October 2020

A Dorset House and its Ghosts…

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Athelhampton House, just outside Puddletown, dates from around 1485. Although much altered and expanded, the core of the house and the surrounding gardens have seen out the Tudors, Stuarts, the English Civil War and the changing fortunes of the landed gentry.   Perhaps then it is unsurprising that Athelhampton has long been supposed to house a wide variety of non-corporeal residents. These encompass all the usual favourites such as a ‘Grey Lady’… Read more A Dorset House and its Ghosts…

Repairing the Music Books of Thomas Hardy

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Amongst a collection of items belonging to Dorset County Museum, that were brought to the Dorset History Centre for conservation, were two music books.  One belonged to Thomas Hardy’s father, and the other his grandfather (who were both also called Thomas).  These books are fascinating examples of home-made bindings, with atypical sewing and making use… Read more Repairing the Music Books of Thomas Hardy

The Big Church Project: History and Diversity

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The Big Church Project, launched in 2018, focuses on the future use and development of Blandford Forum parish church. A central aim of the project is to engage with diverse communities and to record their contribution to the history of Blandford Church and its surrounding area. Using parish registers and other records such as censuses… Read more The Big Church Project: History and Diversity

What Do Burial Registers Tell Us? Part Three

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Burial registers are an incredibly useful resource for those researching family history. Most entries record the name, age and place of abode of the person who has died, but sometimes extra notes are included in the margins. This is the third of three blogs about burial registers, you can read part one here, and part… Read more What Do Burial Registers Tell Us? Part Three

What Do Burial Registers Tell Us? Part Two

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Burial registers are an incredibly useful resource for those researching family history. Most entries record the name, age and place of abode of the person who has died, but sometimes extra notes are included in the margins. In the second of three blogs we will look at some of the interesting information that can be… Read more What Do Burial Registers Tell Us? Part Two

Black History Month: John Stockley

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Please be aware that the following blog contains quotes from an audio recording which includes racial language as reported from past experiences. Dorset History Centre does not condone the use of such language, but recognises that such terms were used in the past and are reflected in historical records. — The Dorset Sound Archive, cared for… Read more Black History Month: John Stockley

What Do Burial Registers Tell Us? Part One

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Burial registers are an incredibly useful resource for those researching family history. Most entries record the name, age and place of abode of the person who has died, but sometimes extra notes are included in the margins. In a series of three blogs we will look at some of the interesting information that can be… Read more What Do Burial Registers Tell Us? Part One