URPoint Details
An attractive rural town, once the home of the most notorious smuggler Isaac Gulliver takes its name from of two ancient hundreds known as Saxpena and Hanlega. In 1768 Gulliver married the landlord’s daughter so that he could hide his illicit goods. He and his band of 50 men successfully ran contraband from the Dorset coast.
When Cranborne was a hunting lodge, this village was home to many deer poachers. Deer poachers also felt safe here and one even used the tombstones in the churchyard as a hiding place.
The 19th century restored church still has a 15th century tower and some fierce gargoyles.
The famous abbreviated signpost ‘To 6d Handley’ is set in lovely countryside of Cranborne Chase.
- Type:
- Landmark