In September 1918, just two months before the end of the First World War, Lord Stalbridge placed his entire estate under the hammer. Homes, farms, cottages, businesses and fields across Stalbridge and Stalbridge Weston were sold off in individual lots. For the first time, many local residents had the chance to own their homes – though for others it meant losing the properties rented by their families for generations.
A century later, Stalbridge History Society marked the centenary of the sale with a hugely successful exhibition. Now, following further years of dedicated research, they have created a lasting legacy: a new book titled ‘Stalbridge Sold – A Town Under the Hammer’.
The book offers more than 340 pages of a richly illustrated, in-depth account of life in the area before, during and after the dramatic 1918 sale. It includes stories of local families – many with descendants still living in the town – alongside newly-sourced information gleaned from the 1921 Census, the Stalbridge Archive and the Dorset History Centre.
The book will be officially launched with a new exhibition at Stalbridge Hall on 13th to 15th June, including a mini Family and Local History Fair on the Saturday. One not to miss!
The first print run has already sold out. To order a copy – £20 for the softcover and £35 for the hardback – please email your name, address, and the number of copies required to stalbridgehistory@gmail.com.
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