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My wife's great grandfather was Alfred George Burt, he was a groom for Thomas Merthyr Guest at Inwood House. Alfred George was tragically killed on 16th June 1896,he was struck by lightning whilst cycling along the Top road ? ( is this a top road in Henstridge or a road inside the Inwood Estate ) I also have a family photograph showing all the grooms at Inwood House taken about 1884 I think it may also have Thomas Merthyr Guest and his daughter seated in the middle, it looks like it was taken in front of the Tack room. Anyone who could help in my wife and I finding out anymore about this tragic accident or anyone interested in viewing this photo please contact me.

(Alfred George Burt is the one stood at the back in front of the door)

Photo




 


Hi,
My grandfather-in-law Thomas Smith started his working life with the Earls of Althorp/Lord Spencer through to a butler/steward at Althorp estate and their town house off Piccadilly. When the Lord died around 1909 I was told they moved on to Sandringham. However I decided to find them in 1911 census, difficult with the surname Smith and very surprized to discover Thomas living at Sherborne Road, Henstridge as a House Steward with number of rooms being five. Their third and last child was a James W. Smith for whom I have birth and death dates so checked both for places discovering his birth was registered Mar. 1913 at Wincanton registration district, so guess Thomas was working in a big house somewhere off Sherborne Road, for at least two years and lived in a provided cottage within close proximity. He bought or was given a bungalow in Christchurch, near Bournemouth for his retirement maybe a couple of years before his death in November 1927 aged 54 as he appears on the electoral register there 1926/28. With a name like Thomas Smith I have no idea if he was caught up in WW1. I'd like to know who he worked for in Henstridge and for how long. When with the Spencers he was an avid photographer, so maybe he continued to take pictures whilst at Henstridge? Hope someone can help with any information of Tom and his wife Annie Louisa, children Nelly, Rosa and James.



 


Having found our great, great grandad, Levi Hannam on the 1841 census, they are listed with several other families with the address, Townsend, Henstridge. Was this a workhouse or just a large house in the village? Any info would be much appreciated.


Hi Garry

Thanks very much for the information. I wish I had asked the question sooner as we came to visit Henstridge in August but only really looked at the churchyard.
Hello Christine,

The building is still there and called Towns End, Stalbridge Road, Henstridge. It is now one property and can be seen on ebay at the moment because it is for sale if you put 180713978857 into ebay search it should come up.

The following is under
http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=18743
under the heading LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

In 1736 it was agreed to extend the parishhouse at Townsend and convert it to a workhouse. Two houses were to be built withchambers over in 1783, probably adjoining theworkhouse. (fn. 39) In 1818 the overseers paid forsupplies to a new workhouse including food,fuel, and calico, and for moving the paupers andcarrying their goods. (fn. 40) The three dwellings atTownsend were ordered to be sold in 1868 anda sale was agreed in 1872, by which date onecottage was in ruins. (fn. 41)

From: 'Henstridge', A History of the County of Somerset: Volume 7: Bruton, Horethorne and Norton Ferris Hundreds (1999), pp. 108-119. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=18743 Date accessed: 10 September 2011.

Hope this is understandable, if not email me.
Kind Regards,
Garry

 


Hello. My wife and I are looking into moving to Henstridge. Is there a local choir she could join? And a 'village-in-bloom' set-up?

Also, there seem to be quite a lot of houses for sales in Henstridge at the moment. Are there any massive (re-)building plans we ought to know about?

Many thanks
David



 


Just read Diana Dixon's comments. I am looking on here by chance after googling Henstridge. My hubby's ancestor's lived in the village, but not yet sure of their surname. I have a lovely old postcard sent from them in Henstridge. It shows a street, with Frampton's shop in the foreground and a young gentleman stood on the street corner. The card was sent from Myrtle Cottage, on ***borne Road, Henstridge.

The family in Myrtle Cottage in c1923 (the date of the postmark) were maybe called Tyrell. Can't find anyone by that name in your parish records. Any ideas?



 


Hello my name is Mark and my surname is Henstridge.I was just wondering if there are any Henstridge's who live in Henstridge? I would love to correspond with anyone who lives in Henstridge. I live in Australia (Adelaide) and would like some pictures and learn more of the history of Henstridge.



 


Hi, I am wondering whether there is anyone in the village who attends 9.30 Sunday morning communion at Sherborne Abbey? I would like to go occasionally and being a non-driver am finding transport difficult since we no longer have a weekend bus service. Many thanks



 


Does anyone happen to know if there was a Henstridge House which may have been medieval but pulled down in the early part of the twentieth century please?

I'm from the Heritage Team at South Somerset District Council and we have had an enquiry.

Clare Robinson



 


I was browsing through the Gentleman's Magazine for June 1736, as one does, and found this entry for Tuesday 1 June 1736:

"One Anne Boynton of Old Henstridge in Somersetsh. was delivered of 3 Daughters and one son ; one of the Daughters died, the rest like to live. The Woman has been married but 4 Years, and lain in 3 Times, at first she had 2 Female Children, at the second 2 Male, the third 4 as above."

[ If you want to check this you can find the Gentleman's Magazine online at the Internet Library of Early Journals www.bodley.ox.ac.uk/ilej/ ]



 


I am an ex Henstridge resident (Station Road, 1940s) currently living in S Glos.
I saw on an old archive of ships company crews the name of one Thomas Hunt of Henstridge Ash who served on HMS Bellerophon at the battle of Trafalgar.

Can anyone shed any more light on this man?
Cheers, Barry Lazenbury ex RN.



 


I am trying to trace a Thomas BARNS / BARNES born in Henstridge abt 1823. He married a Sarah LONGMAN from Rimpton around 1838-1841.

They are proving to be very hard to trace. I have also contacted Somerset Archives in case they are able to help.

Any help on the best place to look would be received by a very grateful 3 x great Grandson.

Thanking you in anticipation, Albert


Hi,
I can trace my ancestry back to Thomas Barnes born 1823 Hensage who married Sarah born 1821 Rimpton, and had sons George, James, Charles, John, and Matthew, also daughter Mary.
I am descended from Matthew. I also have information on other members of the family and a genealogy on Sarah Longman which goes back to the 1600s. However, I am not at all sure of the surname of the Sarah married to Thomas in 1841. I would be glad to correspond with you if you like. My e mail address is dpugh@shaw.ca
Hi Stephen
I am also a decendant of George Barnes & Hannah Prosser, would be interested in sharing info, I have quite a lot.If you Email me albertbarneswilson@talktalk.net.
Regards Albert
Hi Albert
I’m also the 3xGreat Grandson of Thomas and Sarah and have been looking without success for their marriage and births of the 3 eldest children George, James and Charles. As you may know on the 1851 Census for Blaenavon the birthplace for George and James is Sherborne Dorset and Charles as Henstridge. Sherborne Registration District covers parts of Somerset including Rimpton which is Sarah’s home town.
I have information mainly regarding George and his descendants of which I’m one and will gladly share.
Regards Stephen

 


Re: the church. The present weather vane was presented to the church by the Royal Naval Air Station, H.M.S.Dipper, which was near the village. The vicar, the Rev. J.Owen Thomas, had a close relation with the airfield and visited the station regularly.
I was a Surgeon Lieutenant at the air station 1944/5 and my wife and I lived in Rose cottage opposite the vicarage. I have very happy memories of Henstridge



 


The family of Stephen and Mary HATCHER were living in Henstridge from 1814 to 1830. Their children were baptised during those years: Charles, Henry Tony, William and John. Stephen was a schoolmaster. Are there any records of school attendance and where can I find them?



 


I have recently discovered that our great grandma was Elizabeth Hannam, born in Henstridge about 1849. She married and became Elizabeth Weare and our grandma was Carrie Weare also born in Henstridge. Does anyone have information on this family or is maybe related?


There are still 'Hannams' in the village.

 


I would like to know where the Birth Death and Marriage records are kept for Henstridge, please as I need to be able to look at them to try and sort out the Coffin family which is becoming very complicated as so many childred born the same year have the same christian name. Also if anyone is able to help me I would be most grateful. Many thanks


I suspect it is the record office

http://www1.somerset.gov.uk/archives/

 


Hello, I found your web site for Henstridge very interesting. My husband and I visited the village in 2010 to see where his Uncle was buried. The uncle tragically died as the result of a shooting accident in 1940, whilst staying with a relative at Park Lane farm. The relative died in 1946 and the family legend says that a female relative who was housekeeper at the farm was discovered down the well, dead a few days later. He was called Andrew Loder and she was Mabel Stainer. We didn't find the farm but did visit the lovely church. We hope to return to the area in the not to distant future to continue our research.
We would like to know where the farm was situated. We did find a derelict farm building at the side of the road on Park Lane which resembled one in a photo we have.
Regards, Janet Jakes



 


I would like to know who owns Inwood House now as my grandad Bill Dark used to keep hounds for Miss Guest and lived in the house further up the lane. I have many happy memories of staying there in the holidays, but was that wood scary to us. Thanks, Diana


Hello Susan
I have spoken to my father who is 85 now Bill Dark who lived in Henstridge. He remembers a Frampton who was a harness maker in the village and also one of the huntsmen for Miss Guest was a Frampton.
I will try and get some more info,
Regards Diana
PS My email address is susancmorris03@yahoo.co.uk.
Hi Diana
My step father, Roy Frampton, who is 85, used to live at Inwood. He was part of the Webber family, who worked on the estate. He still talks fondly about the Darks and Miss Guest.
Is your grandfather still alive?
Susan
The current owner is Count de Pelet

 


To Dan re Bt race to infinity

We actually need a minimum of 1000 votes

I have signed up as a local campaigner and have a few posters stickers etc there is a facebook page setup to track the progress http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Bring-Bt-Infinity-to-Stalbridge-Exchange/174965595852360 if you want a poster let me know on the facebook page or on here Adam


We will get these votes Adam :D, because henstridge has good people like yourself, I had a response from Blackmore Vale magazine but lost the email during restoration, I will contact them tomorrow and persue this, and to the beautiful womnan I gave my trolly to in dikes today, gimme a message ;)

 


IMPORTANT SCAM NEWS
I have just received this from my neighbourhood watch coordinator in the Police
"This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want. Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it. This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.. One of our employees was called on Wednesday from "VISA", and I was called on Thursday from "MasterCard". The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank) did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for £497.99 from a Marketing company based in London ?" When you say "No", the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from £297 to £497, just under the £500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?" You say "yes". The caller continues - "I will be starting a fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 0800 number listed on the back of your card (0800-VISA) and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need me to read it again?"

Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works the caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card." He'll ask you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers." There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?" After you say, "No," the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do", and hangs up You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number .

But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of £497.99 was charged to our card. Long story - short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don't give it to them . Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or MasterCard directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.

What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a "Jason Richardson of MasterCard" with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn't let him finish I hung up! We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening ."



 


Hi Dan
Not an honour - doing me a favour. No, I have no connection with the BVM, I produce Wot's On three times a year on behalf of Henstridge Church and it is delivered to every house in the Parish (if you don't know it, there is a section in the Henstridge Online site where past issues are on display. If you give me a ring (363497) I can let you have my email address.
Many thanks

Gerald



 


A message for Dan!!
I go to press with Wot's On on 16th November. I should love you to do a chirpy item about racetoinfinity encouraging everyone to sign up.


Hi Gerald
It would be an honour to write an article for this :), are you with blackmore vale ?, how would I contact you ?
So many questions lol
Kind Regards
Dan

 


Hi There
I am a new resident to the area and I'm setting up a bussiness to bring more resources and jobs to the area.

It came to my attention that the local British Telecom exchanges haven't been upgraded since the 1960s and that local residence are recieving internet speeds from before the 1990s!.

If enough people vote here: www.bt.com/racetoinfinity ,we can get the local exchange upgraded :D.

So far we have 131 votes of the minimum 800 required, there are 2,104 BT customers using the fossilized Stalbridge exchange (soon to be national trust if we don't upgrade), but the upgrade will have a possative effect on all customers of all telecommunications services in the area, and you can vote even if you are not a BT customer.



 


Hello again. I have been researching my family for some years. Most of my ancestors were from London; where I was born some 60 years ago. Recently I have been concentrating on my late mother's family. On one branch, I am pleased to say, I have found West Country ancestors. Henry Edsall, from Salisbury, married Maria Brine, from Henstridge, in London, where they were both "in service", in 1855. Maria was the daughter of George and Maria Brine (nee Chant), born in 1829 and christened at St Nicholas' church on 29th May. George and Maria had 9 other children but two died in infancy. Maria, the mother, died in 1855 and George in 1868 (aged 85). They were both buried at St Nicholas'. Most of their children left the village and went up to London. The youngest moved to Southampton where he became a steward; presumably at sea. The only child that I have found remaining in Henstridge was Benjamin. He married Sarah Coffin at St Nicholas' on 23rd August (my wedding day!) in 1855.
I wonder if there is any trace of the Brine family in the churchyard? Since they were agricultural labourers I doubt it, but if anybody comes across an inscription I would be very interested.
George and Maria lived at Frog Moor in 1841; which would appear to be near Pond House. Several families lived there so I presume that it was a road or an area. In 1842 George Brine appears on the Church Wardens Accounts occupying a house and garden belonging to Silvanus Longman in the South Division of the parish. In 1871 Benjamin and Sarah are living at Frogmore - different spelling but near Pond House on the census. Can anyone confirm the location of Frogmore and tell me anything about it?


Hi Trevor

We've added a Parish Register page to the site now, although it's as yet very limited.

A search on Brine brings up a few marriages in the 1600's, but keep an eye open on the site as we plan to add more records in future.

Best regards
John

 


Hello, I currently live in Henstridge and as part of my dissertation for uni I have decided to carry out a graveyard survey of St Nicholas. If you have any advice for me then I would be very greatful. I have 8 other assignments to write and work full time too so I'm a little stretched for time as the survey has to be in by May!! If you have any information such as where I can find tithe maps I would be most greatful.

Kind regards,

Rachel


Hi Trevor,
I still haven't managed to get out to the churchyard yet because of this terrible wet weather! I will do though as I need to have the survey done by May! My plan is to put all of the inscriptions onto a spreadsheet and then to hopefully have a link from this website to that information as well as the photographs of the stones and a plan of where they are.
Watch this space!!
Hi Rachel
Good luck with your graveyard survey. Sorry I can't help, but if it includes details of inscriptions on gravestones I and many others delving in to family history would be most interested to see it. Realise you are probably too busy to reply at the moment.

 


Hello,

My great Grandfather Maurice (Morris) Coffin, was born in Henstridge in 1878. I have so far been able to trace his ancestry back to my GGG grandfather Joseph Coffin born in Henstridge in 1809.

Would someone who has a bit of spare time, be able to visit the churchyard and tell me which Coffin family members are buried there, and perhaps any inscriptions on the grave stones.

If anyone is related to or has any connections to The Coffin family, would be nice to make contact. Perhaps in return, I could help someone who has links to devon or cornwall.

Many thanks with any assistance.


Hi Natalie
My great great grandmother, Maria Brine, was born in Henstridge in 1829. One of her brothers, Benjamin, married Sarah Coffin, who was the daughter of James and Mary Coffin. I think James was born about 1805 and so may be a brother of your ancestor. I notice from Ancestry.co.uk that a James Coffin of the right age was sent prison in 1842. I'm glad I'm only related by marriage!
Hi Natalie

We had a quick look while walking out in the snow today. We could only see 3 more recent burials, but there may be others that were obscured.

We'll send you photos of those we saw:

Albert Thomas Coffin, died 29 December 1970 aged 88 years, and his wife Florence, born 16 May 1878, died 16 July 1966.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Harold Coffin, died 14 June 1979 aged 93 years, and his wife Fanny Muriel who died 16 June 1957 aged 68 years.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Albert Coffin, 1913-2008.
--------------------------------------------------------------

 


The First World War and a Somerset Village
Lecture, Photographs and Book Signing
Henstridge Village Hall on Saturday 14th November at 2.30pm
Entrance £1 (donation to be made to Poppy Appeal)
More information available via email to info@warmemorialsww1.co.uk
Come and see the outstanding photography of Norman Crabb and Lynn Rivers.

I have a poster which am wondering if can be uploaded please?



 


Hi,
I have been researching my family history for some time, but I was originally insopired to do so by my father who died in 2005. His name was John Gale (a.k.a George) and he was born in Yenston in 1913 but moved down to a cottage in Henstridge soon after. The family lived in what was then called Yew Tree Cottage. It is the right hand cottage of a pair that back on to Oak Vale, I think in Brook Lane? Three of his uncles fought in WW1, Sidney Gale, who was killed on the Somme in 1916, and I believe is on the War Memorial, Richard Gale who was the eldest and was a regular in the Army Remounts Service before the war, and Albert Gale who was blistered by gas at Passchendale in 1917.
My father continually talked of his childhood in Henstridge and in his later years he revisited the village several times to show us the places of his youth. In his last few years he recorded a short account of his childhood and life in Henstridge, from his birth until he left for London in 1929. He gives lots of details of his life in the village, school, the people and places he encountered and the cottage where he lived. If anyone has any information on the Gale family between c. 1893 when the family moved to the area and 1929 when they left I would love to know about it. My Great-grandfather, also John Gale came to Henstridge to work at the mill, he was an engineer, and stayed there until it burnt down in he early 1900s, when he went to work at Lovelace's Garage.



 


Hi David,
Loose Ends sounds like a fun place to meet - expect me there if not this Friday then within the following two weeks. And in the meantime an outline below of what a potential 'scholar' could expect to find out more about during a workshop. Each session would last for approximately 2 hours and cost £3 which includes materials. It may be that the sessions could run in 6 weeks blocks

FREE TASTER SESSION - An introduction to local history and the various resources available for use.

Session 1 - The Census
Session 2 - Census Practical
Session 3 - Parish Registers
Session 4 - Parish Registers and Family Trees
Session 5 - Tithe Map
Session 6 - Tithe Map Practical

Session 7 - The Parish Council
Session 8 - Poor Law and Union Workhouse
Session 9 - Church Records
Session 10 - School Records
Session 11 - Local Businesses
Session 12 - The Rural Economy

Session 13 - Postcards and Photographs
Session 14 - Local Newspapers
Session 15 - Group project
Session 16 - Group project
Session 17 - Group project
Session 18 - Group project

Not set in stone but to give an idea for anyone interested. I am also pursuing the idea of linking the courses to an academic institution and whether there is any scope for being able to offer 'students' the opportunity to gain an NVQ.




Hi Caroline, You are welcome to come and give us a chat at Loose Ends at any time but what you are proposing would probably need a lot more advertising for you to get the number of people you would probably want. See you soon, Dave

 


Dear Diana Dixon - thank you for your answer to my Cotton Corner query, it would be lovely if you could find out any more for us. Look forward to hearing from you. Ann Taylor-Turton



 


Hi, I live in Sydney,Australia and my ancestors emigrated to Australia from Henstridge and surrounding areas in 1876 arriving in Sydney in February 1877. My Great Great grandfather was Alfred Cornelius Fathers and his wife was Mary Anne (nee Ryall). They emigrated with their 8 children aged between 15 years and 2 months. If there is anybody with any information or would like information on the family, please let me know. I would love some information on the Ryall side of the family as we can only go back as far as Mary's parents Enoch and Sophia (nee Lamb). Mary was born on March 1 1845 in Corton Denham. Thanks


Sophia was born in Corton Denham bapt 27 May 1821 youngest child of William and Mary Osmond. She married Enoch Ryall in 1841

Please let me know if you would like further information.

 


Hello David, many thanks for your message and we will indeed have great pleasure in calling to see you possibly this Friday morning, did not know that there was a cafe in the Village Hall so you have taught us something today eh? Thanks again, Ann



 


My Grandfather Gifford Corry was a Butcher in Henstridge and was in WWI. Most of the information I have on his service I have got from Ancestry. One piece of information I have is about the War Memorial. My Aunt Edyth, when a child, not long after the memorial was erected by the pub, was badly injured when the memorial fell down. It broke both her legs and she was in hospital for a long time. I have yet to research local papers for this event, but maybe you have some information regarding this.
regards
Julia


Thank you so much for taking the trouble to contact me and I would really like to talk with your mother about her memories of Henstridge. The village is/was such a small parish and finding information about it when researching for the book took me to locations far and wide! The personal stories in the book have been contributed by children, grandchildren neices and nephews of those mentioned and really makes the story come alive. There is reference in the book to 'Corry' and some initial information about the accident you refer to which was found, if I remember correctly, in one of the local papers. The irony of the story was intriguing - that the war memorial - a symbol of peace and of commemoration of such devastation - could itself be the cause of further distress by harming small children ie the future generation.

Certainly the Roll of Honour of those serving lists a 'G' Corry which traced back through the absentee voters register revealed to be 'Gifford' whose wife was Alice Louisa living in Church Row but that was all I could find. I am currently finishing the draft for the next book (due out in November) 'First World War Soldiers of the Blackmore Vale' which includes Henstridge and I would be so pleased to include any stories/information/photographs your mother would be prepared to share.

Where was your families butchers shop located? Was 'Gifford' your mother's father?

 


I'm currently researching my great great grandmother Lucy Ann Harris who was born in Henstridge in 1831. Her parents were Phillip Harris, a baker and Mary.
They had 4 children, Elizabeth, Andrew (born 1830 in Henstridge), Lucy Ann and John ( born 1837 in Milborne Port). Lucy Ann married Joseph Connock on 5/4/1858 in Milborne Port and had 6 children. Any details re the Harris family either descendants or ancesters would be a great help


Hi Paul,
Philip Harris is also listed as a corn miller in 1830. Henstridge mill was situated at the bottom of 'Pan Pudding' hill oposite the Bird and Hand Public House. I have had a quick look at 1841 census but the enumerator does not appear to distinguish any one in between 'Yeoman' and 'Labourer' and also unable to find 'Harris' but as say it was a quick look :O). Also have all census info for Henstridge but not a great deal of time at the moment to check for you. There were also two 'Harris' serving in the First World War which is much later and the parents were owners of a business in the High Street, I am not sure if this were relations of the 'Harris's; you are trying to trace (For more information included in the book Henstridge, A Somerset Village and the First World War.)

 


Please do ask me if you have any genealogical or local history enquiries.

Would anyone be interested in learning more about Henstridge and its history via some local history workshops?

I am currently researching a book about first world war soldiers of the area ( having completed 'Henstridge and the First World War' which covers the parish from late Victorian to post WW1 - please see www.warmemorialsww1.co.uk) and would be very happy to hear from anyone who has relatives and/or is connected with the parish


Hi Caroline, A local history workshop sounds like fun. What did you have in mind? You are welcome to come and give us a talk at Loose Ends one Friday morning. Or we could meet up at the pub one night? Dave Rabone

 


Dear David Rabone, your answers to my questions have been really interesting and to the fact that the previous people here were called Hollyday. We have been told they were elderly but not sure if that is the case. I cannot find anything out at all about when this place was built, we can only assume this to be mid 1800's sometime. And how did Furge Lane/Grove get that name I wonder, any help there would be greatly appreciated too. I keep trying to find the cottage address in the census for 1901 and previous but I can only find websites who want to charge the earth to look, all these geneology sites do take so much money from people who have a real interest in the things they research and I think these sites treat people badly by the amounts they charge to check on things. Does anyone know how I can get onto the local census information from 1881 to 1901, they should of course be free for us to look at somewhere. Any help here would be also be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Ann


A reply for Caroline. The operation of a limekiln is described in WIKIPEDIA, the on-line encyclopaedia. Basically, a limekiln is used to burn chalk with coal to produce, typically, agricultural lime or lime based mortar for building.
Hi Ann,
During the Victorian period and possible earlier Furge Grove was originally named Pound Lane and the lay of the land in this part of the village would have been slightly different, Furge Lane would have stretched as far as the turning for Furge Grove/Pound Lane and the rest of the lane up - a through way for workers to the Quarry in Lansdhire Lane - would have been a track. As David mentioned located around the Cotton Corner area was a blacksmiths and it is possible that the lane (like Cotton Corner) became locally known as Forge lane -Also remember that along Limekiln Lane was - well - a lime kiln! Not quite sure where it was or how lime was made - Any ideas?
Hi Anne, I think Furge Lane is Forge Lane pronounced in the Somerset dialect. There was a forge in the Woodhayes/Townsend area upto about 1880. If you want me to look in my files for details, look at the census you mentioned or speak to the people who told me about the Hollydays, then please come and see us at the Loose Ends cafe on Friday mornings in the village hall. I am normally there from 11.30am to noon.

 


Hi, I would like to ask for peoples views about the pedestrian crossings at the A30 crossroads in Henstridge. I think they should have included a replacement pedestrian crossing for our dangerous zebra crossing outside our village school, and i would like to ask everyone who agrees that the last pedestrian crossing they have installed, should have been moved further down Ash Walk to replace this zebra crossing. Please contact William Wallace, our local county councillor, or David Heath MP, as i have done.


Hello David, thanks for your reply. As the work is all finished now, we can all see what work has been done. Yes, they have installed 4 pedestrian crossings on all of the 4 roads...BUT they have placed the one on Ash Walk up by the main A30 traffic lights instead of replacing our schol zebra crossing!!! Thats obviously because the safety of adults getting to the pub or the bus is more important than our school children.....It appears as though Highways do not have to inform the parish about any major works and I have been in touch with the parish council who knew nothing about it. So i, and other parents now want to push for a pedestrian crossing still, to replace the zebra crossing. We have also had an issue about a few inconsiderate parents parking on the zig zag lines when picking up their children. The local police have been liasing with school and letters to parents stating the penalties involved if caught parking illegally.This seems to have helped for the time being, but we still need a traffic light controlled crossing as its not just them that are the issue. It is cars that dont stop to let you cross; cars that dont stop despite you ALREADY being on the crossing with young children, and cars that are speeding.
Hi Esther, I have e-mailed SSDC to ask what is going on at the traffic lights. They said they are renewing all the electronic controls and providing a linked pedestrian crossing for each of the four approach roads. So you should get your wish. Personally, I would think that would bring vehicle traffic to a complete halt in all directions at times, especially when the school children are arriving or leaving.

 


I am trying to obtain any information about my ancestor Mary Ryall. She is listed in the 1871 census as living in Henstridge Ash and is described as being 77 years old, a widow and her occupation as washerwoman.


William Kitchener Ryall who died of influenza in February 1919 and is remembered on the village war memorial was the son of Tom and Elizabeth of Ash End.

 


I am trying to find information on Mary Wicker who lived at Henstridge House in the 1950s (certainly in 1954). My parents rented a cottage from her in Wiltshire and we are trying to gather information on the owners of that cottage.
Any help you can give would be appreciated.
Many thanks, coincidently I discovered that my sister-in-law’s maiden name is Ryall and her ancestors also came from Henstridge. Do you know of any one researching that family? It’s a very small world!


Hi Jennifer, Yes it's a very small world. I live in Sydney, Australia. My Great Great Grandmother's maiden name was Mary Ann Ryall. I gave her details to John & Linda to pass on to you, so if your sister-in-law would like to contact them or me please feel free. I have information I can send via email, I do not have any photos of her because she passed away in 1882 in Sydney, but anything else I can help you with just drop me a line. I look forward to hear from you. Regards Tony

 


Hi Ya, I was in touch with you earlier - about Holly Cottage Furge Lane and also Cotton Corner. I have been trying without any success at all to find the census for 1871/81/91/1901 to trace the name of Holly Cottage, Furge Lane to see when the place was built etc. I cannot find anything that will give me just the addresses, only searched in the name of the occupant. I went onto the Henstridge Parish Council 1861 census forms was Henstridge generally but it bears no relation to any road name that is about now. Can you or anyone help me to try and find a source of info on this, if poss. Its driving me mad. I found out that the place was called Holly Cottage as it was owned for many years by a Mr and Mrs Holloway, apparently, according to the older man in the Ash End Garage, but I cannot find anything else. Please - help me????????!!!!! Many thanks. Ann


Hi again, I've had a quick look thro' my old copies of the Kellys Directory and did not see any reference to the Holloway family or Holly Cottage in Henstridge. However, a building is shown in the right sort of position on the 1878 version of the Ordnance Survey map.
Hi again. I don't know anything of Holly Cottage or the Holloway family, but an area of East Knoyle is called Holloway (see Ordnance Survey map) so perhaps it is a local family name. A friend of mine lives at Holloway House in East Knoyle. Kelly's Directories may be of use for finding out more rather than the Census.

 


Hello. It was good to see the pictures. I lived in Henstridge as a child. I was born in Devon and my Grandad kept hounds for Miss Guest in Inwood and he also lived there in a house that went with the job. I went to Somerset last year and could not believe the change and building work. I have very happy memories of being in Inwood. Kind regards, Diana



 


Hello, have enjoyed reading your bits and pieces here, we too moved into Henstridge in January this year, find it absolutely charming - apart from all the new building going on that is - we live in Holly Cottage in Furge Lane which is an old cottage but we cannot find any history on it at all. Also would love to know why the house on the corner of the lane and High St is called Cotton Corner, have you any ideas on that please. I have searched everywhere I can think of even been in touch with the Parishes around the area but no one seems to know anything. I would love to hear from you if you know anything about all this please. Thanks. Ann


Hi Ann
I believe you came to marsh lane to nmy house to study some documents I had concerning the cottage in furge lane??
is that right?
did you find anything out in taunton or elsewhere??
RE Cotton Corner and Cotton Corner House. Renovation work on the house revealed block up doorways leading into both Gleanings and Sundown next door which suggests that the houses were all one dwelling at some stage. Cotton Corner always had an offical road name sign distinguishing it as such which was (or is?) located on the A357 road side of the house now called Spindle Cottage. There must surely be some history/offical documentation for this possibly in Somerset County Records Office in Taunton or maybe the County Council archives?
Gleanings is probably the older of the two buildings and the larger would havbe been added later.
I do have documents stating that both houses were owned by a Mr Helyar, who moved from the larger into the smaller house in the late 19th century; he then let Cotton Corner House to a local solicitor .

I have a holograph copy of a Will which was probably dictated to a clerk round about the middle of the same century, by a woman who calls herself a 'singlewoman' ( so much more robust than a spinster) and she makes various bequests of land rents therefore i can only assume that she was in possession of the farm in question etc..I will check to see if your cottage is mentioned in the Will and continue then !!
M Cullinan
Hi! I live in Gleanings, which is the small cottage that is attached to Cotton Corner House - my address is officially Marsh Lane; it was my understanding that the original Cotton Corner House was built C1645 and that it started life as a farmhouse, my little bit on the end being convertefd to a dwelling from the dairy premises.

However, I had a recent visit from an architect who was of the opinion that, because of the elaborate and very large inglenook fireplace
which seems integral to the whole building (unnecessary for a dairy)
Welcome to our village Ann, and I hope you come to like living here as much as we all do! As regards new building work remember that when old properties are bought by non-locals then the children of local people have to buy/rent somewhere newly built if they have any chance of staying in the area. And all old homes were new-build once upon a time.

I have been trying to find out more about the families housed on the WWII airfield in the late 40's & early 50's - my father was a baby when he & his brother, sister & my Nan were living there in Nissen huts. A couple of ladies in the village remember the families of Naval servicemen living there, but I wonder if anyone has any more information about the uses of that site in the post-war period?

I always thought it an odd thing that I should eventually come to live in the village my Dad started his life in!
Hi Ann,
Just a thought - can you get hold of the old deeds for your cottage, as these may give you the any former names for the cottage as well as the age. From the information on the deeds listing any previous owners you may be able to link this to an old will, perhaps by visiting the archives in Taunton or Dorchester. Old wills are a fascinating resource as you can often piece together a really insightful story of a previous owner, together with the size of the house, number of rooms, goods and chattels.
Hi there,
Cotton Corner would almost certainly have derived its origins from links with the local gloving industry based in neighbouring Stalbridge and Milborne Port. Many local women and children were employed as outworkers and during the late victorian period the local gloving agent was William Costello who lived at Sunnyside in Whitchurch Lane and is buried in the church yard against the west? wall.
Hi, once again, my neighbour says the last owner of Holly Cottage was called Hollyday and they named the cottage.
Hi, I am an Henstridge resident with an interest in general history. I have found no positive local knowledge about the the naming of Cotton Corner. However, soon after Sir Walter Raleigh became the incumbent at Sherborne Castle, the Bishop of Salisbury died. Queen Elizabeth offerred the bishopric to several people and the post was finally accepted by a John Cotton. The mainstreet is sometimes called London Road, so Cotton corner could be the old junction with the Salisbury to Sherborne Road in Elizabethen times which possibly followed Marsh Lane and Furge Lane and up over Toomer Hill. There is some background information in the book 'Dorset Elizabethans - at Home and Abroad' by Rachel Lloyd.
hello ann
i used to live in henstridge as a child and my dad has just told me my great grandma lived in the house at cotton corner but has no history about it, he is going to ask his brother who still lives in somerset so if i find out i will get back to you.regards diana
It was good to get your feedback, especially as we're not yet registered on the search engines and had not expected to be found yet!

Our local history book does not mention the history of either your cottage or Cotton Corner, so we can't help you there. The only reference I could find for Cotton Corner is that it was built around 1630. However we plan to extend our website to include requests like yours, and could add your request there. We find it's often quicker to get answers from people with local knowledge than trawling through historical records