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THE HISTORY OF ABBOTSBURYAN INTRODUCTION A TOUR OF ABBOTSBURY THE BOOK STORE GALLERY |
There is ample visual evidence that Abbotsbury'and the surrounding area have been settled by man for over 6000 years for this part of the Dorset coast is rich in archaeological interest. Originally, Abbotsbury would have been covered in dense woodland which was gradually cleared from about 6000 years ago. Crude implements found along the margins of the Fleet (the tidal inlet of water running between the Chesil Bank and the mainland) suggest the presence of nomadic tribesmen grazing their livestock; their culture would have been a society consisting of hunter/gatherers. Towards the end of the middle-stone age, the south-west was 'invaded' by a wave of farmers who crossed the English channel in boats made of skins stretched across wooden frames. This society was known as the 'Windmill Hill Culture' and they are responsible for Abbotsbury's first prehistoric site - the long barrow known locally as the "Grey Mare and her Colts" which is to be found just over a mile north-north east of Abbotsbury (OS map ref, 50 deg 40.8 min N, 2 deg 35.2 min W). |
The long barrow dates from around 3000BC and has a single burial chamber made of sarsen stones, originally roofed by a cap-stone at its south eastern end. The Ridgeway hills that stretch east-west, north of the village, provided a natural causeway for Neolithic man (4500-2000BC), bronze age man (2000-500BC) and iron age man (500BC-50AD). This Ridgeway track, apart from facilitating communication and trade also provided a perfect vantage point from which to scan the surrounding countryside for enemies - especially necessary in order to organise a defence should a sea-born attack threaten. There are at least 22 tumuli (most probably the burial mounds of local chieftains) still existent within Abbotsbury Parish, giving evidence of a relatively high population density. Click here for full history file >> |