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
Hilary's Diary - We have the unique Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June and I cannot help wondering what form the decorations will take in Stalbridge. Looking at old photographs it’s obvious that for the Jubilees of Queen Victoria people used a great deal of plants and trees and natural growth to decorate their homes. The reason for this was obvious – such things were free. More Here
STALBRIDGE HISTORY SOCIETY APPEAL
Judie & Robert Ralph with the Starburst - I am delighted to tell you that our Stalbridge Sunburst appeal to bring the “Club” polehead display back to Stalbridge has been successful. Amazingly, from the launch of the appeal, it took only three weeks to reach the total, thanks to many donations from SHS members, and from visitors to the History Society stand at the Scout Hut on the night of the Christmas lights switch-on. We have also received generous contributions from Stalbridge businesses and traders, for which we are hugely grateful. And still the donations come in. We hope eventually to have enough money to commission a secure display case to house the piece, with an explanation, so it can be seen by the community and visitors to the town. For more information, or offers of donations for the case, please contact: (Robert Ralph)
stalbridgehistorysociety@gmail.com
Judie & Robert Ralph with the Starburst - I am delighted to tell you that our Stalbridge Sunburst appeal to bring the “Club” polehead display back to Stalbridge has been successful. Amazingly, from the launch of the appeal, it took only three weeks to reach the total, thanks to many donations from SHS members, and from visitors to the History Society stand at the Scout Hut on the night of the Christmas lights switch-on. We have also received generous contributions from Stalbridge businesses and traders, for which we are hugely grateful. And still the donations come in. We hope eventually to have enough money to commission a secure display case to house the piece, with an explanation, so it can be seen by the community and visitors to the town. For more information, or offers of donations for the case, please contact: (Robert Ralph)
stalbridgehistorysociety@gmail.com
Website updated 27th March 2022
