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The SDFHS Blog

Update to Secure the Shadow

Posted on 22nd July 2020

Following publication in 2018 of the book Secure the shadow - Somerset photographers 1839 – 1939 (Buy now), the authors have continued their research on the photographers who were working in Somerset during this period Much of this has been based on recent releases of digitised newspapers, the most significant being the Central Somerset Gazette (1862-1981) and Somerset Standard (1886-1976) Postcard of Minehead, taken probably in 1935 Although we knew of both these photographers, Richard... more

The Curious Case of Henry Evelyn Pitfield Sturt

Posted on 4th July 2020

Often family tree research reveals fascinating and sometimes puzzling stories A good example is the history of Henry Evelyn Pitfield STURT Henry was the youngest son of Humphrey Sturt MP (1724-1786) and Mary PITFIELD (1740-1807), an immensely rich couple Humphrey owed his wealth to his grandfather Sir Anthony Sturt who had been a successful businessman in the City of London Through his mother Humphrey inherited the Moor Crichel estate in Dorset He served as MP for Dorset from 1754 to 1784 Mary... more

From Shaftesbury to New Zealand Part 2

Posted on 18th June 2020

Mrs Ngaire Greger shares part two of the story of one of her great grandfathers After the two Brickell boys - John and Robert - left the armed constabulary, in about 1869, they lived in the Napier area with their wives and children On 14 May 1874 John, then aged 27, died while crossing a swollen river on his horse He was a roading contractor He left a wife and three daughters Robert Bennett Brickell After leaving the Armed Constabulary Robert farmed He and his family lived in... more

The King’s Mercy

Posted on 2nd June 2020

Following King George III’s first period of mental instability in 1789, his doctors advocated the benefits of sea air, sea-bathing, and sea-water drinking to alleviate his symptoms As the King’s brother, the Duke of Gloucester, owned a property in Weymouth The town was chosen for the King’s recuperation The first visit was successful and George, with other members of his family, became regular visitors until 1805 While the royal vacations were largely limited to Weymouth, the family... more

The Greenwood Tree – June 2020

Posted on 21st May 2020

Emigration to the New World proved to be the most popular theme for The Greenwood Tree in memory as members sent in a record number of contributions for the June edition Editor Paul Radford previews the special edition which has four extra pages and which will be mailed to members at the end of May and which SDFHS members can already view or download from the Members Area of the Society’s website Donna Heys with ancestral graves Quantity and quality do not always go hand... more