The Bollards

Did you know that about 150 years ago the bollards in Swanage probably stood on a London street corner, helping to protect the pavement from the heavy iron-shod wagons of the day?

The original bollards were either faulty or captured cannons, but by 1800 the demand was so great that purpose built bollards were manufactured.

One of the reasons why George Burt and his Uncle brought so many artefacts from London to Swanage had to do with the sailing ketches they used to trasnport stone from Swanage to London during the 19th century.

It was unsafe for these ships to return to Swanage unladen as they were liable to capsize without sufficient ballast. Masonry, bollards and street furniture, discarded in the rapid redevelopment of Victorian London, proved the ideal cargo for the return journey to Swanage.

Over the years, numerous bollards and many other items were transported to Swanage, so many in fact that the area became known as "Little London by the Sea".

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Durlston Castle and Country Park:

• The bollards at Durlston and Swanage.
• Tilly Whim Caves at Durlston.

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Accommodation:
Please visit the Dorset County Council website or the Purbeck District Council website for nearby bed and breakfast, guest house and hotel information.

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Address:
Durlston Country Park
Lighthouse Rd
Swanage
Dorset
BH19
UK