| There is no good nautical reason why Shapwick
in the heart of Dorset's sheep land should have an Anchor Inn, or a
legend about a crab. The only time that this quiet village sees an
abundance of water is when the river Stour breaks its banks and floods
the surrounding countryside.
A mile north-east of the village is Badbury Rings, ranking with Maiden Castle as one of England's greatest earthworks. Shapwick was the birthplace in 1657 of William Wake, who became Archbishop of Canterbury in 1715. He became extremely unpopular when he suggested that every child, regardless of station, should have equal opportunity to learn. Something we take for granted today, but an extremely revolutionary idea in 18th century England. |
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