Veasta, the Chesil Sea Monster (Dorset Folklore)

We have lots of intriguing local folklore in Dorset, and many of my favourites are tales told by locals who live and work near Chesil beach — an 18 mile stretch of steep shingly bank that separates the sea from a freshwater lagoon behind it. The water is treacherous and in the winter, storms bring giant barrelling waves and churning currents, and in the summer, although the surface often looks calm and tranquil there are strong riptides and undercurrents, making it dangerous to swim.

This digital painting below depicts my interpretation of the sea monster, Veasta — a huge creature, part seahorse and part fish, sighted multiple times off Chesil Beach for over 500 years.