[Beyond Cornwall] Why Sailors Fear Old Harry Rocks: Legends of the Jurassic Coast

Old Harry Rocks stand dramatically along the Dorset coast near Swanage, forming one of the most recognisable landmarks on the Jurassic Coast. In this aerial film, we explore these spectacular chalk cliffs and the fascinating legends behind their name. One story tells of a notorious pirate known as Old Harry, who was said to have terrorised ships sailing along the English Channel before being turned to stone as punishment for his crimes. Another, darker legend claims that Old Harry was actually the Devil himself, who came to the rocks for a sleep. The old expression “to play Old Harry” meant to cause havoc, ruin or destruction, and may have added to the belief that the rocks were a warning to sailors to keep their distance from this treacherous stretch of coastline. Filmed from above, this video captures the towering chalk stacks, cliffs and surrounding waters of Old Harry Rocks from a perspective that reveals the true scale and beauty of this remarkable part of Dorset. Old Harry Rocks form part of the Jurassic Coast, England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. 0:00 The Towering Chalk Giants of the Dorset Coast 0:40 The Mysterious Origins of a Famous Name 2:00 A Sinister Connection to the Devil 3:53 The Relentless Power of the Sea Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/clemens-ruh/we-a... License code: LLRZGTGOLLYHQRKO