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Women’s History month – Celebrating women, International Women’s Day

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On March 8th we celebrate International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. A national holiday in several countries worldwide; including China, Russia, Laos, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Uganda – International Women’s Day has been celebrated for over a century, with the first official IWD gathering taking place in… Read more Women’s History month – Celebrating women, International Women’s Day

From Wartime Decoy to Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

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Arne has always been a small village parish, recorded in 1894 to comprise of 2,668 acres plus 2,209 acres of water and foreshore. By 1932 little of the area had been developed as stated in the Poole and Dorset Herald article: ‘its principal features have remained untouched for centuries and have suffered none but geological… Read more From Wartime Decoy to Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

A Field Called 30th January

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There are many fields in Dorset that have strange names, but whilst looking at the Halstock Tithe Map we spotted one that was particularly unusual, ‘30th January’. The apportionment transcript also includes fields, farms and coppices with names like ‘Lay Preacher’, ‘Constitution’ and ‘Machiaval’. We were intrigued and decided to investigate further… — A good… Read more A Field Called 30th January

The Pitfield Family of Fordington

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At Dorset History Centre, we are keen to encourage guest blogs from our readers detailing the research and work they are undertaking. Michael Pitfield has written us this second post (you can read the first here if you missed it) explaining where fifty years of genealogical research have led him… — For some 50 years,… Read more The Pitfield Family of Fordington

Christmas Dinner fit for a Sergeant!

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In the collections, a slightly faded hand written menu in red and black ink on a flimsy piece of paper hints at celebrations over 100 years ago.   For food historians and those looking for ideas for a simpler Christmas dinner this document hints at how important the first Christmas after the armistice was signed must… Read more Christmas Dinner fit for a Sergeant!

Eliza Burbridge and Herrison Hospital

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For many, the Christmas period is a time of sadness as we reflect on people we have lost. For some, it was a time of removal, from one institution to another… Eliza Burbridge was admitted to Banstead Asylum 03 January 1882, on 21 December 1883 she was handed to the Relieving Officer of the Wimborne… Read more Eliza Burbridge and Herrison Hospital