subject: Life In Swanage - Dorset, United Kingdom [print this page] Swanage - Dorset is known for being a wealthy sea-side town perfect for spa retreats. Wealthy tourists often come to the area during the summer to enjoy the beautiful beaches there. Tourism is its current main trade, though it was once fishing and shipping.
The marble quarries make up another crucial point of industry. The Romans discovered the excellent marble in the first century when they invaded England. Though not strong enough for the outside portions of buildings, it is beautiful stone that was much desired to do internal architecture where the stone would not be exposed to the elements. This became very valuable a resource when the Great Fire of London caused much of the city to be rebuilt.
John Mowlem was a famous business man in the Victorian era who made Swanage famous from his construction business. He was from the town originally and then moved to London where there was more call for his work. He was hired to build several important London structures and used Swanage marble and limestone to do it. He became famous and the town's popularity increased.
In his retirement he got a new interest in his own town and moved back there. He strove to improve Swanage and built a pier, a gas and waterworks, and a country estate. The town's value increased with these developments. Once a railroad line came through the town, people started coming there in droves. It is well-known as an area of low pollution with good weather and pretty landscapes.
Thankfully, the destruction the World Wars had on England did not reach much of Swanage. Though a few bombs reached the city, little structural damage was done, though twenty people died. Flooding, in fact, has hurt the town more than the war did. The local economy has some trouble due to the war, but this was very common for much of England.
It is has one of the loveliest English beaches which is covered in white sand. It is well protected from the wind and from heavy waves, so it is an excellent place for relaxing and safe swimming. There are plenty of places to rent beach and water equipment at low cost and plenty of snack stands nearby.
The community itself is united and quaint, with a town band, a few festivals, and some other nice traditions. In addition to the one large, week-long town festival, there are several smaller music festivals throughout the year. The local theatre is in constant use, showing movies for about two thirds of the year and having live dramatic performances for the other third.
