Overcamp Sights and Scenes

 
 
More than just a resort........
 

THE PARSON AND HIS LAD 

One hundred yards south of Overcamp Dunes in the Broadwench Straits is the rock formation of the Parson (foreground) and his Lad.  The story tells of how, on the eve of Saint Ambrose in 1683, the Rector and his favourite crucifer walked along the dunes discussing the liturgy for the forthcoming high mass when they were both washed out to sea by a huge wave, never to be recovered.  The rocks remain as their only memorial.

   

THE SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF THE DUNES

The Shrine, dating back to 1877, was closed by Bishop Daniel Orphington in 1998 when he took a dislike to its ritualistic bent and use of very obscure, yet valid Marian rites.  Sadly it remains closed for public worship but we will be petitioning the present Bishop of Wenchoster to permit its re-opening.  Local funding is already being raised and visitors can take escorted tours during July and August.

 

 

THE HIGH ALTAR


The glorious Victorian altar is said to stand on the very spot where one Tom Flaccid had a vision of Our Lady late one night as he wandered the dunes in search of solace.  The erection was funded by public subscription and a grant from the Marian Visionary College, Rome.

 

 

 

 

THE LIGHTHOUSE

Now empty, silent and in shadow the Overcamp Lighthouse once shone as a beacon across the Broadwench Straights warning sailors and maritime folk of the dangers of the dunes.  The last Keeper, one Ernest Bingo Twitch, left in 1963.  The next ten years saw the automation of the lighthouse but with the decline in marine traffic and general after-dark dockyard activity in Wenchoster, it was closed by Somerset House in 1977.

 

 

 

 

THE EDITH MAINWARING MEMORIAL BUS SHELTER



She gave her all for our community.  A plaque bearing her name is affixed to one of the back panels.

 

 

 

THE 'NEW' BROADWENCH LANE PUBLIC CONVENIENCES 


The original lavatories were dedicated in 1801 and were for the use of clergy and diocesan officials only.  After the Sacristy Scandals of 1809, they were closed and fell into disrepair.  The Tractarian Movement brought renewed interest, and the newly-restored building was opened by Bishop Frederick Bullseye in 1883 for full lay participation.

 

 

 

THE BLASTED OAK OF CASSOCK FIELDS

Now blackened and forlorn, the tree stands sentinel like over the field where young Victorian clergy once frolicked after evensong in the warm grass, kicking daisies in sheer abandon before settling down for gin among the clover.