[Illustration: WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL.] WANDERINGS IN WESSEX AN EXPLORATION OF THE SOUTHERN REALM FROM ITCHEN TO OTTER BY EDRIC HOLMES Author of "Seaward Sussex," etc. With 12 full-page drawings by M.M. VIGERS and over one hundred illustrations in the text by the author. Map and Plans Dear hills do lift their heads aloft From whence sweet springes doe flow Whose moistvr good both firtil make The valleis covchte belowe Dear goodly orchards planted are In frvite which doo abovnde Thine ey wolde make thy hart rejoice To see so pleasant grovnde (_Anon. 16th Century_) NOTE The obvious limitations imposed by the size of this volume upon its contents, and the brief character of the reference to localities that require separate treatment to do them justice, would call for an apology if it were not made clear that the object of the book is but to introduce the would-be traveller in one of the fairest quarters of England to some of its glories, both of natural beauty and of those due to the skill and labour of man. The grateful thanks of the author are due to those of his predecessors on the high roads and in the by-ways of Wessex who, in time past, have chronicled their researches into the history and lore of the country-side. In one way only can he claim an equality with them--in a deep and undying affection for this beautiful and gracious province of the Motherland. CONTENTS CHAP. INTRODUCTION I WINCHESTER AND CENTRAL HAMPSHIRE II SOUTHAMPTON WATER AND THE NEW FOREST III POOLE, WIMBORNE AND THE ISLE OF PURBECK IV DORCHESTER AND ITS SURROUNDINGS V WEYMOUTH AND PORTLAND VI WEST DORSET VII EAST DEVON VIII THE SOMERSET, DEVON AND DORSET BORDERLAND IX SALISBURY AND THE RIVERS X STONEHENGE AND THE PLAIN XI THE BERKSHIRE BORDER AND NORTH HAMPSHIRE LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS FULL PAGE DRAWINGS Winchester Cathedral _Frontispiece_ St. Cross Bargate, Southampton Corfe Castle Cerne Abbey Gatehouse Weymouth Harbour The Charmouth Road Ottery Church Sherborne Salisbury Cathedral Stonehenge Marlborough PEN AND INK SKETCHES IN THE TEXT