The Purbeck Society in Swanage

The Purbeck Society was set up in 1852 as a semi-learned society for the study of local matters in the fields of history, natural history, local industries, architecture and associated subjects in the Isle of Purbeck. The Society, now as the civic society for the area, as well as campaigning on its own account supports other such appropriate organisations is concerned with the preservation of Purbeck’s heritage.

The Society is affiliated to the Dorset Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and as such it seeks to forward the aims of the CPRE. These are broadly to preserve the countryside as it develops, from abuse or disfigurement or any injuries to its amenities and, with this in view, to seek the co-operation of local authorities, landowners and others concerned.