WELCOME TO OUR TOWN
Neolithic, Roman, Saxon, Medieval, Georgian and Victorian - all these layers make up the ancient town of Stalbridge, sitting on the eastern slopes of a ridge of hard Jurassic rock above the Blackmore Vale in north Dorset.
Starting as a permanent settlement in Saxon times, by 1086 it had become important enough to be included in the Domesday Survey. Known as Staplebridge at that time and Stalbriggh or Stapleford in Medieval times, our town takes its name from a bridge on posts (stapuls), now long gone.
From the 19 villagers listed in the Domesday Book, the Stalbridge population grew to 500 in Tudor times, 1,700 in Victorian times and is now heading towards 3,000. Noted for its former markets and commercial activity, it yet remains the smallest town in Dorset, but retains an ancient core of many listed buildings and a long and intriguing history.
During that history, notable sons have included the world-famous scientist and “father of chemistry” Robert Boyle, the artist Sir James Thornhill who painted the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, and Douglas Adams who, in his youth, witnessed the destruction of old cottages in the town, a sight that provided him with the opening of “The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy”.
Starting as a permanent settlement in Saxon times, by 1086 it had become important enough to be included in the Domesday Survey. Known as Staplebridge at that time and Stalbriggh or Stapleford in Medieval times, our town takes its name from a bridge on posts (stapuls), now long gone.
From the 19 villagers listed in the Domesday Book, the Stalbridge population grew to 500 in Tudor times, 1,700 in Victorian times and is now heading towards 3,000. Noted for its former markets and commercial activity, it yet remains the smallest town in Dorset, but retains an ancient core of many listed buildings and a long and intriguing history.
During that history, notable sons have included the world-famous scientist and “father of chemistry” Robert Boyle, the artist Sir James Thornhill who painted the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, and Douglas Adams who, in his youth, witnessed the destruction of old cottages in the town, a sight that provided him with the opening of “The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy”.
Recently added items
Hilary’s Diary Last month I wrote about the work we did in the Junior School in Duck Lane in my childhood. It wasn’t all work though. In both our school and the Top School above Church Hill, a member of staff played the piano well; and remember in those days there was no canned music. - Read more
Stalbridge Field Names The following list of Field names in Stalbridge may be interesting to readers of S&DN&Q.
I shall be glad to have light thrown upon their meaning. Read more
Website updated 1st April 2021
