Dorset Local History Group

Newsletter, November 2003

Chairman's thoughts

I am sad to report the death of one of our committee members, Humphry Dibdin. Humphry had been an active member of the group and in April gave our spring lecture on Bridport and the Reform Bill of 1832 (a précis is given below). Humphry was the former head of history at Colfox School, Bridport and was active in local politics serving as a town and district councillor. Our thoughts are with his family.

Since the last newsletter we have been busy designing a website for our group. For those who haven't found it the address is http://www.dor-mus.demon.co.uk/dlhg.html. At present it contains our newsletters, AGM minutes, events and outreach questionnaire (see below for details). I am hoping to develop the site to include links to other Dorset Local History Groups.

You should find an outreach questionnaire on the Web (now removed: Feb 2004); it was also enclosed with the paper version of this newsletter (as a flier). We would invite you to spend just a few minutes helping us to decide the best way to implement our lecture programme. This is your chance to influence what and when we put on events. My thanks in advance for your help and support. Could you please return your replies by the end of December.

Could I also thank those who have asked to be on our database of those interested in local history. We are going to look at ways in which we can use it to advertise more directly.

Can I just remind you to check out our future programme given at the end of this newsletter (and on the website) and get those dates in your diaries. Please note that our Field Trip next year is on Sunday 20th June and not Saturday as stated in the Museum calendar of events.

Dr David Reeve, Chairman of Dorset Local History Group

Past Lectures

April Meeting
This year is the 750th anniversary of the Bridport charter so the Committee decided that this year's programme should reflect this. Following our AGM meeting in April Humphry Dibden spoke to us about the Reform Bill and Bridport in the 1820s and 1830s. At this time Bridport was a small market town with a population of 3,742. By the 1830s new housing in the borough and at Bradpole meant that the population had risen to 5,822.

The most important industry was the cordage trade, with much rope being produced and exported through Poole. Fishing lines were also made and used for the large Southwest/Newfoundland fishing trade. Shoelaces were also being produced. Hemp and flax were grown locally but by the end of the 18th century it was being imported from the Baltic through West Bay. The nonconformist presence in the town was very strong with the Unitarians controlling the Borough Corporation from the early 18th century.

The 1832 Reform Act increased the number who could vote. During the election of that year there were great celebrations and Bridport was no exception. A great trade procession was followed by a celebratory tea in Allington Field. We were shown the original seating plan [individuals not listed] and the food and drink purchased for the occasion. This included large quantities of beef and mutton, 400 loaves of bread and 13 sacks of potatoes. For the pudding 21/2 sacks of flour, currants and suet were purchased. Four hogshead of beer were bought (3024 quarts) along with mustard and salt. In all £217 18s was spent on the meal.

One of the main outcomes of the 1832 Reform Act was the creation of more voters to bribe! The 1841 Bridport election saw numerous complaints made as attempts were made to force the electorate to vote for certain candidates. There were no secret ballots at this time. We learn from a number of election posters that F Bartlett, the draper, was forced to sell his goods because the Liberal landlord evicted him for voting Tory. One shopkeeper was given £10 to buy his vote and Robert England received a horse from an innkeeper. England refused to accept the horse because it was old and of no use or value. In the end he received £12 to vote the right way. Such occurrences were frequent during election time throughout Dorset and the country.

June Field Trip
On a hot afternoon in June local Bridport historian Cecil Amor led a group around historic Bridport. We began at Buckadoo Square. We learnt that the town received its charter ion 22nd June 1253. This granted a market on a Wednesday. Elizabeth I renewed the charter and added a market on Saturday (which still runs today). The Present Town Hall is built on the site of the medieval chapel of St Andrews. The only remains of the chapel are outside the porch at St Marys. The Town Hall was originally open on the ground floor and had a number of stalls/shops. The upper floor was used for meetings.

The group then progressed down South Street and learnt that Bridport was one of King Alfred's Saxon Burghs and discussed the possible boundaries north and south of the present church. We saw a number of ropewalks, the sites of mills and discussed the Quaker meeting house and original burial ground.

Cecil then led the group back to East Street where we discussed the site of the George Inn. It was reputedly here that in 1651 Charles Stuart [later Charles II] had to flee from Parliament troops, whilst on the run following the disastrous Battle of Worcester. The Bull Inn was owned by the Quaker Daniel Taylor, its rents used to endow a school for poor children. The charity is still running though the pub has now been sold off.

At the end of the walk the group had tea at the SDFHS centre. Many thanks to Cecil for a great afternoon and Jane Ferenzi Shepherd for organising much-needed refreshments in the garden.

But why Buckadoo Square? (A lock up or a bucket for a loo....I'll leave that one for you to discuss!)

Future Programme

Saturday 22 November 2003: Winter Lecture 2.30pm.
We are fortunate to have Ann Smith, the archivist of Sherborne Castle to come and talk to us on 'George Wingfield Digby: A Victorian Landowner'. She will describe how in the middle of the 19th century the application of new farming techniques produced increased prosperity on the estate, which was reflected in the provision by the owner of new farms, schools and churches. Ann will finish by looking at how the estate coped with the agricultural depression that blighted the end of the century. Though the talk features the Sherborne estate such prosperity then depression was mirrored on many Dorset farms and communities during this period, so this is a great opportunity to learn more about this crucial time in British agriculture.

Saturday 14 February 2004: Winter Day School 9.45am to 5pm
This year's Day School is entitled Working Women and Wanton Wenches: Imagery and attitudes towards women in History. It takes place at the Dorset Museum on 14 February (rather aptly) so come along for a valentine treat! There will be lectures on the work of women; representations of fertility and sexual pleasure in the 17th century (warning: includes some explicit material); witchcraft and women; and morality and women in Wimborne Minster in the 17th century. Further details and a booking form are enclosed with this newsletter. Don't forget to book early for this popular event.

Saturday 3 April 2004: AGM followed by the Spring Lecture
We are delighted to invite you to come and hear Roger Peers talk on J.C. Mansel Pleydell: A Victorian Philanthropist. As many of you will know Roger is a former curator of the Museum and this is a great chance for you all to come and hear Roger, who is a very popular local speaker.

Sunday 13 June 2004: Summer Field Walk
Dr Katherine Barker has agreed to lead a walk around Newlands Borough, Sherborne. This is a great opportunity to hear some of the latest research carried out on the origins of the planned medieval borough. I am hoping to develop a day school around medieval town planning so this a chance to look in detail at Newlands. We will be meeting at the Somerfield Carpark, Sherborne at 2.30pm. NB: not Saturday 19th nor Sunday 20th as previously announced!

We look forward to seeing you all at our events.

A shortened version appeared in DNHAS Newsletter 71, Autumn 2003

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