Category Archives: local history

Milton Abbey before its Dissolution

James G Clark’s new magnum opus ‘The Dissolution of the Monasteries: A New History’, 2021, brings attention to the fact that during the reign of Henry VII 1485 – 1509 the nobility vigorously tried in many ways to interfere in … Continue reading →

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What a treasure!

Overseers of the Poor Account Books It is six years ago when I was in Chris Fookes’ shed that I first saw three original Overseers of the Poor Books. They had somehow been saved by the Fookes family of Milton … Continue reading →

Posted in Dorset, history, local history, Overseers of the Poor, transcription | 1 Comment

Nicholas Turbeville

One of our members with Milton Abbas ancestors going back the 16th century has discovered that his family were connected to the Turbeville, Horsey, Tregonwell and other high status families. Peter Arnold writes about Nicholas Turbeville: “.. lived at Winterborne … Continue reading →

Posted in family history, history, local, local history, Tregonwell | 1 Comment

The name of GERRARD

Whilst searching our transcriptions of Milton Abbas documents for GERRARD it is surprising just how many different spellings of this name there are. The Oxford Names Companion gives: GARRATT, GARRIT, GARRED, GARRAD, GERRETT, GERATT, GERRAD, JARRETT, JARRATT, JERRITT, JARRED, JARAD, … Continue reading →

Posted in Churchwardens, family history, local history, Milton Abbas, social history | 2 Comments

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.

Posted in Capability Brown, Damer, history, landscape, local history, Milton Abbas | Leave a comment