History
The Street 1932
The history of this Village dates back to the Iron Age when a Celtic tribe, the Durotriges, founded a settlement, evidence of impressive hill forts can still be seen in the area.
The name Charmouth originated from the Saxon ‘Cerne’ meaning stony river, Charmouth was therefore known as ‘Cernmunde’.
Exert from The History and Antiquities of the Borough of Lyme Regis and Charmouth By George Roberts 1834
- During the Saxon period, the neighbouring coast was particularly subject to the invasions of the Danes, concerning whom so much has been written. In 787, the Danes, Northern men, or Normans, landed at Portland from three ships, to reconnoitre the country, which they did without interruption, as the Saxons had neglected their marine. A. D. 833, according to the Saxon chronicle, though some of our historians place the event in 831 or 832, a dreadful battle was fought at Charmouth. The Danes having met with repulses in other parts of the kingdom,
sailed to Charmouth-, where having landed, Speed says, ” they made cruel ravage and slaughter.” Their fleet consisted of thirty-five ships, containing a powerful army: their whole force, Huntingdon remarks, must have amounted to 17,500 men; other writers have estimated their numbers at about 15,000. Egbert collected the whole force of the county, and marched to attack them, after they had continued their ravages, according to Matthew of Westminster, about a twelve month. The king had nearly succeeded in cutting them off as they were forming; he threw them into great confusion, but continual supplies of men from the ships turned the scale in their favour. The Saxons were routed: the night alone prevented their destruction by the infuriated invaders, by the favour of which, Speed says, the king hardly escaped. Among the number of the slain were two earls, his principal officers, Dudda and Osmond, Wigen, bishop of Sherborne, and Hereferth, bishop of Winton. The Danes, finding a settlement would be liable
to the attacks of the brave Egbert, retired to their ships with precipitation, and set sail. They continued to hover about the coast. In 840, they effected a landing on the same spot, (set Carrum,) from the same number of ships. Ethelwulf’s army, which he headed in person, advanced to encounter them: a bloody battle ensued, which, after a desperate struggle, terminated in the Danes remaining masters of the field, though they shortly afterwards retired without any spoil. A successive series of invasions followed. - Before proceeding to say more of the Danes, some notice must be taken of Coney, or Conig castle, a very extensive earth-work south of Lambert’s castle, another work of similar character, and situated on a high ridge, the western boundary of the vale of Marshwood, about three miles northward of the mouth of the Char. The name is derived from the Anglo-Saxon ”
cyrri,” or “cyninj,” a king. ” It was in all probability, says Mr. Davidson, “the camp of Egbert, when he encountered the Danes at Charmouth.” The road from Charmouth to Lambert’s castle passes through Coney castle. The eastern side is fenced with triple mounds; the western is bounded by a precipice.
The buildings running either side of Charmouth’s street vary in age, some of the smaller cottages are 17th and 18th century whilst those going up the hill show a fine Regency style.
The Queens Arms looks to be a large imposing Georgian built house but it is actually an early 16th century house updated in the 18th century.
It is believed to have been built as a house for an abbot of Forde Abbey and is the place where Catherine of Aragon stayed soon after her arrival in England in1501.
Later, after the house became an inn, it was stayed in by the fugitive King Charles II in 1651 when he came disguised looking for a boat to take him to France following his defeat at The Battle of Worcester.
Charles II
A small trading ship had been found bound for St Malo, the master Stephen Limbry had agreed to pick up the King from Charmouth beach and transport him to the ship but just two hours before the time appointed Limbry came ashore and told his wife of the job in hand, she locked him in his room and even stole his clothes to ensure he would not become involved.
This meant the King would once more have to hide until safe passage could be found.
Jane Austen is reported to have referred to Charmouth as sweet and retired and even today the area has a peaceful and genteel feel to it.
This page has been reworded slightly and then reproduced on Wikipedia, they are nothing more than common thieves, please boycott the website until they learn to play fairly.
Popularity: 30% [?]
