SYMONDSBURY PARISH
In the charter of Cerne Abbey AD 987,
it was stated that ‘Aeschere’ is the ancient name of
Symondsbury. Later the Vikings invaded from Scandinavia and
beacons were lit as a warning. The Norwegian name for hill is
berg and legend has it that a Viking chief called
‘Sigismund’ landed and saw the beacon on Colmer’s
Hill and announced it would be called ‘Sigismund’s
Berg’. Later it became known as Symondsbury.
Symondsbury is one of the largest parishes in Dorset. In the
south it takes in Eype,and an area of West Bay with a glorious
stretch of the newly designated World Heritage Coastline
(popularly known as ‘The Jurassic Coast’) as its
boundary. To the north there is Broadoak nestling in the
beautiful Marshwood Vale overlooked by the ancient Pilsdon
settlement.
From the timeless view of the sea breaking upon the rocks of the
fossil impregnated cliffs, and the idyllic Arcadian scene of
rural countryside, the appearance of Symondsbury parish has
changed little since Wordsworth wandered in these parts with his
sister, Dorothy, when they lived at Racedown four miles away.
Thomas Hardy also visited here, and his friend, William Barnes,
the Dorset dialect poet.
But the life of Symondsbury has changed in ways that are
exciting, disturbing and challenging. The purpose of this site is
to present a profile of its historical heritage and contemporary
richness in its many and varied activities; and to identify the
needs and opportunities for strengthening community life in the
future.
Principle Buildings and People