In 787, the Danes, Northern men, or Normans[a], landed at Portland from three ships, to reconnoitre the country, which they did without interruption, as the Saxons had neglected their marine.

The Danes having met with repulses in other parts of the kingdom sailed to Charmouth where having landed, Speed says, "they made cruel ravage and slaughter."

Their fleet consisted of 35 ships, containing a powerful army: their whole force, Huntingdon remarks, must have amounted to 17,500 men; other writers have estimated their numbers at about 15,000.

The king had nearly succeeded in cutting them off as they were forming; he threw them into great confusion, but continual supplies of men from the ships turned the scale in their favour.

Ethelwulf's army, which he headed in person, advanced to encounter them: a bloody battle ensued, which, after a desperate struggle, terminated in the Danes remaining masters of the field, though they shortly afterwards retired without any spoil.

[6] The buildings on either side of Charmouth's main street vary in age; some of the smaller cottages date from the 17th or 18th century, while others are built in later Regency style.

[7] In the 18th and 19th centuries Charmouth village was a noted resort, with visitors including novelist Jane Austen who wrote that it was "a nice place for sitting in unwearied contemplation".

[14] The inn gave shelter to the fugitive King Charles II on 22 September 1651, when he came disguised looking for a boat to take him to France following his defeat at the Battle of Worcester.

The Barrs Lane Recreation Ground has children's play equipment and grass pitches, and is the site of an annual summer 'party in the park' offering family entertainment.