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
Stalbridge History Society Facebook Page.
It has recently been given a make-over, and folk have been signing up in droves [no exaggeration!] for chats and to pass on information. The new Facebook group address is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stalbridgehistory So sign in to contact friends, exchange stories and cheer each other up.
It has recently been given a make-over, and folk have been signing up in droves [no exaggeration!] for chats and to pass on information. The new Facebook group address is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stalbridgehistory So sign in to contact friends, exchange stories and cheer each other up.
Alfred Thomas Scammell (Lived at West Mill Stalbridge) The origin of Scammell Lorries. Read more
Robert Avis - A VETERAN OF THE CRIMEA WAR
When Robert Avis was born in 1830 in Henstridge, Somerset, his father, John, was 50 and his mother, Susannah, was 40. He married Caroline Beadle on 19 April 1858. They had six children in 10 years. He retired from the army in 1872 and moved back to Stalbridge. His wife Caroline died in September 1909 and he died in November 1909 having lived for 79 years, he was buried on the 24th November 1909 in St Marys Churchyard Stalbridge with full military honours. Read more
When Robert Avis was born in 1830 in Henstridge, Somerset, his father, John, was 50 and his mother, Susannah, was 40. He married Caroline Beadle on 19 April 1858. They had six children in 10 years. He retired from the army in 1872 and moved back to Stalbridge. His wife Caroline died in September 1909 and he died in November 1909 having lived for 79 years, he was buried on the 24th November 1909 in St Marys Churchyard Stalbridge with full military honours. Read more
Hilary’s Diary Happy New Year to all my readers.
In November 1940 a 19-year-old widow gave birth to a son in our house where we lived then opposite the Swan Hotel. The baby was delivered by Dr Moyle with my mother acting as midwife. Dr Moyle left the house at 10.30 that night just as the customers were leaving the Swan and they all asked him anxiously for news, for the young woman’s story was well-known. Read more
In November 1940 a 19-year-old widow gave birth to a son in our house where we lived then opposite the Swan Hotel. The baby was delivered by Dr Moyle with my mother acting as midwife. Dr Moyle left the house at 10.30 that night just as the customers were leaving the Swan and they all asked him anxiously for news, for the young woman’s story was well-known. Read more
Answers to the December Newsletter Photo Quiz.
Updated 12th January 2021
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