Old Harry

Old Harry

Old Harry

Old Harry Rocks are situated on the Dorset coast between Studland and Swanage. They mark the eastern end of the “Jurassic Coast” World Heritage Site, stretching from here to East Devon, demonstrating a rich geological history going back 185 million years.

The chalk stack on the right is I believe Old Harry himself, though there does seem to be some disagreement about this. The name ‘Old Harry’ may be a synonym for the devil, or it could be that the rocks were named after a famous Poole pirate, Harry Paye, who used to store his contraband nearby.

There is absolutely no truth in the rumour that the rocks take their name from English football manager Harry Redknapp, a resident of nearby Sandbanks, and whose team Portsmouth lifted the FA Cup in 2008. I believe he does enjoy a round of golf at the Purbeck course though, not far from here.

Date: 18th May 2008

Click here for another shot of Old Harry Rocks & The Pinnacles

Old Harry belongs to the following groups:

Rocks and Bones, United Kingdom and Wessex UK - ancient and modern