Monument record MDO7513 - Ower Passage, Medieval port
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Summary
Ower is a former medieval port. It flourished during the medieval period as an outlet for the Purbeck marble and stone industry, but as the channels became silted in the 18th century the trade was gradually transferred to Swanage.
Map
Type and Period (1)
Full Description
Ower Passage mentioned as `the way of passage to Ower Key in 1698 which, according to Hutchins, `seems to have been formerly the chief port in the Isle of Purbeck, and it was the principal, if not the only, quay for the exportation of stone and marble, the volume of this traffic being suggested by `the remains of the deep tracks and roads leading across the heath from Ower towards the town of Corfe (see ST 98 SE 19 for centre of marble industry). <2>
Ower flourished during the Middle Ages as an outlet for the Purbeck marble and stone industry, but as the channels became silted in the 18th century the trade was gradually transferred to Swanage.<3-4>
A house and landing stage occupy the site. <6>
Sources/Archives (7)
- <1> SWX1540 Map: Ordnance Survey. Ordnance Survey Map 6in. 6 inch to 1 mile. 1925.
- <2> SWX2586 Monograph: Mills, A D. 1977. English Place-Name Society : the survey of English place-names [county volumes] Dorset. Part 1. p23-24.
- <3> SWX1424 Monograph: Hudson, K. 1965. Industrial Archaeology of Southern England. 78.
- <4> SWX1805 Monograph: Page, W (Ed). 1908. The Victoria History of the County of Dorset 2. 2. 337.
- <5> SDO147 Index: Papworth, M D J, Trust for Wessex Archaeology. 1983. Isle of Purbeck Survey. Form AM107. IOP 563.
- <6> SWX8582 Unpublished document: Stewart Brown Associates. 2001. Portland Castle: Archaeological Evaluations, Watching Briefs and Building recording 1999-2001.
- <7> SDO14739 Digital archive: National Record of the Historic Environment. 456642.
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (0)
Location
| Grid reference | SY 99749 86194 (point) |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | SY98NE |
| Civil Parish | Corfe Castle; Dorset |
| Unitary Authority | Dorset |
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Other Statuses/References
- Legacy UID: Dorset Sites and Monuments Record: 6 008 265
- Legacy UID: National Monuments Record: SY 98 NE 15
- Legacy UID: National Record of the Historic Environment: 456642
Record last edited
Apr 22 2023 6:45AM