public. It is also a popular venue for weddings and other private events. Harry Gordon Selfridge, founder of Selfridges & Co, rented the castle between 1916 and 1922. He is buried in a simple grave at St Marks Churchyard next to his wife and mother. The castle featured in Mr Selfridge, a TV series charting the life of the department store magnate. Between 1911 and 1914 Greystones house was built in the village to a design by Edward Schroeder Prior. The area also has a strong literary connection and was once a centre for Wicca with Gerald Gardner and Dorothy Clutterbuck living in Highcliffe. Captain Frederick Marryat, author of The Children of The New Forest, was a regular visitor to the house on the Chewton estate (now the Chewton Glen Hotel, Spa and Country Club); and the adventure story author Colonel R.W. Campbell, veteran of the Boer and Great wars, was also a local resident. Highcliffe was annexed by Christchurch in 1932. Modern times Educational establishments in the town include Highcliffe St Mark Primary School and Highcliffe School. There are also independent preparatory and secondary schools local to the area in New Milton and Barton on Sea. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency's national training centre was formerly located at Steamer Point. Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival has taken place annually in June since 2014. It is run on a not-for-profit basis, and showcases local food, drinks and arts. It began as an offshoot of the nearby Christchurch Food Festival. Politics Highcliffe is part of the Christchurch parliamentary constituency for elections to the House of Commons. It is currently represented by Conservative MP Christopher Chope. Highcliffe is also part of the Highcliffe and Walkford and Mudeford, Stanpit and West Highcliffe wards for elections to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. References External links Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council Website Highcliffe Castle Website Highcliffe Residents' Association Website Highcliffe Village Business Community Website Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival Website Highcliffe-On-Sea Website "Highcliffe Food Festival" by Polly Taylor, Let's Travel UK Towns in Dorset Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Populated coastal places in Dorset Seaside resorts in England