Category: Local History

A tale of two pubs – and an intoxicated postmaster! | Looking Back

If you think our modern TV soaps are racy, you should have lived in north Dorset in the 19th century, says Roger Guttridge. An editing...

The Old School Tie | Then and Now

The Old School house in Sturminster Newton reflects fascinating local history, some of it personal, says Roger Guttridge. It’s a private house today, appropriately named...

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...

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Racing highs, weather lows

Chris Wald reflects on December’s challenges and triumphs on the yard, and looks ahead to the Tizzard team’s path to The Festival The good form...

Long term bill for short term politics

One simple flaw underlies the many government failures that have afflicted us for decades. Too many spending decisions are based on short-term cost considerations,...

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