Welcome to the historic town of Wareham, Dorset.
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The gateway to the beautiful Isle of Purbeck, Wareham nestles between two rivers, the Frome to the South, and the Piddle (or Trent) to the North. There is archaeological evidence of human habitation in the area for at least 7000 years and a settlement of some kind probably existed before Saxon times but the recorded history of Wareham starts around the eighth century AD. According to the early chroniclers, St Aldhelm founded a nunnery and a church in Wareham about 700 AD. In time a village grew up by the nunnery. It was called wer ham, the settlement by the weir. The Town Walls surrounding Wareham date back to the seventh century and are now designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument of national importance. Subsequently, the town became one of King Alfred the Great's burh's, a walled town that could mint its own coinage. As well as its history and fantastic geography, Wareham boasts a truly unique shopping experience. The town supports around 140 businesses, ranging from quality independent stores (some of which have been trading on the same site for over 100 years!), to quality pubs for fine ales and food, solicitors, banks etc. Everybody visiting Wareham for the first time is taken aback by its true indviduality, and real friendliness from shopkeepers and locals alike. We look forward to meeting, greeting, and serving you. . |
