Thanks to generous support from Dorset Archives Trust and a grant from the Friends of the National Libraries, Dorset History Centre (DHC) was recently able to purchase some fascinating records and photographs relating to the naval and maritime history of Portland (reference D-3155). Within the material is a series of photographs, some of them in… Read more Portland – the building of a breakwater
At Dorset History Centre, we were recently donated a collection of photographs taken by a local amateur photographer, Gordon Slade. Gordon Slade recorded images of Dorchester and Dorset between the 1960s and 2000s. He photographed many images of Dorchester, Poundbury, and surrounding areas of Dorset as it changed and developed over the years. This included… Read more Photographs of Dorchester by Gordon Slade
Portland cement was first patented by a Leeds bricklayer, Joseph Aspdin on 21 October 1824. It is so named because of its resemblance to Portland stone. Portland cement is now the most common type of cement in general use around the world. Royal Mail acknowledged the importance of Portland Cement in a series of stamps… Read more Putting a Stamp on Portland!
Our Archives Project Technician, Amber, continues her journey into the Herbert Photographic Collection. She discovers the surprisingly labour-intensive processes behind transporting Portland limestone off the island in the 1960s (reference: D-HBT/5275). Today, the process of moving, lifting and carrying quarried stone is a relatively simple affair: forklifts, conveyors and front end loaders make easy work… Read more A special shipment of Portland stone
Dorset History Centre holds many historical and photographic records relating to the stonemason industry on Portland. It is an industry that has international reach and significance. With evidence of quarrying dating back to Roman times, stone-masonry has been a source of labour and wealth in the area for many centuries. Portland stone is an oolitic… Read more The Portland stone industry
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