Locked away…

In July we were joined by Caeron and Eve for a four week work experience placement. During their time with us, we asked them both to reflect on some of the interesting things they came across from the archive. Today Caeron explains his favourite items…

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My favourite part about work experience was being able to explore the archives. As visitors to the Dorset History Centre don’t get to enter the full archives physically it felt like a privilege to be trusted with original, irreplaceable materials. All the archival material was interesting with each document showing a different time and life, but my favourite was the locked section containing the archives valuable or fragile documents and objects that they need to keep ultra safe and off-limits to the public which made the experience even more special. There were a couple of objects that really stood out to me.

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The first object I loved seeing was an original manuscript of Thomas Hardy’s Mayor of Casterbridge [D-HAR/A/1/MOC], which interested me due to the uniqueness of it. Not only is it one of a kind but it is still in very good condition. This manuscript had various changes to his novel that were all handwritten and edited. We believe that this was a later manuscript than a first draft as there were few edits but there were enough to suggest it wasn’t close to the finished article. As someone who hasn’t really read Hardy it was fascinating to see his process and the way he carefully selected words to fit his narrative. This was further helped when we were able to visit Max Gate (Hardy’s residency) and I was able to explore his workspace and get into the mindset of Hardy.

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The other object I enjoyed seeing was a grant given to Wulfheard of Cheselborne by King Edgar in 965 [D/FSI]. This is the archives’ oldest document, so I felt very honoured to be able to see it. King Edgar was part of a line of kings credited as the first kings to unite the whole of England, with Edgar often being referred to as Edgar the Peacemaker. This grant presents Wulfheard with land in exchange for his faithfulness over time. Edgar was so powerful at this time that the grant came with a curse for those who broke it and came with Edgar’s mark and possible signature. I found it astonishing that this grant has lasted in such good condition for over a millennium. This grant must have held significant power and shows us that the people mentioned in the grant were powerful in this period.

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This was guest blog written for Dorset History Centre by Caeron Henly. If you are interested in the 2026 work experience placement, information will be circulated in spring 2026 about how to apply.

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