From Workhouse Records: Sturminster Newton Workhouse to Newfoundland (part 2)

This is part two of a guest blog written for Dorset History Centre by Valerie Brenton. You can read part one here! — Incomplete Stories Sometimes the records do not exist or there is not enough detail in the records to confirm beyond doubt that they belong to the person being researched. In some cases… Read more From Workhouse Records: Sturminster Newton Workhouse to Newfoundland (part 2)

From Workhouse Records: Sturminster Newton Workhouse to Newfoundland (part 1)

Why the Workhouse? We all know that the sons and daughters of Dorset have spread around the world – even a casual wander through the Dorset History Centre online catalogue will reveal the names of countries and territories from all around the globe. Often the records refer to business interests in foreign or empire countries… Read more From Workhouse Records: Sturminster Newton Workhouse to Newfoundland (part 1)

Conservation tales: Endpapers and how to spot them!

Since the formation of books as we know them, endpapers or endleaves have existed in some form, situated between the textblock and the binding.  Not unlike endbands which were discussed in a previous blog, endpapers have evolved through time from providing protection for the textblock and structural support to becoming integral decorative features. Endpapers in… Read more Conservation tales: Endpapers and how to spot them!

Somerset and Dorset Family History Society

There are a great many sources for information about your family and genealogical advice. If you’re searching a little further afield than Dorset, then the Somerset and Dorset Family History Society might be able to help… — When asked to write a blog for the DHC on the collection of pedigrees held at the Somerset… Read more Somerset and Dorset Family History Society

Henry Maidment: Our Forgotten War Hero

Henry Maidment was an agricultural labourer who lived in the North Dorset village of Pimperne. In 1866, Henry was one of the few surviving British Army veterans who had fought Napoleon Bonaparte’s French Army in the Spanish Peninsular War. At 83, he could not work and had hit hard times. He was surviving on a… Read more Henry Maidment: Our Forgotten War Hero