By the beginning to fht 9th century, Wareham had become a prominent Saxon town and the chief port of Poole Harbour. Viking raids caused the town to be fortified and some of the Saxon ramparts can still be seen. In time, Wareham's rivers silted up and it waned as a port as Poole rose to dominate the harbour.

The battle of Swanage Bay in 877 is hailed by many as the first English naval victory, although Alfred was the ruler of the Saxon kingdom of Wessex.

A Danish fleet entered Poole Harbour and raided the surrounding area, particularly churches which they looted and often destroyed (e.g.; St Nicholas's at nearby Studland) until defeated both on land and sea by Alfred the Great.

Below the bridge over the Frome where, in times gone by, all manner of bundles, baskets, bales and barrels would stand awaiting their destination, the flag-stones of the quay carry a bustle of visitors as well as parked cars. Most times the quayside is quiete, bereft of the activity of this ancient port but some boats, working boats or pleasure craft, may usually be found berthed along side. It is from here that the visitor can take a peaceful boat trip along the river.

The fire of 1762 caused great destruction in the town and many of its building were rebuilt in fine Georgian style which now give the town its character. Older buildings may still be found by exploring Wareham's back lanes.

LADY ST MARY'S CHURCH
Lady St Mary's Church is a splendid, lofty Medieval building. The mortal remains of Edward the Martyr (d.978) were interred here before their removal to Shaftesbury Abbey but the church retained the marble coffin in which he lay.

ST MARTIN'S CHURCH
The church is said to have been founded by St Aldhelm in about 701 but was rebuilt in the 11^th century. Neglected for many centuries, St Martin's was rededicated 1936. It contains a fine marble memorial to Lawrence of Arabia who lived and died close-by and became a household name because of his exploits during World War I (the town's museum displays a collection of Lawrence of Arabia's photographs and ephemera).

WAREHAM CASTLE
The castle had been in existence prior to William I's compilation of the Domesday book in 1086. It was the site of much fighting during the civil wars.

WAREHAM PRIORY
The priory at Wareham was in existence as early as 876AD but was destroyed by Cnut (or Canute) in 1015.

TOWN TOURS
Free visitors's guides are available from the town's Tourist Information Centre which allow the visitor to explore this Purbeck gem of a town in more detail. Walking tours of the town with a Blue Badge Tourist Guide are also available.

THE TOWN MUSEUM
Wareham's museum in East Street - next to the splendid Victorian town hall at the market cross - is a must for any visitor (a charge is made for entrance). Amongst its displayed collections are Lawrence of Arabia's photographs and ephemera - he lived and died near the town and a fine marble memorial to him may be found in St Martin's Church.

WAREHAM CARNIVAL
As July draws to its close, the townsfolk of Wareham abandon the bustle of everyday life to don carnival dress and spend two days in carnival which includes all manner of events and antics to raise funds for both local charities and other good causes.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS NEARBY
Nearby Purbeck attractions include the National Trusts's imposing Corfe Castle whose ruins dominate the beautiful village to its south and where 'Brave Dame Mary' Bankes made her heroic stand against the Roundheads during the Civil War; the recently opened Lulworth Castle; Putlake Adventure Farm and Monkey World.