The role of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings

Purbeck Society member and local resident Jessica Sutcliffe (daughter of photographer Helen Muspratt) is a trustee of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. She will talk about their work and the part they play in conserving our architectural heritage. Free to members, non members welcome, £2 entrance.

Society visit to Bridport and West Bay

An invitation to both members and non-members to join us for a day trip to Bridport for the popular market, good book shops, art galleries, workshops and vintage/antique centre. For those interested we are hoping to join the guided tour and tasting session at Palmers brewery from 11am - extra cost is £7. Later the ... Read more

£10

The CITiZAN project for foreshore research and recording

A visit by representatives of the project co-ordinated by the Museum of London to show how to register and use an App to allow volunteers to record our foreshores, archaeological and historical features as well as the threat from erosion and rising sea levels as a consequence of climate change. Originally the walk was at ... Read more

An afternoon visit to Wolfeton House

DT2 9QN

A guided tour and cream tea at this beautiful and historic medieval and Elizabethan manor house, still in private hands and open through the Historic Houses Association - admission fee reduced for HHA members. Members are invited to car share for this trip - please let Karen Delahay know if you would like to come ... Read more

£12.50

Middlebere Quay – a 19th century industrial landscape

A guided tour by National Trust Education Office Pam White of the Middlebere area of Purbeck. Middlebere Quay is one of the most important inductrial archaeology sites in Purbeck. In 1805 an innovative iron tramway, the first in Dorset, was built from Norden to Middlebere Quay. From there ball clay was shipped to potteries in ... Read more

£3

The Swanage Connection – A talk by local artist Heather Gibbons

In 2016 the Fine Foundation Gallery, Durlston Castle, hosted an exhibition commemorating a family's 100 year link to Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck. Entitled 'In My Own Way', the exhibition showed work by Heather as well as paintings by her mother and grandmother. Poems and writings by her grandmother also provided an insight into ... Read more

The Treswell maps of Purbeck – Martin Papworth

In the 16th century Christopher Hatton acquired an estate and land in Purbeck. Both as a record of his new assets and as a status symbol he commissioned a series of maps of his estate which later became the basis of the Bankes estate which became part of the National Trust. The National Trust archaeologist ... Read more

The history and current role of the Townsend Centre – Glenn Lane

Nearly 90 years ago the Townsend Centre was opened in Swanage to offer underprivileged children from London's East End the opportunity to experience fun and fresh air on the coast of Purbeck. The original buildings are still in use and the charity Wide Horizons continues this very worthwhile cause, including hosting families and children affected ... Read more

Purbeck Society Christmas Social

BH19 2JL Lighthouse Road, Swanage

The Christmas social is at Seventh Wave cafe, Durlston Castle. It's a coffee morning with festive refreshments (hot drinks, cakes, mince pies etc), and entertainment from Purbeck Art Weeks choir 'Mixed Media'. Please let Karen know in advance that you'd like to come to help planning - 01929 425049. £5 a head for members and ... Read more