Category Archives: local history

St Catherine’s Chapel

This magical and mysterious and religious place was restored by Sir Everard Hambro in 1903. It was re-consecrated that year and the first service in several centuries performed on the Feast of St Catherine 25th November 1903 by the Reverend … Continue reading

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The wealth of the Damers

Just before the death of Joseph Damer, Lord Milton’s daughter in 1828 this list of paintings to be found in just one room of Milton Abbey House was published by Neale in his ‘Views of the seats of noblemen and … Continue reading

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The Role of the Overseers of the Poor

Following two brilliant presentations to the Milton Abbas Local History Group by members Clive Barnes and John O’Quinn, a number of questions were asked about the Overseers of the Poor of Milton Abbas. The presentations are available on the Members … Continue reading

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Combination Acts 1799 and 1800

The Combination Act of 1799 was an extraordinarily oppressive piece of legislation. After the French revolution it is extraordinary that the Houses of Commons and Lords would risk such an unjust act. There had been acts before against workers in … Continue reading

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Vestry Minute Book

One of our amazing transcribers, Shirley Chick, has just completed the Milton Abbas Vestry Minute Book 1863 – 1924. The original book is in our possession. The resulting 65 page document is now available for our members to research. The … Continue reading

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Walking in History’s Footsteps

Our members, Clive Barnes and Sheila and Peter Arnold have been walking the old roads and tracks of Milton Abbas and compared maps of the 18th century when Joseph Damer, Lord Milton moved the roads to build his landscape.

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John HAM – the Millionaire of Milton Abbas

John Ham was baptised on 21 May 1760, the youngest son of James Hobell and Charity Ham (neé Gould, later Hallett). His parents were married in 1747. They had a daughter, Elizabeth, born in 1749 but she only lived for … Continue reading

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Exhibition 28 – 30 August 2021

At last! Now we can hold our exhibition. We have so much to show that it will be in both St James Church, Milton Abbas and the Reading Rooms, Milton Abbas. Lots more details here. We do hope you can … Continue reading

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You must be interested in history or you wouldn’t be looking at our website!

Researching history can be lonely, we know what it is like, we have been doing it a long time! But it is exciting too – the chase for that vital piece of information, that brick wall broken through, that old … Continue reading

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Stop Press! Latest Findings

From a lease of nearly 250 years ago! We have recently transcribed this lease which is in the Dorset History Centre. It confirms that in 1773 the trustees of the school were active and looking after the free grammar school … Continue reading

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