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The On Line Parish Clerk [OPC] for the Parishes of Dorchester and Fordington is Michael Russell who can be contacted
by email at-- russellmike1946[insert the @ symbol here]gmail.com -- please state "OPC Dorchester/Fordington" in the subject line.


Dorchester Dorset High Street
Dorchester High Street 1890's
Fordington High Street
Fordington High Street 2008
Dorchester is the county town of Dorset and the seat of local government. It is situated 16 miles south-west of Blandford, 15 miles east of Bridport and 8 miles north of Weymouth, and built on the river Frome. The town was founded by the Romans who named it Durnovaria after their victory over the iron age hill fort of Maiden Castle close by. Their strongest town in the south it lay on the great Roman road Via Iceniana. Remains of the town wall they built suggests this enclosed some 80 acres but a great part of the remains were leveled or destroyed in constructing the present 'walks' around the town.

Dorchester suffered badly from the plague in 1595 when the living were said to be insufficient to bury the dead and the town was almost entirely destroyed by fire in 1613. It's most notable resident was the Puritan Minister the Rev. John White (1575-1648) the founder of Massachusetts who was at the center of emigration to New England forming the 'Dorchester Company' in 1624. In the Civil War Dorchester was firmly on the side of Parliament being described as 'more against the King than any other place in England'. Judge Jeffreys held his 'Bloody Assizes' here in 1685 when 74 prisoners were executed following the Monmouth Rebellion.
Fordington could now be considered a suburb of Dorchester, but is actually a village in it's own right; it's High street runs directly off the lower end of Dorchester's though much quieter in nature, it's green still retaining a village 'feel'. It derives its name from the ford over the river Frome, which is now crossed by several bridges. At one time Fordington surrounded Dorchester to the south, east and west; and the Dorset History Centre for example is built on the site of the old Fordington barracks. The Church of St George dominates the parish, dating from the 15th Century and antiquities abound within its boundaries including the celebrated amphitheatre of 'Mambury' which was discovered by Sir Christopher Wren, and the Hill Fort of 'Poundbury' with its Roman aqueduct.

Fordington had two serious outbreaks of Cholera in 1849 and 1854 which gave rise to its most notable citizen the Rev Henry Moule (1801-1880) an evangelical Minister of St George's church for 51 years and the inventor of the Dry Earth closet.

With the two being so close it is not unusual to find records for a person or family in both Fordington and Dorchester so it is always a good idea to check all the records.

All Records transcribed by the OPC Michael Russell unless otherwise stated

Dorchester
Fordington
Census     (see also Militia List 1758,   1761,   1762,   1764,   1796
1841 All Saints :  Holy Trinity District 2  :  Holy Trinity District 9 :  St Peters Part 1 :  St Peters Part 2 :  Dorset County Gaol
1851 All Saints :  Holy Trinity District 5a Holy Trinity Districts 5 & 6 St Peters + Gaol
1861 All Saints :   Holy Trinity - Part 1 :  Part 2, :   St Peter's - Part 1 :  Part 2:   County Prison,
1871 All Saints :   Holy Trinity:   St Peters
1881 All Saints :   Holy Trinity:   St Peters
1891 All Saints :   Holy Trinity:   St Peters
1901 All Saints :   Holy Trinity: St Peters
1911 All Saints :   Holy Trinity: St Peters
Census    (see also Surveys of Fordington Manor: )   1600:   1615:   1650   and    (Militia Lists: 1758,   1761,   1762,   1764,   1796,
1841 (Districts)   Four:    Five:    Six:    Barracks:    Union Workhouse:
1851 (Districts)   Six (a) & (b) :    Six (c) & (d) + Barracks & Union Workhouse:
1861 (Districts)    Six:    Seven:    Eight:     Nine (+ Union Workhouse):      The Barracks:
1871 (Districts)    Six::    Seven::    Eight::    Nine (+Union Workhouse)::    The Barracks::
1881 (Districts)    Seven::     Eight::     Nine (a) & (b):   Ten (a) :     Ten (b) + Union Workhouse:     The Barracks:
1891 (Districts)    Seven:    Eight:    Nine:     Ten:     The Barracks:    Union Workhouse
1901 (Districts)
1911 (Districts)
Parish Registers & Bishops Transcripts    Hutchins History of :-     All Saints    Holy Trinity     St Peters

Baptisms:
All Saints:      1653-17321733-17491750-17991800-18121813-18361837-18501851-1895,  [1896-1970]
Holy Trinity: 1559-16171618-16691670-1738  1739-17701771-18121813-18371838-18501851-1895,  [1896-1974]
St Peters:        1653-1729,   1730-1770,   1771-18121813-18501851-1895,  [1896-1951]
Congregational Church: [1828-1951]
Independent Church Durngate St:   1788-1837,  (Inc Huntingdon's Chapel 1822-1826)
Presbyterian Chapel, Protestant Dissenters:  1750-1836,     Chapel History
Wesleyan Chapel: 1831-1837: Wesleyan Methodist:  [1838-1921]

Marriages:
All Saints:      1654-1699, 1700-1749, 1750-1799, 1800-1900, [1901-1970]    Banns: 1754-1824, 1825-1895,
Holy Trinity: 1560-1712, 1713-1812, 1813-1900, [1901-1975]    Banns: 1754-1790,   1853-1895,
St Peters:       1653-1729, 1730-1800, 1801-1900, [1901-1973]   Banns: [1754- 1895 Missing] [1896--1921]

Burials:
All Saints:      1613-1730 , 1731-1770, 1771-1813, 1814-1837, 1838-1880,
Holy Trinity: 1559-1618 1619-1652 1653-1680 1681-1722 1723-1763 1764-18121813-1837, 1838-1874,
St Peter's:      1436-1700, 1701-1760, 1761-1812, 1813-1837, 1838-1882,

Burials:        Civic Cemeteries 1856-1879,     1880-1900,    CWGC     Joint Burial Committee Report 1852

Strays:          Dorchester people in other parishes (1597-1998)

BMD's:      Society of Friends (Quakers) (1657-1833)
Parish Registers & Bishops Transcripts      St Georges Church

Baptisms: of St George's
1577-1594,,  [1595-1602 Not survived]   1603-1625,   1626-1639,  [1640-1663 Not survived]  1664-1690,   1691-17051706-17331734-17551756-17631764-17991800-18121813-18231824-18361837-18501851-18651866-1880   1881-1900   [1901-1968]

Baptisms:     Christ Church & St Mary's - West Fordington 1847-1880,   1881-1895, [1896-1962]    Church History,

Marriages:
St George's      1577-1766,     1766-1812 ,  1813-1836,    1837-1859,    1860-1900,    [1901-1999]
Christ Church  1847-1900,    St Mary's [1900-1987]

BMD's: Dorford Baptist Chapel 1831-2006 - mainly marriages

Banns:
St George's  [1754-1765]  1766-1786,  [1787-1822]  1823-1835,   [1836-52 Missing],  1852-1880   [1881-93 Missing]  1894-1895   [1896 - 2001]
Christ Church  1847-1895,   [1896-1911]   St Mary's [1912-1985]

Burials: St George's
1577-1599 , 1600-1625 , 1626-1639 , [1640-1663 Not survived] 1664-1690 , 1691-1705 , 1706-1709 , 1710-1733 , 1734-1755 , 1756-1763 , 1764-1799 , 1800-1812 , 1813-1836 , 1837-1850 , 1851-1865 , 1866-1895, [1896-1992]

Burials:     Civic Cemeteries 1857-1879,    1880-1900,     Joint Burial Committee Report 1852       Tombstones   moved in 1907      St Mary's MI From 1912

Strays:        Fordington people in other parishes, (1577-1927)

BMD's:      Society of Friends (Quakers) (1657-1833)
Wills, Inventories & Letters of Administration            Glossary, of 17th Century Terms

Extracts of 712 Wills & Charters in Municipal Records of Dorchester
1395-1410 ,    1410-1425 ,     1425-1500 ,    1500-1652 ,

INDEX to 1,506 Dorchester Wills (many now have links to burials and names of beneficiaries)
1413 -1700,    1701-1800 ,    1801-1938,

Ann ARDEN Spinster of Dorchester, Will Dated 1761 - proved 1771
Daniel ARDEN Goldsmith & Mayor, Will - 1755
Anne Lady ASHLEY Widow of Sir Francis ASHLEY JP (1569 - 1635)
Abraham BAKER Earthenware dealer, Will - 1806
Seth BANKS, Rector of All Saints, Will - 1769
Richard BARKER Yeoman of St Peter's , Will - 1621
Elizabeth BATTEN Widow, Will 1758 - proved 1761
William BOWER Gent.Cap. Burgess, Alderman, Mayor, Deputy Lieut. of Dorset, Owner Fordington Brewery, Will 1829
William & Rebecca BRIDLE Maltster of Dorchester, Wills 1781 & 1794
Richard BROOKES  Wagoner, Will - 1708 and his son Caleb BROOKS collar maker 1730
Richard BURY  Capital Burgess & Mayor, Will - 1660
Henry BUSHROD of Dorchester, Inventory 1688
Richard BUSHROD of Dorchester Habadaher and Merchant Adventurer, Will - 1628
Henry CARDROE Mercer of Dorchester, Will - 1592
Edith Jane Voss CHRISTOPHER  of Wrackleford, Will - 1940
Margaret CHUBB  Widow & Benefactor, Will - 1628
John CHURCHILL (1512-1557) Gentleman of Dorchester, Will - 1557
William CHURCHILL (1541-1602) Gentleman of Dorchester, Will - 1602
Eleanor CHURCHILL (c1571-1641) Wiodw of Dorchester - Will 1641
William CHURCHILL (1627-1702) of Dorchester & Muston, Will - 1702
William CHURCHILL (1693-1759) of Colliton Dorchester , Will - 1759
William CHURCHILL (1738-1799) of Colliton Dorchester , Will - 1799
Jasper COLSON Apothecary of Dorchester, Will - 1667
Rev. John COLSON MA Rector of Frampton buried in Dorchester, Will - 1769
Joshua COLSON Apothecary of Dorchester, Will - 1696
Sarah COLSON , Spinster, Will - 1772
Rev Thomas COLSON (1717-1784) Rector of Studland and resident of Dorcheste, Will - 1784
Revd. Thomas Morton COLSON Will - 1830
Henry CORBIN Baker of Dorchester, Will 1645 - Inven. 1654 - Admin 1661 to wife Elizabeth
Richard CORBIN Baker & Capital Burgess, Will - 1587
Edward DASHWOOD  Mayor, Merchant & Benefactor, Will - 1666/7
Richard DAVIDGE  Born in Dorchester & Merchant of London, Will - 1667
Thomas DAVIDGE  Merchant, Will - 1614
William DERBY   Gentleman & Mercer of Dorchester, Will - 1620
Benjamin DEVENISH, Tailor & Master of the Dorchester Brewhouse, Will - 1643
Elizabeth DEVENISH Widow, Let/Admin 1681 to dau Elizabeth
Henry DOLLING  Father (1609-1689) & Son (1640-1687) Master Freeschool, L's/Admin 1689 & 1690
Jonathan EAMES   Butcher, Will - 1747
Thomas EAMES   Maltster, Will - 1742
Revd Abel EDWARDS" Dissenting Minister of Presbyterian Chapel in Pease Lane, Will 1826
Lawrence ELFORD Gentleman of Dorchester, Will 1841, proved 1850
William FEACY alias SCHOLLER Will - 1675
John FOOT Carpenter of All Saints Dorchester, Will- 1831
Thomas FORD Merchant of Dorchester, Will - 1610/11
Richard FUDGE Butcher of Dorchester - 1836
Joseph GIGGER Grocer of Dorchester - 1718
Maximilian GOLLOP Woollen Draper, Will -1719
Joanna [Joane] GOULD, Widow of Dorchester
John GOULD the Elder Merchant, Will - 1630
John GREEN Merchant, Will - 1613
Henry HARBEN Baker, Will 1697
William HAYDON Millwright, Inventory only - 1685
Thomas HERNE Surgeon of Dorchester, Will - 1700
John HILL Alderman, Capital Burgess & Mayor, Will - 1636
William HORSFORDE  Gentleman, Alderman & Capital Burgess, Will - 1621
Richard HOW Quaker and Clockmaker, Will - 1715
Katherine IRONSIDE widow of Dorchester - 1704
Amy LAWES Spinster of Dorchester, Will 1751, Admin to dau Mary 1755
Mary LEIGH Wife of Rev William Leigh Rector of Holy Trinity, Will - 1738
John LOCK alias RIDDLE Cork cutter, plumber & glazier, Will - 1828
Alice LODER Widow, Will - 1664
Thomas LYMINGTON [Lenington] of Eggleston Tyneham who died at Dorchester, Nuncupative - Will 1660
Margery MARKSFELD [Marksfill, Marksfield] Widow, Will - 1572
Thomas MEECH Esq, L/Admin to father John - 1763
John MORGAN Will & L/Admin to relict Jane of Fordington - 1776
William NORMAN Hosier of Dorchester - Will 1805
Sebastian PITFIELD Yeoman, Will - 1702
John PITMAN Gentleman Capital Burgess, Bailiff and Mayor of Dorchester in 1746, 1758 & 1768 - Will 1781
Thomas PITMAN The Elder Grocer, Will - 1717
William PITT Gentleman, Alderman and Mayor of Dorchester in 1667 & 1684, Will - 1687
Thomas PLANE (PLAYNE) Yeoman of Dorchester, Will & Memorial - 1725
James POOK gardener Dorchester, Will - 1740
James POOK Inn Keeper of Plume & Feathers Dorchester, Will - 1780
Thomas POOK Gardener of Dorchester, Will - 1771, proved 1776
Matthew POUNCY Butcher, Will - 1757
Richard PROWSE, Cooper of Dorchester, Admin of estate of brother John, a mariner of Weymouth - 1740
Joseph PURCHASE Baker, Will - 1638
Joseph PURCHASE Inventory only - 1682
Nicholas PURCHASE Baker of Dorchester, Will - 1619/20
Nicholas PURCHASE L/Admin to son Joseph - 1675
Alice ROBERTS Widow, Will - 1713
Samuel SAMWAYS  Gentleman, L/Admin 1748
Tobie SANDFORD Gentleman & Physician, Will - 1621/3
William SPARKS  Maltster, Will - 1778
Philip STANSBY, Grocer & Mayor of Dorchester 1657, Will - 1686
Mary TERRY  Widow & sister of Rev. John White, Will - 1637
Thomas WARYN  Rector of Holy Trinity, Will - 1441
James WHITE Captain, nephew of Rev John White, Will 1666
Rev John WHITE  Patriarch of Dorchester, Will - 1648
William WHITEWAY (1599-1635) The younger Diarist & Merchant, Will - 1635
Samuel WINZAR (1682/3-1761) Balcksmith/Ironmonger, Will - 1760
Memorials
WWI Memorials,            WWII Memorials           Holy Trinity Church         St Peter's Church

Wills, Inventories & Letters of Administration           Glossary, of 17th Century Terms

INDEX to 520 Fordington Wills 1401-1954 ,

George ADAMS, Owner of Swan Inn Mill St, Will - 1845
George ANDREWS, Currier, Will - 1851
William ANDREWS, Victualler, Will - 1770
Agnes BARNES, Will - 1590 - (widow of) Robert
John BARNES, Will - 1567 - relict Christian
John BARNES, Will - 1609 - relict Maud
Robert BARNES, Will - 1587/8 - relict Agnes
William BARNES (1587-1660), Yeoman, Will - 1658
Richard BARTLETT (c1600-1679), Inventory only - 1679
Robert BARTLETT, L/Admin to relict Jane & Inventory - 1661
Katherine BASCOMBE, Widow, Inventory only - 1675
Caleb BISHOP, Tailor, Will - 1856
William BISHOP,Yeoman, Will - 1668
John BLANDAMER, Carrier & part owner of the 'Noah's Ark Inn', Will 1865
William BOONE, Husbandman of Fordington, Will - 1580
Ebenezar BROOKS wagoner of Exeter, buried Fordington - 1713
Edith BUNN, Widow, Will & Inventory - 1654
Phillip BUNN, Husbandman, Will - 1662
William BUNN, Yeoman of Fordington - Will 1679
Richard BUSHROD  Haberdasher & Merchant Adventurer, Will & Biography - 1628
Ethelred CHANNELL, wife of William; L/Admin for estate of Tristram Style, 1691
Charles CHURCHILL (1658- 1723) Gentleman of Fordington, Will - 1723
John CHURCHILL (1657-1709) of Colliton & Fordington - Will 1709
Elizabeth COLE wife of Edward, L/Admin for estate of Thomas Painter of Portland 1756
John COOPER Gentleman of Fordington, Will - 1713
Christian COSENS Widow, Will & L/Admin to Margaret Fford - 1619
William COSENS (d.1587), Will, L/A, Inv, Acompt of son Robert - relict Margaret
John EAMES, Yeoman, L/Admin & Inventory to son Jonathan - 1662
Jonathan EAMES, Yeoman, L/Admin & Inventory to widow Mary - 1702
Lucy EAMES, Widow, L/Admin & Inventory to son Jonathan - 1665
George ELMES Gentleman of Forthington, Will - 1771
Thomas FORD, L/Admin & Inventory to widow Ruth - 1662
Thomas FORD, L/Admin & Inventory to widow Alice - 1668
Dorothy FREEKE, Widow, Will - 1670
Mary FROOME, L/Admin for estate of Philip BUNN - 1662
Elias GALPIN, Maltster & Beer Retailer, Will - 1846
Robert GALPIN, Maltster & Beer Retailer, Will - 1859
William GALPIN, Cooper, buried Fordington, Will - 1837
Elinor HACKAM, Widow, Will & Inventory - 1664
Bennett HARVEY, Gentleman, Will - 1807
Ambrose HUNT, Husbandman, Will - 1588
Ambrose HUNT Senior, Husbandman, Will - 1661
Ambrose HUNT , Yeoman, of Fordington L/A + Inventory to widow Eleanor- 1680/1
Christian HUNT Spinster of Fordington, L/Admin to brother John - 1600
Eleanor HUNT, nee Chubb Widow of Ambrose Hunt - Will 1703
Elizabeth HUNT, Widow of Ambrose Hunt - Will 1594
Joan HUNT, Widow of John Hunt - Will 1609
Henry JOLIFF of Fordington - Will 1579 - relict Emme
Roger KETE [KEATE] (1550-1620), Gentleman of Fordington, Will - 1620
Thomas KNAPTON (1662-1725) of Fordington and Dorchester - Keeper Dorchester Gaol: Mayor 1713, Will - 1721
Christian LAUERNES [Lawrence], Widow, Will - 1663
John LAWRENCE Yeoman, Will 1640 - widow Edith
William LAWRENCE Yeoman of Fordington, Will 1645/6 - widow Christian
David MORGAN Victualler of Dorchester, buried at Fordington, Will - 1743/4
Rev. John PALMER Vicar of St Georges Church Fordington, Will - 1829
Elizabeth PALMER Relict of Rev John Palmer Vicar of Fordington, Will - 1829
Edward PARKER, Inventory only - 1661
Rev. Edward PELE, Vicar of Fordington, Verbal Will. L/Admin to relict Alice - 1649
Rev. Anthony PELHAM, Will - 1659
Sebastian PITFIELD Yeoman, Will - 1702
James POOKE of Fordington -1670
Richard PORTER, Will - 1567
Matthew POUNCY Butcher, Will dated 1787, L/Admin to relict Elizabeth - 1793
Frances PROWSE, Widow, Will 1733
John PROWSE, Yeoman, Will 1720
John RASKER (1620-1661), Will & Inventory - 1661, relict Margaret
George SALISBURY, L/Admin to relict Susannah - 1661
Isaac SPARKS, Gentleman, Will - 1788
William SPARKS, Fellmonger, Will - 1740
William STANTON, Clothier, Will -1848
Robert TAPP, Yeoman, Will - 1670
John WALDRON, Will - 1563 - widow Johane
Richard WARREN (1557-1637) Husbandman, Will - 1636 relict Eve
Agnes WHITE, Widow of Fordington, Will - 1576
Eleanor WHITE [WHYTE] Spinster, Will and Inventory - 1576
Elizabeth WHITE Widow of Fordington, Will & L/A - 1607
Hamnet WHITE Husbandman of Fordington, Inv and L/A - 1633
John WHITE [WHYTE] Senior, Husbandman, Will - 1597 died 27 May 1600 - L/A, relict Elizabeth
Robert WHITE [WHYTE], Husbandmen, Will - 1576 and L/A
Robert WHITE Husbandman, Inv and L/A - 1607
William WHITE [WHYTE], Husbandmen, Nuncupative Will, Inv & L/A - 1595
William WHITE Clerk, Inv and L/A - 1607
John WINDSOR the Elder Husbandman, Will - Inv & L/A - 1583 relict Alice
John WINDSOR, Yeoman, L/Ad & Inventory - relict Ursula - 1664
Katherine WINDSOR, Will - [widow] - eldest son Nicholas - 1567
Roger WINDSOR L/A and Inventory - relict Elizabeth - 1680
Tamsine [Thomasin] WINSOR, Widow, Will 1649 & Inventory - widow of William Sen - 1655
Thomas WINNSOR the Elder (also Senior) , Husbandman, Will & Inventory - relict Katherine - 1591
Ursula WINSER, Widow, Will - 1670

Memorials
Monumental Inscriptions
St Mary's MI From 1912
Tombstones   moved in 1907
WWI Memorial,
WWII Memorials

Other Records for Dorchester

Aldermen & Capital Burgesses of Dorchester (Part listing)
Bailiffs of Dorchester (1390-1834)
Baptist Church Established in Dorchester in 1645
Church Officials (from 1068) in Dorchester
Company of Freemen:  Charters & Bye Laws ,   Governors 1621-1824,   Apprentices 1613-1715,   1710-1811
Company of Freeman:  Members 1621-1635:   1698-1718:   1734-1835:
Corporate Development of Dorchester (Ref in Charters to Streets, Institutions etc)
Dorchester 'Free School' , (1567-1736) The first 160 years,   Masters (1550-1878)
Dorchester Gallows A short History by Rev. SEV Filleul - 1911
Dorchester People in Historical documents etc (1559-1699)   (1700-1923)
Dorchester Trade Tokens 1656-1668
Dorset County Hospital (link to external site)
Edridge Pope Brewery from 1833
Execution of Silvester Wilkins aged 16 at Dorchester Gaol in 1833
Fire of Dorchester 25th March 1725 (57 Houses Destroyed)      Fire 1757 Kings Arms Inn
Freemason Admission Records Durnovarian Lodge (1775-1820)
Glossary, of 17th Century Terms with notes & links on names, places, inns, taverns etc often referred to.
The History and Antiquities of the County of Dorset Dorchester - Pages 336-409 , by John Hutchins - INDEX to 28 Files
Lloyds Bank High West Street est.1835 by Jo Draper in Dorset life
Loyalty Oath to Charles II - Names of 300 people who signed on 31 Aug 1681
Mayors of Dorchester, (1629-2023)
Military - Served in Canada ,   Chelsea Pensioners,   Service Records - shown as born in Dorchester
Militia - Dorset Regt 1758,   1761,   1762,   1763,   1764,   1765,   1766,   1767,   1768,   1769,   1770-1775,   1776,   1777,   1778,   1779-1791   1796   1798/99   1814
Old Dissenters Meeting House (The Congregational or Presbyterian Chapel - Pease Lane - est 1662)
Parliamentary Representation   (1294-1863)
Plague - 1665 - affect on Dorchester of 2nd Anglo Dutch War, and spread of the Plague from London
Poor Law - Bastardy Orders   Removal   Vagrants
Recorders & High Stewards of Dorchester
Return of Landowners, 1871      Property owned by Holy Trinity Church 1849
Royal Visit to Dorchester by the Prince of Wales 1887
Seamans Service Records , (1814-1908) 549 Records with birth place of Dorchester
Serjeants-at-Mace from 1622
Society of Friends (Quakers) in Dorchester (1655-1833)
Town Clerks of Dorchester from 1629
Town Criers and Bill Posters of Dorchester
Trinity School, Dorchester Estab 1623
Vestry Minutes HT 1728-1750:   1751-1790:   1791-1851:
Williams & Co (The Old Bank) 1 & 2 High West St (external link)
Other Records for Fordington

Baptist Chapel (Dorford) Established 1830
The Bulls Head Inn Fordington Hill (1839-1927)
Cholera Outbreak 1854
Christian Names" (the use & meaning of Biblical & Religious names)
Church Officials 1222-1813 - St George, inc Vicars and Curates
Church Officials - Vestry Members, inc appointment Churchwardens & Overseers of the Poor 1731-1782
Fire in March 1666 (4 Houses + barns etc , 6 Familes homeless, £900+ loss)
Fire in April 1829 (£3,000 of property destroyed)
Fires in March 1840 (57 Houses and 250 people homeless)
Fire in Dec 1912 (Serious damage to roof of St Georges Church)
Fordington Manor Notes by Henry Joseph Moule - 1892
Fordington Manor Survey- 1600 Transcription -  -  Tenant Listing with notes & links to other files
Fordington Manor Survey- 1615  Images & transcription -  Tenant Listing with notes & links to other files
Fordington Manor Survey- 1650 Transcription with Tenants
Fordington Manor Survey- 1650 West Mills
Fordington People in Historical documents and newspapers 1610-2010
Glossary, of 17th Century Terms with notes & links on names, places, inns, taverns etc often referred to.
Inquisition of Hermitage - 1598
John Hutchins, The History and Antiquities of the County of Dorset
Maumbury Rings, The Roman Amphitheatre
Militia - Dorset Regt 1758,   1761,   1762,   1763,   1764,   1765,   1766,   1767,   1768,   1769,   1770-1775,   1776,   1777,   1778,   1779-1791   1796   1798/99   1814
Military Pensioners - Included in Dorchester - see opposite
Mill Street Mission - Estb. 1905
Monumental Inscriptions
Noah's Ark Inn Fordington High Street (1860-1940)
Overseers accounts 1724, [1725 Not survived] 1726, 1727/28, 1728/29, 1729,
Overseers accounts 1782-1792 (extracts only)
Overseers accounts 1798-1802 (extracts only)
Poor Law & Apprenticeship Records,1712–1858
Poor Law Records , by Richard Travell
Poor Law - Bastardy Bond William CHURCHILL Husbandman, 1723
Quarter Sessions Records ,1625-1638
Seamans Service Records 49 Records with birth place of Fordington
Society of Friends (Quakers) includes Fordington (1655-1833)
The Foundry Lott & Walne - Fordington High Street (1785-1940)
The Old Malthouse Fordington High Street (1785-1940)
Union Arms Tavern (1839-1931)
Vicars & Prebendaries , of St George's Fordington
Biographies

The ARDEN Family   [1671-1852] 16 times Mayor of Dorchester
Sir Francis ASHLEY JP    [1569 –1635] Recorder of Dorchester
William BARNES      [1801-1886] Poet etc, In Dorchester: Solicitors Clerk 1818-1823, Schoolmaster 1835-1862.
BARTLETT Families of Dorchester & Fordington
Thomas BEACH      [1738-1806] Portrait Painter
Rev.William BENN   [1600 –1680] Rector All Saints & Founder of Dor. Congregational Church
The BLACHFORD Family [1593 –1652] Clothiers of Dorchester
Dennis BOND           [1588 –1658] Woolen Draper, MP and Mayor of Dorchester in 1635
Elizabeth Martha BROWN (Nee CLARKE) [1811-1856] Life, Trial, Execution of
John BROWNE JP     [1582 –1659] of Frampton & Dorchester
Richard BUSHROD   [1575 –1628] Merchant Adventurer of Dorchester
CARDROE Family   From 1557 Merchants of Cerne Abbas and Dorchester
Mary CHANNING   (nee BROOKES)  [1687 –1705] Life, Trial, Condemnation and Execution of
CHURCHILL Family  of Colliton House, Dorchester and Muston Manor, Piddlehinton, Dorset
COLSON Family      From 1621 Apothecaries of Dorchester Twice Mayor of Dorchester
CORBIN Family       From 1535 Bakers of Dorchester
William CUMING MD   [1714-1788] 49 Years Doctor of Physic in Dorchester
Venerable John CORNELIUS   (alias Mohun)  [1557-1594] Executed at Dorchester 1594
Samuel CRUMLEHOLME    [1618-1672] Master of the Dorchester Free School (1651-1657)
William DERBY      [1588-1649] Gentleman & Mercer of Dorchester, Will - 1620
Benjamin DEVENISH    [1574 –1643] Tailor & Master of the Dorchester Brewhouse
Thomas DEVENISH   [1589 – after 1638] Keeper of Dorchester Goal & House of Correction
DEWFOL [Dufall]; BAKER & SPICER Families  [1800 –1905] China & Glassware Dealers
George DYER [Dier]    [1579-1672] Weaver & Pilgrim of Dorchester
James GOULD (1593-1676) MP, Merchant & Mayor of Dorchester 1637
John GORDON [1728-1774]; Indigo Plantation & slave owner in Jamaica, buried at St Peters Dorchester
Nicholas GOULD MP [1635-1691] Mayor of Dorchester 1680
Thomas GRIGG   [1857-1932] Photographic Artist of Dorchester
HAYNE Family   Mercers of Dorchester from the 16th Century
John HILL            [1589-1657] Alderman, Capital Burgess and Mayor (1636) of Dorchester
William KENNEDY [1811-1830] Soldier 5th Dragoon Guards, Trial and Execution
LAKE Family of Dorchester & Fordington
LOCK Family of Dorchester - Link to "A Pedigree compiled by David Beamish" April 2004
John PARKINS       [1571-1640] MP 1621, Mayor 1629
Henry PLOWMAN  [1779-1842] R.N. Surgeon
PITMAN Families of Dorchester from 1692
The POOK Family   of Dorchester & Fordington from 1616
John POUNCY        [1818-1894] & Walter POUNCY [1844-1918] Pioneers in Photography
William Ricketts ROGERS    [1856-1944] Portrait & Landscape Photographer
James SINGLETON   [1832-1905] Photographer of Dorchester
Charles STOODLEY   [d.1690] Mayor of Dorchester in 1682 & Christopher STOODLEY [d.1732.3]
George TRENCHARD I [c1548-1630] MP 1572 & Recorder for Dorchester 1610/11
Sir Frederick TREVES [1853-1923] Baronet, Surgeon to the King, Author of Highways and Byways in Dorset
Bernard TOUP       [c1587-1635] Alderman, Bailiff and Mayor (1634/5) of Dorchester
Thomas WARR      [1830-1916] Veteran of the Charge of the Light Brigade, by Jennifer Dando
Rev John WHITE   [1575-1648] Patriarch of Dorchester & Rector of Holy Trinity
William WHITEWAY  [1570--1640] Senior, Mayor of Dorchester 1631/2
William WHITEWAY   [1599-1635] The younger, the Diarist 1618-1635
John WHITEWAY JP   [1614-1677] Mayor of Dorchester 1645 and 1658
The WILLIAMS Family of Herringston and Dorchester - From the 16th Century
WRIGHT Family of Dorchester - Douglas Norman Wright (1916-2001)
Biographies

John ASHE Family 1593 to 1640 Labourers of Fordington
BARNES Family of Fordington
Rev. Richard Grosvenor BARTELOT [1868-1947] Vicar of St Georges Church Fordington
BARTLETT Families of Dorchester & Fordington
DART/DARK Families of Fordington, Dorchester and Stinsford
Charles CHRISTOPHER  [1700 –1791] Agricultural Labourer of Fordington
Ancestry of Charles CHRISTOPHER [1700-1791] at Edmonsham & Hazelbury Bryan
Joseph CHRISTOPHER of Cheselbourne brother to Charles CHRISTOPHER of Fordington
Charles CHURCHILL (1658-1723) Gentleman of Fordington, Will transcription & link to his family history
John CHURCHILL   of Fordington and Colliton House in Dorchester , MP for Dorchester 1708
Anthony EAMES  [1595 –1661/2] Churchwarden, Constable & Pilgrim of Fordington
Fortunatus FORDINGTON (1746-aft1776) Transported to America in 1773
Elias GALPIN, [1756-1846] Maltster & Beer Retailer,
Robert GALPIN, Maltster & Beer Retailer, Will - 1859
HAYNE Family   Mercers of Dorchester and Fordington
HUNT Family of Fordington and Dorchester from 1587
Ann KEATS/WINZAR  [1794c –1873] Heroine of the Battle of Waterloo
The KNAPTON Family of Fordington and Dorchester [1627-1754] originating from Wiltshire before 1597
LAKE Family of Dorchester & Fordington
Rev. Henry MOULE      [1801–1880] Vicar of Fordington & inventor of the dry earth closet
Rev. Horatio MOULE , [1805 –1886] Chaplain of St Paul's Cathedral Calcutta
Henry Joseph MOULE ,   [1825 –1904] Water Colour Artist
Rev. George Evans MOULE     [1828 –1912] Missionary and Bishop of Mid China
Rev. Frederick John MOULE ,[1830 –1900] Vicar of St Peters Church - Yaxley
Horatio Mosley MOULE , [1832 –1873] Friend of Thomas Hardy
Charles Walter MOULE ,  [1834 –1921] Classical Lecturer & Tutor at Cambridge
Rev. Arthur Evans MOULE ,     [1836 –1918] Missionary & Archdeacon of Mid China
Dr. Handley Carr Glyn MOULE ,[1841 –1920] Bishop of Durham
Rev. John PALMER Vicar of St Georges Church Fordington [1749-1829]
Rev. Edward PELE [PEALE] ,   [1582 –1643] Vicar of Fordington
PITFIELD Families of Fordington from 1685
POOK Family of Dorchester & Fordington from 1616
SIMS Family Baptists of Fordington from 1828/9
SPRAGUE Family     [1597-1700] From Fullers to Founding Fathers
WHITE Family     [1576- to the Civil War 1642] Husbandmen & Yeoman of Fordington
Books & Directories covering both Dorchester & Fordington

Dorchester Remembers the Great War - Index of Soldiers Commemorated on Dorchester & Fordington Memorials - by Brian Bates - 2012
Dorset Poll Book: Dorchester extracts 1807    -   1831   -   1857
Dorsetshire photographically illustrated - by John Pouncy (1818-1894)
Fire from Heaven, - Review of - by David Underdown
Guide to St Peters Church Dorchester - by Rev. A Metcalf - H Ling 23 High East Street 1907
Highways & Byways in Dorset - by Sir Frederick Treves 1853 -1923
History of Dorchester by James Savage published 1837
Memorials to old Dorset edited by Thomas Perkins & Herbert Pentin Published 1907 (Link to - see pages 145-156 by Dr Handley Moule)
Studies in Dorset History (1st half 17th century) by Maureen Weinstock published by Longmans Dorchester Ltd 1953 Partial Index names of people and ships at Weymouth
The Civil Divisions of the County of Dorset by Edward Boswell Dorchester 2nd edition published 1833
Topographical Dictionary of England - Extract for Dorchester & Fordington - by Samuel Lewis -1815

Directories:    Pigots 1830 :    Roberts 1839 :    Pigots 1844 :    Slaters 1852/3:   Harrods 1865:   Post Office 1875:    Kelly's 1889:    Kelly's 1895:    Kelly's 1915 - Page 1:   &   Page 2,    Medical Directories

17th Century Pilgrims from Dorchester & Fordington 1620-1640 to New England

Memoirs of Roger CLAP (1609-1690/1) who emigrated on board the 'Mary & John' in 1630 :    Index
DORCHESTER Company (1624-1626) [Biographies on 29 out of 119 Investors who backed emigration]
George DYER [Dier]    [1579-1672] Weaver & Pilgrim of Dorchester Dorset who emigrated to New England in 1630
Anthony EAMES  [1595 –1686] Churchwarden & Constable of Fordington - Pilgrim who emigrated to Charlestown New England in 1633
EMIGRATION   to New England from Dorchester & Fordington in the 17th Century
FIRE from HEAVEN - Life in Dorchester in 17th Century by David Underdown   Review and Index
Genealogical Dictionary of The First Settlers of New England by James Savage published Boston 1860   Settlers A - C      Settlers D - J      Settlers K - R      Settlers S - Z
Good Old Dorchester (Massachusetts) Link to a narrative history of the town (1630-1893) by Wm Dana Orcutt Published 1908 (entire book wait for it to load)
History of the Town of Dorchester Massachusetts Link to a narrative history of the town by the Dorchester Antiquarian & Historical Society Published Boston 1859
Landing at Cape Anne, or, The charter of the first permanent colony on the territory of the Massachusetts Company ... with ... a history of the colony, 1624-1628, by Roger Conant Govenor - 1854,  :    Index
Old Planters by G H Phippen Essex Institute Historical Collections (See index pages 201 to 206)
ROSE Family of Fordington - Research document into probability that he emigrated with Anthony Eames in 1633.
SPRAGUE Family  of Fordington (and Upwey) - from Fullers to Founding Fathers emigrated to Charlestown in 1628
James WHITE Captain, nephew of Rev John White, of Barbados died Boston New England, Will 1666
Rev John WHITE (1575-1648) Patriarch of Dorchester - The driving force behind establishing a settlement
Rev John WHITE's Rectory - Article by J.E.Acland - 1922


Postcards & Pictures

Dorchester:   The Walks  (10 cards 22 pictures) :    The High Street  (22 cards) :   South Street & Cornhill  (10 cards 3 pictures) :    Town Hall & Nappers Mite (3 cards 4 pictures) :    Romantic Postcards (6 cards) :    Jenfer Dando collection, (9 cards)
Link to Sketch of Dorchester viewed from the Frome Valley in Tate Gallery by Turner 1811

Fordington:   Fordington High St (2012) (22 photos):    Fordington & St Georges Church (17 images),   Pitfield Family Album"(11 photos):   Steve Poulter collection (6 cards),

Maps
1610 County of Dorset
1611 'Dorchester & Fordington' - John Speeds Map
1771 'Dorchester' Extracted from The History and Antiquities of the County of Dorset by John Hutchins
1805-1874 'Dorchester Area' Cassini Historical Maps Pub between 1805 & 1874
1830-1843 Map of Dorset - James Pigot & Co British Atlas
1844 'Tithe Map Fordington'
1886 'Dorchester' Ordnance Survey
1886 'Fordington' Ordnance Survey
1886 'West Fordington Barracks' inc Colliton house & park, Grove House and Christchurch & vicarage
1901 'West Dorchester' Ordnance Survey
1901 'East Dorchester' and Fordington Ordnance Survey
Modern maps visit:- www.multimap.com

Useful Links
Burkes History of the Landed Gentry or Commoners of Great Britain & Ireland
Dorchester British History On-Line      Vol 17 Pages39-64     Vol 12 Pages 104-132
Dorchester Municipal Records
Dorchester The Workhouse
Glossary, of 17th Century Terms
The New & Complete Dictionary of the English Language" by John Ash 1775
Wessex Worthies - Dorset by JJ Fuller FSA

Visitations:  Many Dorset Families originate from outside the County (click sides of book as well as page to advance)
Berkshire :    1532 /1566 /1623 /1665/6
Buckinghamshire: 1566  &  1634
Cornwall:      1620
Cumberland : 1615 & 1666 (Index from page 157)
Devon:          1620
Dorset:          1531  &    1565:  &    1623   Index    :   Pedigrees    :    Addenda (Index to addenda see pages 45-54)    &    1677 Index only
Essex:            1552 / 1558 / 1570 / 1612 / 1634     1664/1668
Gloucestershire:   1623
Hampshire:   1634
Hertfordshire: 1586 & 1634
Huntingdon:   1613
Kent:             1619     1663-8
Lancaster:     1613
Lincolnshire:    1634
London:        1568:   &   1633-1635 A-H   &   1633-1635 I-Z (click sides of book as well as page to advance)
Middlesex:     1663
Oxfordshire   1566;  1568 and 1634
Shropshire:   1623
Somerset:     1531 + 1575 (Alphabetic but in two parts, 2nd part starts page 95)   &  1623
Staffordshire:   1614 +1663/4
Wales:          1586-1613:
Wiltshire:     1565     1623    (Not alphabetic - index at back)
Yorkshire:     1612

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