History

Ringstead Bay is steeped in history. From the remnants of a 14th Century Medieval
Fishing Village, which was wiped out by the Black Death, and Ringstead’s role as a
key smuggling spot in the 18th century, to the presence of a chain home radar
station, RAF Ringstead, situated in the Bay, which played a pivotal part in air
defences during World War II.

The continuous sense of history contributes to the Bay’s popularity and charm, along
with the breathtaking views out to sea and to Weymouth – the site of the UK 2012
Olympics – and Portland, famous for its stone quarries and prominent lighthouse.

The Campsite is located in the American field, named due to its links with the United
States Air Force (USAF). In 1961, the USAF built a Tropospheric scatter station on
the field with two large masts, which formed part of their worldwide early warning
system. The station was decommissioned in 1973 when the technology was
replaced with satellites. There was no access to the facility except by invitation to
selected locals, who enjoyed the Americans’ generous hospitality.
The field was previously part of RAF Ringstead, a radar station commissioned in
1941 during World War II when radar played a very important role in the UK’s air
defence. When war was declared, a string of radar stations by the code name of

“Chain Home” were erected along the coast from Cornwall to Suffolk. The reception
building for the Campsite is the former Armoury of RAF Ringstead.
A discovery of a Pliosaurus skull, which was found 2 miles to the west of the
Campsite, is evidence that the area was inhabited by dinosaurs back in the
prehistoric era. The skull can be viewed at the Dorset Museum.