The Great Globe, Swanage - 1944

To the west of Swanage, a mile or so from the town is the 261 acre Durlston Country Park. This is set on the cliff top, and on the cliff edge at 139 feet above sea level you will find 'The Great Globe'. This is a 40 ton 10 foot diameter Portland stone, globe of the earth.
Given that Swanage has an important history in the local stone industry, as both a quarry town and harbour from which Purbeck Marble was shipped for use in cathedrals throughout Europe, there's something rather fitting about this huge stone globe overlooking the town. Purbeck Marble was used to build Westminster Abbey, as well as Lincoln, Salisbury and Exeter Cathedrals.

This postcard featuring this unusual monument was posted in 1944.

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January 17, 2011 at 2:49 PM
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