Wareham Harbour Trail
Walked 18th January 2026
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Start at the northern end of North Street, by the Church on the Wall in Wareham for this 6.8km Poole Harbour Trail around Wareham. It includes numerous reed beds, views of the River Frome and Poole Harbour.
St Martin on the Walls -a Saxon church
2.
Go through the churchyard to the left of the church. Turn left in to St Martin's then, at the end, turn right and find the path up onto what was the town wall.
St Martin on the Walls
St Martin on the Walls
The church is reputed to have been founded by Saint Aldhelm in the 7th century.[3] It is thought that this earlier building was destroyed by King Canute in 1015.[3] The present building dates from about AD 1020. Anglo-Saxon features include a tall, narrow nave and chancel, late Anglo-Saxon wall-arcading in the north west aisle and traces of a Saxon door.[4] The building has been altered and expanded over the years but the nave and a tiny window in the north side of the chancel are original features. On the north wall of the chancel are 12th-century frescoes depicting Saint Martin on horseback, escorted by attendants, dividing his cloak and giving one half to a naked beggar.
On one of the walls a number of red stars have been painted, possibly representing plague deaths in the 17th century.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Martin%27s_Church,_Wareham https://www.greatenglishchurches.co.uk/html/wareham_st_martin-s_.htmlWareham Walls
Wareham Walls
Wareham Walls are historic Saxon earth ramparts built to defend Wareham, Dorset, from Vikings, forming a unique defensive circuit with the River Frome acting as the fourth side; today, they offer pleasant walking paths with information boards detailing local history, providing lovely views over the rivers and town, and connecting to modern amenities like cafes and the museum.
Key Features & History
Saxon Origins: The walls date back to the late 9th century, making Wareham one of England's few Saxon walled towns, visitwareham.com notes.
Earthworks: They are substantial earth banks topped with timber, a significant feat of Dark Age engineering, Visit Dorset and visitwareham.com confirm.
River Protection: The River Frome and marshland protected the southern side, with the River Piddle also forming part of the natural defence, Dorset Council and visitwareham.com explain.
3. Take the path up onto the Saxon mound.
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Once the mound has curved round to the right, take the sign posted footpath down to the left and follow the Poole Harbour Trail.
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9. Keep following the river bank until it turns back in land over a board walk.
10.
Head towards the parish church, then on back to the quay and main street.
The Priory Church of Lady St Mary is one of the most historically significant sites in Wareham, Dorset. Standing near the banks of the River Frome, it is a Grade I listed Anglican parish church with deep Saxon roots and royal connections that predate the Norman Conquest.
While the current nave was controversially rebuilt in the Victorian era (1841–1842), the church retains powerful links to its past as a Benedictine priory and a royal burial site. It is perhaps best known as the temporary resting place of a Saxon King and for housing a rare piece of medieval art.
Historical Significance
Historical Significance
The church is believed to have been founded around 700 AD, possibly by St. Aldhelm. Its most famous historical event occurred in 978 AD, when King Edward the Martyr was buried here after his murder at nearby Corfe Castle. Although his body was later moved to Shaftesbury Abbey, the church retains a dedicated chapel believed to mark the site of his temporary grave. It is also the likely burial place of another Saxon king, Beorhtric of Wessex (d. 802 AD).
Key Features and Highlights
Key Features and Highlights
The Hexagonal Lead Font: This is the church's most famous treasure. Dating from around 1200, it is unique in England for its hexagonal shape and features intricate relief figures of the Twelve Apostles.
St. Edward’s Chapel: Located to the south of the chancel, this 12th-century chapel sits at a lower level than the rest of the church. It is a quiet, atmospheric space dedicated to the murdered King Edward.
Brittonic Inscriptions: The church houses five rare stone inscriptions dating from the 7th to 9th centuries, providing evidence of a native British Christian community existing here before or alongside the Saxon conquest.
Architecture: While the nave is Victorian, the chancel is 14th-century, and the impressive tower is Tudor (c. 1500), offering a mix of architectural styles.
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