Christmas

“In Search of Christmas in England”: An introduction

In 1935 an anonymous author penned a journey through Dorset and Hampshire, a journey undertaken between the 23rd and 28th December 1935. We have transcribed this account and we will be publishing an extract each day during this period, 85 years later. Part one of this journey will be published later this morning, and then… Read more “In Search of Christmas in England”: An introduction

Merry Christmas!

The staff at Dorset History Centre would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas. Our opening hours over the festive period are below. If you are planning on visiting during this period, we advise you to pre-order documents by emailing archives@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk  Otherwise, we look forward to welcoming you to DHC in 2020!  

Dorset History Centre’s Alternative Christmas Highlights!

Christmas is a time where there are so many connotations, through so many associated words that it becomes impossible to read some words in any other context. These keywords, such as “snow”, “Santa”, or “Slade” are all things one can use to search the catalogue of Dorset History Centre. As we looked through our holdings… Read more Dorset History Centre’s Alternative Christmas Highlights!

Twelve Days of Christmas from the Archives

Inspired by the popular festive song, staff at Dorset History Centre have been delving into the archives for items related to the Twelve Days of Christmas – with a sprinkle of artistic license! A partridge in a pear tree A 1760’s inventory from Corfe Castle lists pear trees planted in John Bond’s orchard. The varieties… Read more Twelve Days of Christmas from the Archives

Delightfully retro festive photography

Amber, our newly appointed Archives Project Technician, recommences work digitising the fascinating Herbert Collection. She shares some specially selected snapshots of Dorset from times gone by. As one of Dorset History Centre’s newest additions to the team, I find myself with the fascinating privilege of delving through three decades of local Dorset history, as documented pictorially… Read more Delightfully retro festive photography

Twelve days of archive Christmas

Inspired by the popular festive song, staff at Dorset History Centre bring you our own version of the Twelve Days of Christmas! On the twelve days of Christmas, my archives gave to me… A parchment in a brown box Dorset History Centre holds over 50,000 acid free boxes in environmentally controlled repositories – each one containing… Read more Twelve days of archive Christmas

Christmas Truce recorded in WW1 diary

The Christmas Truce of 1914 has passed now almost into legend. Great armies engaged on the Western Front in the bloodiest of all wars called a ceasefire and instead came together in a spirit of peace to exchange gifts, play football and sing carols. Diaries held at Dorset History Centre provide a first-hand account of… Read more Christmas Truce recorded in WW1 diary