Purbeck’s name was recorded in 948 AD as Purbicinga, meaning “Of the people of Purbic” – and Purbic may well be a former Celtic name.

Purbeck is a district in Dorset on the South Coast of England, also known as the ‘Isle of Purbeck’. Although not an island in geographical terms Purbeck is bordered on three sides by sea, and on the remaining side, the North, by the River Frome and its water meadows. This low lying land around the harbour has remained down the centuries boggy and difficult to cross in winter adding to the feel that Purbeck is an island!