Category: Local History

What does it mean if you have one of these ‘marks’ on your house?

Walking around local towns you may see strange plaques high up on the external walls of larger historic buildings. Local expert Paul Birbeck explains...

The Dorset canal that wasn’t | Looking Back

During Britain’s Industrial Revolution, 4,000 miles of canal were developed in an astonishingly short time – but in the end, Dorset didn’t get any!...

Gillingham’s survivor pubs | Then and Now

At least externally, two of Gillingham’s pubs have barely changed in the 120 years between these two pictures, says Roger Guttridge. Confusion reigns over the...

The birth of a modern Fire Service

Our modern Fire Brigade was formed in 1939 with an aim to end a random and inefficient service. Historian Paul Birbeck explains. While leading a...

Living on the edge: Durweston bridge takes another hit | Then and Now

Traffic mayhem at Durweston bridge is nothing new, says Roger Guttridge, as he tells the story of a spectacular near-disaster 90 years ago. Durweston’s long-suffering...

Violet’s wars: the story of a Dorset heroine | Looking Back

The outstanding story of a humble Dorset woman who nursed soldiers in two world wars, and outwitted the Nazis, is told by Roger Guttridge. Few,...

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Dragon mode activated

Cheeky Max snorts happily through Bicton while Jess packs snacks and nerves for her U25 championship 4* debut with Basil at Bramham May was really...

Apprenticeship funding opens to Dorset firms

Dorset businesses will be able to access new apprenticeship funding from 1st April as the council opens applications for its Apprenticeship Levy transfer scheme.The...