Illustrator Clive Hannay and writer Rodney Legg roam upstream from Poundbury ,
See the full article in DorsetLife
Naturalisation and alien registration
April 19, 2009 at 4:00 am (Genealogy)
Tags: National Archives
Using records at The National Archives, this podcast examines the various Alien Acts that affected the status of foreigners resident in the UK from the 19th century, and the reasons why so many chose to become naturalised British citizens.
Somerset Voices: Phyllis Jones (b.1918)
April 18, 2009 at 4:00 am (Genealogy)
Tags: Burrowbridge, Glastonbury, Somerset, Taunton
Phyllis Jones was born in 1918 and raised on a farm in Burrowbridge, a village on the Somerset levels situated between Glastonbury and Taunton. Burrowbridge is situated on the banks of the River Parrett and Phyllis remembers eating salmon caught from the river, as well as elvers [young eels], which were cooked in a pan with eggs. In this clip Phyllis discusses food, and the significance of funerals in village life.
When Blandford Burnt
April 17, 2009 at 4:00 am (History, Location)
Tags: Blandford Forum, Dorset
The Great Fire of Blandford in 1731 destroyed most of the town. Michael Le Bas looks back at the disaster and describes how the town rose ‘like the Phoenix from its Ashes’.
See the full article in DorsetLife
Dorset County Museum looking to expansion
April 16, 2009 at 4:00 am (Location)
Tags: Dorchester, Dorset, Museum
An award-winning Dorset County Museum’s new director, Jon Murden, hopes to develop parts of its High West Street, Dorchester site to make more of the collections open to the public.
Read the full story in the Dorset Echo.
Somerset Voices: Eric Jones (b.1908)
April 15, 2009 at 4:00 am (Biography, History, Location)
Tags: Bridgwater, North Petherton, Somerset
Eric Jones was born in 1908 and farmed in North Petherton near Bridgwater. He sold cattle, sheep, poultry and eggs at Bridgwater market, as well as cultivating and harvesting peas on the rich farmland around North Petherton. Eric remembered the ploughing competitions held in May by local farmers in the 1930s. The landowner would supply beer or cider to acknowledge his gratitude for the free ploughing carried out by the competitors.
How Arne Saved Holton Heath
April 14, 2009 at 4:00 am (History, Location)
Tags: Arne, Dorset, Holton Heath, Tyneham
The sacrifice of one Purbeck village, Tyneham, during the last war is well-known. Less familiar is the story of how another, Arne, suffered to protect a vital military installation. Here it is recounted by Jeremy Archer.
See the full article in DorsetLife
1911 Census update
April 13, 2009 at 4:00 am (Genealogy, History)
On April 8th FindMyPast.com announced that the transcription of all English counties has now been completed.
Somerset Voices: Dorothy & Stanley James (b.1917)
April 12, 2009 at 4:00 am (Biography, History)
Tags: Boyd, Castle Cary, Donne, Dorothy James, Stanley James
Dorothy and Stanley James were both born and educated in Castle Cary. Stanley’s father wanted him to become a farmer but Stanley hated animals and he became a builder instead. Dorothy talks about the textile factories in Castle Cary, Boyd’s, and T S Donne and Son. Dorothy worked in Boyd’s factory where horsehair was processed and used in upholstery and padding. They both served in the army during the Second World War and were married after it ended. Dorothy and Stanley James lived in Castle Cary all their lives.
‘The Lively Old lady’
April 11, 2009 at 4:00 am (History, Location)
Tags: Bournemouth, Dorset
Hugh Ashley has known the Bournemouth Pavilion for more than fifty years and has written a history of it. He tells its story.
See the full article in DorsetLife
