WAREHAM : ITS INVASIONS AND BATTLES. 113 



the end of the East Wall. By reason of the extraordinary appear- 

 ance of the clouds one evening in December, 1678, the residents of 

 the Isle of Purheck "came to Wareham and alarmed the town, 

 on which the boats were all drawn to the north side of the river and 

 the bridge barricaded ; 300 of the militia were marched to 

 Wareham." Though the alarm of invasion was unfounded the 

 loyalty of the county was again manifested, for it is stated that 

 " above 40,000 armed volunteers assembled in two or three days' 

 time." Their services happily were not required, but this was the 

 last call "to arms" heard in Wareham, and the last occasion on 

 which Wareham assumed the defensive. During the revolution of 

 1688, the plan of which Lewis stated was concerted two years 

 previously at Charborough, a patriot was found in Wareham, who, 

 being made sergeant of a company, marched to Torbay to meet 

 King William, thence with the army to London, signalising himself 

 in various ways. Having been appointed sentry at the Tower of 

 London he recognised Judge Jeffries,. who was confined as prisoner 

 there. Delacourt's salutation was more truthful than complimentary. 

 " You bloody villain," he is said to have remarked, " you have 

 been the murderer of many a pious man in the West of England, 

 and I can testify to three excellent as God Almighty ever made." 

 This was probably related by Delacourt to one of his fellow towns- 

 men, who recorded it. 



By the departure of the Scotch Greys about. 1,800, from the 

 military barracks, Wareham, as a garrison town, ceased to exist, 

 and, by the transformation of Westport into a private residence, all 

 traces of the barracks were obliterated. A well-earned season "of 

 tranquility is Wareham enjoying ; still retaining the scars of her 

 conflicts. The ruined ramparts of Wareham are of the greatest 

 possible interest ; they substantiate the assertions as to her ancient 

 strength, prosperity, and importance. The ruined ramparts of 

 Wareham are moreover a happy combination of health and pleasure, 

 forming a delightful promenade. Both unique and picturesque 

 themselves, they also command extensive views of exquisite 

 scenery. The statements made have been quoted from many 



