Southward Bound

An informative amateur film depicting a journey from Norfolk, via the southern counties, to Charmouth in Dorset.

A journey from Norfolk - via Hampshire, Wiltshire and Somerset - to the village of Charmouth in Dorset. Having set out from Norfolk, the group speed down country lanes and gravel tracks to a farm in Hampshire where a tractor is used to cut and bind a hay crop. From Hampshire the group travel to Wiltshire and the site of 'Britain's oldest ruin', Stonehenge, before visiting the 14th century Nunney Castle in Somerset. In the city of Wells, the group visit the Cathedral and take in views from the cathedral tower and the ornate Western Front, as well as the nearby Bishop's Palace. A visit to Cheddar Gorge - filmed from a moving car - and the Cheddar village is followed by an informative visit to Glastonbury Abbey, with views of the ruins, the Lady Chapel, the grave of King Arthur and the ongoing archaeological work. At the end of a long journey, the group arrive at their destination - Charmouth, Dorset - swimming at the beach and taking a tour which includes panoramic views of the village, a house where Charles II once slept, and picturesque shots of the River Char and Golden Cap, the highest point on the South Coast. The film concludes with 90 year old George Hodges - presumably a relative of the filmmaker - who is shown smoking a pipe and relaxing at his home before appearing at an official ceremony where he opens the playing fields which had been donated by his late brother Charles.

Featured Buildings

Stonehenge, Wiltshire; Nunney Castle, Somerset; Wells Cathedral, Somerset; Bishop's Palace, Somerset; Glastonbury Abbey, Somerset

Keywords

Amateur; Home Movie

Intertitles

- July 28th 1933 - Good-bye to Norfolk! - Hampshire - Aboard an 'Old Faithful' bound for the harvest fields. Hold tight! - These tractors can cut and bind thirty to forty acres a day. - July 31st - Hampshire to Wiltshire - Wiltshire - Two miles from Amesbury stands Britain's oldest ruin - Stonehenge - July 31st - Wiltshire to Somerset - Somerset - Near Frome is the 14th century castle of Nunney, built by Sir John de la Mere - Somerset - It was battered in the Civil War, but its walls, turrets and moat are still in good order - Somerset - Wells from the 160 feet tower of its beautiful cathedral built about 1180 - Somerset - Wells Cathedral - The West Front - Somerset - Wells Cathedral - The Old Clock - The knights strike the hours - Somerset - Wells Cathedral - The Bishop's Palace - Somerset - Cheddar Gorge - Filmed from a moving car - Somerset - Cheddar Village - Every little shop sells cheese! - Somerset - Glastonbury, the Isle of Avalon of King Arthur's day - Somerset - Among the ruins of a once beautiful Abbey, is to be seen this famous King's tomb - Somerset - Built on the site of the first Christian church founded by Joseph of Aramithea - It was burnt down during Henry II's reign and rebuilt. Finally Henry VIII closed it. - Excavations are still being made some distance from the main building. - August 2nd - Somerset to Dorset - Dorset - The little village of Charmouth was our destination. The Hill is a driver's delight! - Charmouth - On the beach - The first dip, even in hot weather, is not, by any means, a hurried affair. - Charmouth - On the beach - The one and only appearance of our camera man. - Charmouth - On the beach - Even on holiday a keen gardener finds it hard to put aside the spade. - A quick tour of Charmouth - From the east - Charmouth is a favoured camping spot. - Charmouth - The River Char winding its way to the sea. - Charmouth - The house where King Charles II slept. The original doorway is still standing. - Charmouth - The beach again, with mighty Golden Cap in the distance. - Charmouth - On August 7th, the playing fields given by the late Charles Hodges were opened by his brother George. - Charmouth - Charles died aged 92. Here is George aged 90 who performed the opening ceremony. - "In memory of my late brother, I have pleasure in opening Charmouth Playing Fields now and for ever for the people of Charmouth."

Other Places

Hampshire; Stonehenge, Wiltshire; Nunney Castle, Somerset; Wells, Somerset; Cheddar Gorge, Somerset; Cheddar Village, Somerset; Glastonbury, Somerset