The creation of the see of Sherborne by King Ine in 705 in the north-west of the present county helped to consolidate Dorset, Devon and Somerset. Probably already divided into hundreds for administration, it was probably during the 8th century that the pattern of shires as we know them was established.

It was this part of Wessex which became the nucleus of resistance to the Danes in the 9th century.

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.

In the ninth century, the Danes entered Poole Harbour entrenched themselves strongly in Wareham itself until routed by King Alfred the Great both on land and, in 877, at the battle of Swanage Bay. The Danes killed many clergy throughout the lands they touched and sacked the churches and monasteries for what booty they could plunder. Such a fate befell the Church of St Nicholas at Studland where the raiders left only the bare walls standing.

In 1015, the Danes returned as Cnut's (or Canute) raiders destroyed the Saxon priory at Wareham.

The Domesday Book of 1086 shows that the now familiar pattern of settlement on the richer soils of the vales had become firmly established during the late Saxon period, replacing the prehistoric upland settlements.

Christchurch
Poole Harbour

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CORNWALL   DEVON   DORSET   HAMPSHIRE   ISLE OF WIGHT   SOMERSET   WILTSHIRE  

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