DorsetHistoryCentre

130 Years of Dorset County Council

On 1 April 2019, Dorset County Council (DCC), along with the district and borough councils, was succeeded by the new unitary Dorset Council. DCC was thus in operation for 130 years, over which time it administered a large part of Dorset’s local services from roads, libraries and small holdings to social care, country parks, Trading… Read more 130 Years of Dorset County Council

A Phenomenon, Fake News and a Philanthropist

Volume four of Hutchin’s Extra Illustrated Edition covers just two places; Bridport and Lyme Regis. A M Broadley, the creator of the book, lived near Bridport in Bradpole and this may explain the large number of additions connected with the town. Amongst the drawings, newspaper clippings and portraits is a flyer for The Greatest Human… Read more A Phenomenon, Fake News and a Philanthropist

Getting the records back on track!

Within the strong rooms of the Dorset History Centre are a collection of extremely popular and highly used documents.  It may come as a surprise to some that these documents are plans of railway undertakings.  Whilst they don’t have the immediate visual appeal of an illuminated manuscript or estate map, the information they provide can… Read more Getting the records back on track!

Coastline, Castles and Catastrophe

The Isle of Purbeck is the focus of the third volume of Hutchins Extra illustrated and many of the additions to this volume are pictures of the spectacular coastline. Numerous sketches and prints of Lulworth, Kimmeridge, Studland and Swanage have been included. — There are also three castles that feature in this volume; Woodsford Castle,… Read more Coastline, Castles and Catastrophe

“The Courage of Ignorance”

In this special guest blog, Callum, a young learner who undertook a supported placement at DHC, explores some of our records relating to LGBT+ records held at Dorset History Centre. — The stories of individuals who existed outside the status quo are often heart-breaking, standing as symbols to how damaging existing under such prejudice is… Read more “The Courage of Ignorance”