned. In this general commotion the women of the county 

 distinguished themselves, doing duty at the works and supplying 

 the soldiers with ammunition. At one attack a woman is said to 

 have discharged 16 muskets. Lady Bankes, by her heroic defence 

 of Corfe Castle, and the wife of Rev. William Wake, Kector of 

 Wareham, by many services to the king, signalised themselves. 

 Poole, " during the whole of the Civil Wars, was a very troublsome 

 neighbour to Wareham." " Aug. 19th, 1642, 10 " is said to have 



