Step back in time with our ‘Then and Now’ feature, where vintage postcards meet modern-day reality. Explore the past and present on the same page, and see the evolution of familiar places.
The A357 looks a little different at the Three Boars in 1904! Visually almost unchanged, but no longer a pub – and it would seem that ladies could walk down the middle of the road in relaxed comfort. The turn of the century photographer no doubt had a less nervous time standing in the road to take his photograph, too!
This card was sent from Sturminster Newton to Lydlinch on 3rd December 1904.
![](https://www.theblackmorevale.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Lydlinch-Three-Boars-A357-in-1904-1024x627.jpg)
![](https://www.theblackmorevale.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240110_123409-1024x576.jpg)
Below, the Lydlinch school card wasn’t posted so we don’t have a date, but it’s clearly pre-First World War and the bicycle that can be seen became widespread after 1900. The school is now a private house – missing its school bell above the porch, painted white and with a second floor added, it’s still easily recognisable.
![](https://www.theblackmorevale.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The-old-school-Lydlinch-1900s-1024x654.jpg)
![](https://www.theblackmorevale.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20240110_123953-1024x576.jpg)