Worth Matravers

Worth Matravers is a small village in the Purbeck district of Dorset, England, situated on the cliffs west of Swanage, with a population of 644{{ref|population}}. The village of 341 limestone cottages and farm houses, of which 15.8% are second homes, is built around an attractive village pond, which is a regular feature on postcards of the Isle of Purbeck.

Related Topics:
Purbeck - Dorset - England - Swanage - Population - Limestone - Farm - Second home - Pond - Isle of Purbeck

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Worth Matravers is situated on the South West Coast Path and the Jurassic Coast (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and is popular with tourists in the Summer months, with the rocky beaches of Winspit, Seacombe and Chapman's Pool situated within walking distance. To the north of the village are the chalk Purbeck Hills, while to the south are the limestone cliffs of the English Channel. Traditionally the village's economy was based on farming, quarrying and fishing. Today, two quarries - Swanworth and St.Aldhelm's - are still in operation, with Swanworth due to close within the next five years. Both arable and pasture farming are still central to the village's economy.

Related Topics:
South West Coast Path - Jurassic Coast - UNESCO - World Heritage Site - Chalk - Purbeck Hills - Cliff - English Channel - Farming - Quarrying - Fishing - Arable - Pasture

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A monument on St Aldhelm's head, about a mile from the village, commemorates the development of radar at RAF Worth Matravers during WWII, which proved decisive in the allied victory in the war.

Related Topics:
St Aldhelm's head - Radar - RAF - WWII - Allied

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The village is also well known for its popular pub, the Square and Compass, which holds an annual week-long stone carving festival and accommodates a small museum exhibiting fossils and other local artefacts.

Related Topics:
Pub - Stone carving - Fossils

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