Chesil Beach is a long shingle ridge that joins with Portland and
extends to Burton Bradstock covering some 18 miles.
At Burton Bradstock there is a visitor centre and access to the beach.
By far the best views are from Portland where these photographs were
taken.
There is a history of shipwrecks on Chesil Beach, caused by the strong
sea breeze and tides. In 1749 the Dutch vessel 'Hope' encountered
storms in the English Channel and ran aground with a cargo of gold and
silver. The locals had a field day and the hapless Dutch had to fend
for themselves and make their way to shore and safety, abandoning their
ship and its precious cargo.
The beach is thought
to be over 5000 years old. This is a popular shore diving and fishing
site and has been designated as a "special site of scientific
interest".
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