Publications

(Paul Hyland)   Despite its popularity, few corners of England have as much to offer as the Isle of Purbeck – or remain so unspoilt. The author vividly describes the character of the area; its past dominated by the marble…..

A transcription of a photocopy of a book of Poor Law Accounts, from a book has either been lost or was destroyed by Dorset archives in the early 1950s. The Name and Surname fields have been standardised to make it…..

(Christopher T & Michael J Watts)  An overview and survey of the range of sources for tracing merchant seaman ancestors giving details of where to find them, to whom they apply and providing some examples of their contents. The book…..

(Jack Sweet)  The author describes the many times and the variety of ways in which the people of Somerset enjoyed themselves – sometimes very oddly indeed – in those ’good old days’ when the world and our lives were simpler……

(Elizabeth Buckler Gale)  This book looks at the history of Bridport Harbour, now known as West Bay, and the Bridport Swimming Club which was founded in 1898, along with the author’s family’s ties to the town.  Includes over 70 photographs……

A CD of transcriptions of the registers of Catholic Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs up to 1919. The confirmation records run from 1915, the baptisms from 1887, burials from 1902 and marriages from 1896.  There are also…..

A transcription of: Christenings 1606-1837, Marriages 1606-1837, Burials 1606-1837.

(Mick Davis & David Lassmam)  The authors have delved into the local records of Frome, historically one of the largest towns in Somerset, to reveal the dark side of life for ordinary people through the ages. The stories include a…..

(Jeremy Harte) Dorset’s legends are its traditional stories told and retold over many centuries. They are the authentic voice of its past, its oral history, containing everything that real history doesn’t.  Time has embellished some; in others the confusing details…..

A complete transcript of the Somerset (Diocese of Bath and Wells) index of wills and administrations from 1805-1811 (PRO reference IR 27/67). Part of the original index relates to wills and administrations proved in the Dean and Chapter, Chancellor, Decanal…..

(Ed Bob Machin) – Dorset Record Society Vol 8. Provides detailed information on building practices and costs at a crucially important period, which saw one of the greatest pre-nineteenth century building booms in England. It is rare to find such…..

(Mick Davis and David Lassman)  In this book the local authors take a journey through Frome to discover some significant and little-known aspects of its rich and varied past. From buildings and streets to people and events, the book highlights…..

(Rodney Legg) The book traces the history of the village from earliest times, in chapters covering different aspects of the area, from Stacks, Stones & Rocks and Harbour, Heath & Hills to Pilots & Ferrymen and Village Scenes and People……

(Iain Swinnerton)  Many families possess documents or artefacts which can help to put together names, dates and places for our ancestors. A surprising number of everyday objects around the house can give us vital information about our ancestors, and the…..

(David J H Clifford)  A history of the movement and a guide to where surviving registers are kept. 77 pages.  Soft covers.  

(Michael McGarvie)  A review of the origins and meanings of Frome street names, based on an original paper written by Rev W E Daniel, Vicar of East Pennard, in the late 1890s. The information has now been updated with the…..