Local History
Dorset people’s lives and beliefs, trade and industry, agriculture, rural crafts, schooling, transport, fishing and smuggling are all reflected in this fascinating collection numbering around 10,000 objects.
Local History
November 4, 2020
Brass dog collars
Reverend Thomas Warren, the Anglican vicar of Tolpuddle’s St John the Evangelist church, used these collars to identify his dogs. Warren witnessed an agreement over…
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Local History
November 4, 2020
Costrel, Verwood pottery
Verwood produced many ceramic products. Their most famous was the Dorset Costrel – a flask with ear-like lugs, used by labourers for taking cider or…
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Local History
November 2, 2020
Tolpuddle trade show sign
The Fowl and Fatstock Show was a traditional event when farmers came to town to show off their market-ready birds and animals. People would travel…
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Local History
September 24, 2020
Deerstalker hat
Illicit deer hunting often took place in the evening when men ventured out wearing hats made of straw and bramble strips for camouflage. They also…
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Local History
September 24, 2020
Selection of Dorset buttons
Dorset buttons were first produced in Shaftesbury in the early 17th century. By the 19th century over 100 different types of button were made in…
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Local History
September 24, 2020
The Dorset Ooser
Every year Morris dancers use this replica Ooser for their May Day celebrations on a hillside near Cerne Abbas. The monstrous mask has its origins…
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Local History
September 24, 2020
Moule earth closet
Dorchester vicar Henry Moule (1801-1880) worked for better sanitation in the squalid slums of his Fordington parish. He invented this simple but effective composting toilet…
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Local History
September 24, 2020
Mosaic fragment from Wimborne Minster
Saint Cuthburga founded Wimborne Minster around 700 CE as a monastery for monks and nuns. This mosaic fragment is thought to come from her…
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Local History
September 24, 2020
Spitfire windscreen, goggles and microphone
Sgt Kenneth Christopher Holland served with Squadron 152 at RAF Warmwell in Dorset. On 25 September 1940, flying Spitfire N3173 he was shot down…
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