News Blog

High Quality Exhibits from The High House Press

You can never have too many striking images of Gold Hill. This…

How a forgotten racy novel eclipsed The Great Gatsby

F.Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby , published in April 1925,…

The Greatest Treasure Hunts Start in Dorset

This autumn we’re celebrating artists and artisans who have…

Was Biggles in Real Life a Dorset Farmer?

At 2.30p.m. on Tuesday 05 November at Gold Hill Museum Tony…

“Commanding Scenery” and “Very Fine Air for the Restoration of Health”

"Welcome to Shaftesbury" is our final temporary exhibition of…

‘Young Elizabeth: Princess. Prisoner. Queen’ as told by the author

Dr Nicola Tallis is fast emerging as one of Britain's most popular…

Facsimile of “Alfred Ordered Me Made” Masterpiece Returns To Gold Hill Museum

The ninth century Alfred Jewel was unearthed by the ploughing…

Hollywood Aerial Stunt – or Real Life Above the Western Front?

In 1915 Dorset Royal Flying Corps pilot Louis Strange fell out…

From Private Banker to Aesthetic All-Rounder and Shaper of Stourhead

At 2.30p.m. on 09 April at Gold Hill Museum, the National Trust's…

The 17th century Queen who could say “There were three of us in this marriage”

Professor Maria Hayward, Head of History at Southampton University,…

A Turn of the Century Lady Photographer – and More

Members of the Shaftesbury & District Historical Society…

Restored “Made in Shaftesbury” Cheese Press Gift to Museum

A substantial piece of Shaftesbury's industrial past has been…

Beckford Expert To Give Update On Tower Project

On Tuesday 09 January at 2.30p.m. popular speaker Dr Amy Frost…

Slow and Dirty? Swift and Delightful? or Sabotaged and Defeated?

On Tuesday 05 December at 2.30p.m. at Gold Hill Museum, Professor…

The Impact of the 1914-18 War on Children

Historian and broadcaster Dr Vivien Newman will shed new light…

An Expert View of the Dissolution of the Monasteries

On Tuesday 03 October at 7.30p.m. Professor James G. Clark of…

Two Hundred Years Since A Second Outbreak of Fonthill Fever

On 09 September 1823 the sale by public auction began at Fonthill…

Last Two to Three Weeks for “Women of the World”

This 1913 photograph from Miss Dunn's Grosvenor House School…

A Unique View of Gold Hill, Shaftesbury, Dorset

Elaine Barratt captured this view of one of the most photographed…

A Dynasty of Shaftesbury Clockmakers, All Named Jasper Guy

In April Gold Hill Museum was delighted to receive the generous…

Historic School Photographs On Show During July and August

Forty years ago in 1983 three local secondary schools were merged…

Architectural Oddities of Swanage Revealed to The S&DHS

25 members of The Shaftesbury & District Historical Society…

Museums Education Team Help Abbey Primary School Celebrate a Big Birthday

Claire Ryley and Penny-Jane Swift looked every inch Victorian…

One Week Left to View a Peach of an Exhibition

In September 1931 Doris Peach, youngest daughter of John and…

Who Let The Bloodhounds Out? William Beckford Apparently

Bridport-based artist Jules Cross has very kindly donated his…

The Two Coronations of the Previous King Charles

On 01 January 1651 the 20-year-old Charles II was crowned King…

Join the Historic Byzant Ceremony on Monday 08 May 11.00

The Byzant is unique to Shaftesbury, though it resembles May…

It’s a Peach of an Exhibition

For the new season beginning 01 April 2023 Gold Hill Museum…

Escape or Die 1651 – Charles II the Most Wanted Man

On 03 September 1651 the mainly Scottish army of the 21 year-old…

How Swanage (Dorset) Became “Little London By The Sea”

Former Lord Mayor, Sir John Stuttard, explains at 2.30p.m. on…

Another Chance to See Tyler Photographs of Edwardian Shaftesbury

By popular request, Claire Ryley and Ann Symons are repeating…

Joan of Arc – Condemned to Death for Wearing Trousers?

On Tuesday 07 February at 2.30p.m. at Gold Hill Museum, French…

King Henry VI – More Popular Dead Than Alive?

Dr James Ross, biographer of Henry VI, assesses the claim that…

Rivals for the title of “England’s Worst King”

At Gold Hill Museum at 2.30p.m. on Tuesday 10 January 2023,…

More of a Pit Stop than a Royal Visit

In October 1899 Shaftesbury Council built a temporary grandstand,…

Trace Your Family Tree at Gold Hill Museum

A new Family History group starts at 10a.m. on Thursday 24 November…

Turn of the Century Royal Visit Recorded by Shaftesbury Photographer

On Tuesday 06 December at 2.30p.m. at Gold Hill Museum, Claire…

The Dorset Soldier Who Won The First World War

On Tuesday 01 November at 2.30p.m. Dr Rodney Atwood will talk…

“William Beckford After Fonthill” Lecture at Shaftesbury Town Hall

At 7.30p.m. on Tuesday 27 September Dr Amy Frost, (above, centre)…

Thank You, Ma’am, for a Lifetime of Service

As many people of the UK, the Commonwealth, and throughout the…

The Unsung Dorset Pioneer of Vaccination Against Smallpox

With the next booster campaign of Covid vaccines due to begin…

Laser-Cut Steel Artwork Inspired By Gold Hill Museum Displays

Artist Bruce Williams has completed several commissions for…

Thirty / fifty years of hurt? A century for women footballers

The Lionesses' superb victory in the 2022 Women's Euro Final…

Blue Plaque Trail for Shaftesbury

Most Shaftesbury residents know of the existence of the town's…

The Finest in Motion Picture Entertainment at the Savoy April 1958

Gold Hill Museum was delighted recently to receive from Mrs…

Pre World War One Shaftesbury Through The Camera Lens

Early, mostly open-top, motor vehicles parked in Shaftesbury’s…

Beckford’s Stairway to Heaven, to “the Finest Prospect in Europe”

Visitors from The Shaftesbury & District Historical Society…

Hardy’s Wessex Landscapes – From Casterbridge to Shaston

The largest ever multi-venue show of objects from the life and…

Beckford’s Fonthill Abbey Treasures – Where Can They Be Seen?

To settle enormous debts, slaveowner William Beckford put the…

400 Years of Dorset Buttons

Shaftesbury can lay claim to being the cradle of the Dorset…

Fonthill Fever Breaking Out At Gold Hill Museum

Two hundred years ago the reclusive owner and creator of Fonthill…

Saving Evidence of Shaftesbury Life for Future Reference

Heather Blake had no previous experience of archives when she…

How To Build An Elizabethan Theatre – With No Surviving Plans

Conservation Architect Paul Simons talks on Tuesday 01 March…

In The Footsteps of Thomas Hardy

Thomas Hardy fan and expert Alban O'Brien (above) previews his…

Great War Researcher Chris Posts 1300th Life Story

On 07 January 2022 Shaftesbury & District Historical Society…

Thomas Hardy 01 February Talk is ON

Thomas Hardy fan and all-round literary expert Alban O'Brien…

Making Our Local History Library More Accessible

Gold Hill Museum volunteer Jeanette Hardiman in the process…

Bumper Byzant Magazine Marks 75 Years of The S&DHS

As 2021 ebbs away there is just time to note that The Shaftesbury…

Groundhog Day Moment As January Lecture Postponed For Second Time

As the highly-infectious Omicron variant takes hold, it has…

Lord Mayor’s Lecture on London and Dorset Construction Links Postponed

Sir John Stuttard's illustrated talk London and Dorset: A Shared…
Banqueting House Whitehall

Lord Mayor’s Talk on London’s Architectural Links with Dorset

At 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday 07 December at Gold Hill Museum, former…
Mayflower

Posted in the Past: Second Delivery

Local author Helen Baggott introduces a sample of the postcards…
Unveiling of Park Walk War Memorial

Shaftesbury’s Park Walk War Memorial Unveiled One Hundred Years Ago

On Sunday afternoon 23 October 1921, as reported by the Western…
Christina Richard, author of Mr & Mrs Lockwood Kipling

Tisbury Author Launches New Book on the Parents of Rudyard Kipling

Christina Richard signed copies of her latest book "Mr &…
Enmore Green 2

Enmore Green War Memorial Unveiled One Hundred Years Ago

At 4p.m. on Sunday 09 October 1921 a Memorial to the men of…
Storming of the US Capitol 06 January 2021 (photo by Tyler Merbler)

American History Expert Talks on the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election

There is probably no better qualified British commentator on…
Vickers Victoria cargo and troop carrier

First Mass Evacuation of Civilians by Air – from Kabul in 1928

Perhaps History does repeat itself. In July 1928 King Amanullah…
Jane Shepherd Landscape I

Follow the Blackmore Vale Art Trail to Gold Hill Museum

Local artist Jane Shepherd exhibits a series of paintings exploring…
St James 1914-18 War Memorial

Shaftesbury Remembers the Bastable Brothers

On 16 August 1914 Private William Richard Bastable (service…
John Rutter Human Rights Campaigner

Human Rights Campaigner John Rutter Welcomes The End of Slavery

Slavery was officially abolished in the British Empire on 01…
John Rutter Plaque (2)

John Rutter Blue Plaque to Be Unveiled on 07 August

Angus Campbell, Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, will…
Tyler View of The Commons, Shaftesbury

The Turbulent Quaker of Shaftesbury and Riots in The Commons

The Commons in question being almost a public square where Shaftesbury…
Gold Hill from the Tyler Collection

Gold Hill Museum Opens New Shows From Monday 31 May

Volunteers at Shaftesbury's Gold Hill Museum have been mastering…
Dave Hardiman about to record the voiceover

Dave Hardiman on “The Cantankerous Clergyman” of 1870s Shaftesbury

"If he were not a clergyman, I would give him a good thrashing."…
King's College Chapel (photo by Dmitry Tonkonog)

550 Years Ago England’s Worst King Murdered In The Tower

On 21 May 1471 the last of the Lancastrian kings, Henry VI,…
Mr Toad's Abandoned Caravan

Mr Toad’s Abandoned Caravan, and Other Amazing Spaces

Kindly given by Toad to Ratty and Mole who refurbished it for…
Sir Robert Walpole - First Prime Minister

Three Hundred Years Ago The First Prime Minister Enters Office

Or so the postmark said on today's letters. "(Sir) Robert Walpole…
Drone Pilot - Photographer Chris McComish

Shaftesbury’s Gold Hill Museum Reaches For The Skies

Bristol-based professional video maker Chris McComish was flying…
Coombe House by Albert Edward Tyler

Shaftesbury Vinegar Tycoon and FA Cup Winner’s Country Retreat

Dorset Council has recently bought the former St Mary's School…
Roman Box Room by Tryphena Orchard

Amazing Spaces Challenge Now Open to All

In 2019 Gold Hill Museum was given a collection of superb hand-made…
East Cliff Hall from its garden (2)

One Hundred Years Ago Bournemouth Is Given a Treasure Trove

On 27 January 1921 Sir Merton Russell-Cotes died. In the course…
Miniature Tea Room by Tryphena Orchard

Gold Hill Museum to open Tudor Tea Rooms for 2021 Season (but see below)

Cafe proprietors - and there are several excellent Shaftesbury…
John Rutter Plaque (2)

Blue Plaque to Recognise one of Shaftesbury’s Greatest Citizens

A newly-minted blue plaque, the first to recognise the life…
Horse-powered Threshing Machine

“Swing” Rioters Smash Machinery at Pythouse near Tisbury

On 25 November 2020 local historian Christina Richard wrote:…
Edla Norton Mayor of Shaftesbury 1933 (3)

First Women Mayors – and the Loss of a Popular Male Mayor

In 1933 Edla Marian Norton (nee Eklund) became the first…
Chris-Stupples-800x500

Great War Researcher Chris Clocks Up 1000 Life Stories

In late August 2020 volunteer Chris Stupples posted his thousandth…
Sarah Farmer and mummified cat

BBC South on “Culture in Quarantine” at “Quirky” Gold Hill Museum

BBC South's regional news programme at 6.30p.m. on Tuesday 13…
John Rutter Turbulent Quaker

The S&DHS Holds Successful AGM On-Line

On Thursday 24 September at 11.00a.m. The Shaftesbury &…
Open Free Admission

Gold Hill Museum Opens For Weekends Until 2.30p.m. Saturday 29 August

Gold Hill Museum opened to the public on Friday 07 August at…
Team Harbour Media on Gold Hill

Baker’s Boy Delivers to Gold Hill Museum

Forty-seven years after it was first made, homage continues…
Marconi Factory Chelmsford

One Hundred Years Ago To The Day ….

On 15 June 1920 the renowned Australian operatic soprano Dame…
The_Field_of_the_Cloth_of_Gold

Five Hundred Years Ago to the Day ….

In June 1520 King Henry VIII of England met with King Francis…
Appleby Family CommemorateVE Day 2020

The New Normal in Lockdown Shaftesbury 2020

New levels of inventiveness were necessary to commemorate the…

Such “Goings On” at Shaftesbury – VE Day Tuesday 08 May 1945

Mayor and Mayoress Lead the Revels. Shaftesbury was beflagged…
Carnival Float 1912

Prime Minister Laid Low By Pandemic Virus – September 1918

In September 1918 Britain's dynamic wartime Prime Minister,…
Rin Tin Tin in A Dog of the Regiment 1927

Top Of The Bill – But Not Worth An Oscar

Rin Tin Tin, the canine superstar of the 1920's, was a big hit…
Picture Palace Cinema High Street Shaftesbury

What’s On At The Picture Palace in 1920?

Shaftesbury's cinema The Picture Palace opened in the High Street…
Street Scene from the Tyler Collection

Albert Edward Tyler, 1873-1919, Photographer of Edwardian Shaftesbury

Prior to their now postponed talk Claire Ryley and Ann Symons,…
Thomas Cromwell Visits Shaftesbury Abbey

Thomas Cromwell Visits Shaftesbury Abbey (Perhaps)

In the instalment of Hilary Mantel's new novel 'The Mirror and…
Fire Pump from 1744

Gold Hill Museum Will Remain Closed Until Further Notice

Gold Hill Museum will not open to the public for the new season…
St James from the Tyler Collection

Photographs of Edwardian Shaftesbury 2.30pm Tuesday 07 April 2020 / Now Postponed

For the finale of The Shaftesbury & District Historical…
All Age Events

Toymakers’ Workshop Wednesday 19 February Starts 2p.m.

Gold Hill and Shaftesbury Abbey Museums offer a joint programme…
Great Chalfield Manor by Hugh Wright

Great Chalfield Manor and its People

Great Chalfield Manor, near Bradford-on-Avon, has been the setting…
Shaftesbury Workhouse

On The Parish: Life in Dorset’s Workhouses

The question of how society should address the problem of poverty…
Moulin Rouge

Cancan and the Invention of Gay Paree 1867-1914

Dr Jonathan Conlin of Southampton University ushers in the New…
Jill Sumner with DMA Chair Jon Murden

Dorset Museums Volunteer of the Year Award

Long-serving Gold Hill Museum steward and gardener Jill Sumner…

Stonehenge, Shaftesbury Abbey, and SAVED

BBC4's Digging for Britain, broadcast at 9pm on Wednesday 20…
Claire-Ryley-left-and-Ann-Symons-right

Park Walk’s Café – and Waiting to Watch Cars Crash

October’s Shaftesbury Remembers session has been the best…
Frances (Fanny) Burney 1752-1840 (2)

Dr Deborah Jones Makes A Case For The Brilliant Burneys

Deborah Jones is Secretary of the Burney Society UK and definitely…
Shaftesbury Remembers Dorset Regiment Territorials

“Shaftesbury Remembers” Website Expands Coverage

The Shaftesbury Remembers website, created by Gold Hill Museum…
Steven Gunn at The Sale of Shaftesbury Exhibition

Shaftesbury Miller Meets Unfortunate End

Oxford Professor Steven Gunn gave a polished and pacy Teulon…
September 2019 Mailing to Members

Bumper September Mailing Includes Bonus Pamphlet

Members of The Shaftesbury & District Historical Society…

Tudor Disregard for Health and Safety at its Peak in the Summer

Professor Steven Gunn of Merton College Oxford is leading a…
Annual Garden Party 2019

Perfect Weather for Garden Party

The Shaftesbury & District Historical Society chose one…
Mary Arden's Farm

Tudor Accident of the Month: Making and Taking Worming Powder

July 2019. Intestinal worms were an unpleasantly common affliction…
Perce-pierre or rock samphire

Tudor Accident of the Month: Gathering Rock Samphire

June 2019. Rock samphire is a succulent coastal plant, nutritious…
Charles II Needlework Decorative Box

Dorchester Privilege Visit for S&DHS Members

The 2019 Summer Outing for members of The Shaftesbury &…
BBC South re-create the Hovis ad

TV News Crews Flock to Gold Hill

On Monday 03 June the famous Ridley Scott Hovis ad was re-launched…
Byzant Procession 2019 (2)

Byzant Ceremony Revived For Second Year During Food Fair

Gold Hill Museum volunteers and supporters were prominent among…
Ore-extraction-1521_Annaberg-Bucholz

Tudor Accidents of the Month: May 2019

Tudor England was a dangerous place. There were plagues and…
Meandmymate

Shaftesbury Camera Club Exhibition 04-10 May 2019

Shaftesbury Camera Club return for their fifth Annual Exhibition…
Map of Shaftesbury properties for sale in 1919

Two New Exhibitions For Season’s Start

May 2019 marks the centenary of The Sale of Shaftesbury...
Gold Hill Museum Volunteers 2019

An invitation to join the volunteer team

Each week during the season (starts Monday 01 April) Gold Hill…
Fire Brigade Cartoon

Tea and Talks – Tuesday 02 April 2.30pm

The Tea and Talks session provides an informal opportunity for…
Roman Gardens

Chinese Dragon Lanterns, Snowdrop Tiles and Roman Gardens

By Friday 01 March Shaftesbury & District Historical Society…
Shillingstone Station

The Station They Never Closed – Lecture 2.30pm Tuesday 05 March

Shillingstone Station opened in 1863 lit by oil lamps and closed…
Gold Hill Museum Chairperson Elaine Barratt in the Garden Room

Fish, Chips And Quiz Will Fund Museum Enhancement

Gold Hill Museum’s meeting and venue space is underused and…
Shire Hall Dorchester

Shire Hall: Justice in the Balance – Lecture Tuesday 05 February 2.30p.m.

Shire Hall in Dorchester was Dorset’s courthouse from 1797…
Marie_Stopes (2)

The Remarkable Dr Marie Stopes – Lecture 2.30pm Tuesday 08 January 2019

David Carter, Trustee of Portland Museum, brings an illustrated…
Sales of Shaftesbury

A Hundred Years Since The Sale of Shaftesbury – The Town They Sold Three Times

At the end of the First World War, most of Shaftesbury was sold…
Janet Swiss and Byzant Mural

Share Your Well And Spring Stories With Gold Hill Museum

Do you have a well within your home or a spring on your land?…
John Rutter Turbulent Quaker

Turbulent Quaker of Shaftesbury Book Launch Tuesday 04 December

The Shaftesbury & District Historical Society is delighted…
Craft Workshop

Free Autumn Crafty Event Wednesday 24 October 2-4 p.m.

Gold Hill Museum is hosting an Autumn Crafty Afternoon on Wednesday…
John Penruddock of Compton Chamberlayne (2)

Small Earthquake in Wiltshire (1655) – Lecture Tuesday 06 November 2.30pm

This earthquake was political rather than tectonic. In March…
David Morris at the door of a shepherd's hut

Learn How Shaftesbury Was Once The Centre Of Shepherd Hut Building

Shepherd huts are currently all over the home and lifestyle magazines.…
waterston hutDavid Morris

Was This Gabriel Oak’s Shepherd’s Hut, As Described By Thomas Hardy?

Aeronautical engineer David Morris has devoted his spare time…
Dorset Button Mice

Children Encouraged To Find Special Gold Hill Museum Mice

There are mice in Gold Hill Museum. And the Museum Trustees would…
Ned_Kelly_Wanted_Metal_Sign_ (1)

The Amazing Upjohns

The founder of what grew into a multi-national pharmaceutical…
Ciorstaidh Trevarthen

Expert Declares Museum’s Oldest Object Is Even Older

An unexpected result of the Saturday 14 July session at Gold…
Elaine-Barratt-Museum

Could You Be The Next Chairperson at Gold Hill Museum?

Have you got what it takes to lead one of Shaftesbury’s most…
Sir John Stuttard delves into the archives at Gold Hill Museum

Sir John on “Turbulent John” at Gold Hill Museum Thursday 21 June 3.30pm

Former Lord Mayor of London Sir John Stuttard (above) has, with…
First floor Chapter House Wells Cathedral (2)

S&DHS Members Enjoy Privilege Visit to Wells

Eighteen members of The Shaftesbury & District Historical…
Shaftesbury Camera Club Exhibition 2018

Shaftesbury’s Photographers Give Us Their Best Shots

Twenty years ago, serious photographers had to invest thousands…

Buddhist Monks Create Religious Artwork for Shaftesbury Fringe Weekend

You’ll be able to watch Buddhist monks create beautiful patterns…
The Mayor & Mrs Lewer, Ray Simpson and Roger Guttridge

S&DHS Members Snap Up Signed Copies of Shaftesbury Through Time

At the official launch party held at Gold Hill Museum on 28 March,…
Janet Swiss and Byzant Mural

BV Dairy Sponsors New Gold Hill Museum Exhibitions

Gold Hill Museum opens for the season on Saturday 24th March…
Shaftesbury Through Time compilers

New Photo History Book: Cameras Capture Decades of Shaftesbury Development

Shaftesbury Through Time is published on 15 March by Amberley…
Shaftesbury Abbess

Veteran Diplomat Talks On His Ancestor Mabel Giffard

Mabel Giffard was elected Abbess of Shaftesbury in 1291. She…
Snowdrops Gold Hill Museum Garden

Make Your Own Snowdrop Dragon on Thursday 15 February

Tickets for the Shaftesbury Snowdrop Festival event at Gold Hill…
Dr Kate Giles of York University

Leading Academic Returns Home to North Dorset for Guildhall History Talk

An expert in Britain's historic guildhalls is crediting her Child…
Pen knife

Taking a New and Critical Look at Our Statues

On Tuesday 02 January 2018 at 2.30p.m. at Gold Hill Museum Dave…
Jo-Rutter-blog

Loss of Last Link with Founders of Gold Hill Museum

Members and Trustees of The Shaftesbury & District Historical…
Beckford-2 - blog

‘The two Beckfords of Fonthill’ Podcast

Thanks to Keri Jones for creating, and former Lord Mayor of London…
Alderman-Beckford-portrait - blog

Wealth, Power and a Sex Scandal in the next Gold Hill Museum talk

A former Lord Mayor of London will present his research into…
Website Launch and Podcast

‘Shaftesbury Remembers The Great War’ Podcast

Shaftesbury & District Historical Society member Keri Jones…
Shaftesbury Remembers Website Launch

‘Shaftesbury Remembers’ Website Launched on Armistice Day

It was standing room only in the Anna McDowell Garden Room at…
Smugglers

My Family And Other Smugglers by Roger Guttridge

Roger Guttridge is a direct descendant of North Dorset's most…
Craft Workshop

Half-term Autumn Crafts Day Wednesday 25 October 10.30a.m.- 3.30p.m.

An all-age Autumn Crafts Day at Gold Hill Museum on Wednesday…

King Alfred: Man and Myth – the facts at Shaftesbury Town Hall Tuesday 03 October 7.30p.m.

One of two English kings named "The Great"; saviour of Anglo-Saxon…
Chairman David Silverside with Trip Advisor Certficate of Excellence

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for Gold Hill Museum

Travel website TripAdvisor has awarded its Certificate of Excellence…
2017-18 Programme

Lord Mayor and Diplomat Feature in New Season of History Lectures

Contributors to the 2017-18 programme of Shaftesbury & District…

Centenary of Passchendaele Remembered

Researcher Chris Stupples has listed 31 men from Shaftesbury…

Great Houses near Shaftesbury and their Owners

Local History Librarian and Archivist Ray Simpson has created…
Alfred's only contemporary portrait

Alfred the Great comes third in BBC History Magazine Hot 100 List

Readers of BBC History Magazine have voted King Alfred, founder…
Churchyard Statue (3)

Decapitated Statue – but where and of whom?

The Shaftesbury & District Historical Society is shortly…
Trustees elected at 2017 AGM

King Alfred backs Trustees

At the July AGM of The Shaftesbury & District Historical…
Brigit Strawbridge and Bee Hotel

Bee Hotels in ideal spot says Brigit Strawbridge

Renowned wild bee advocate Brigit Strawbridge has expressed her…
Gold Hill Abbey Wall

Was this photo of Gold Hill taken in 1952?

Fonthill Old Abbey with modern house

In the footsteps of William Beckford

The 06 June summer outing of The Shaftesbury & District Historical…
Gold Hill Abbey Wall

Do you know when this photo of Gold Hill was taken?

Tisbury Tithe Barn and Fonthill Old Abbey

On the afternoon of Tuesday 06 June members of The Shaftesbury…
Restored Sun and Moon Sign

Sensation at The Sun and Moon November 1906

Hanging once again outside Gold Hill Museum, above the passageway…
IMG_0641

19 Lodgers at No.1 Gold Hill in 1911

Members of The Shaftesbury & District Historical Society…
IMG_0611

Gold Hill Museum Opens For The 2017 Season

From Saturday 01 April to Tuesday 31 October Gold Hill Museum…
Dorset Yeomanry

Do You Know These Men?

A photograph recently acquired by the Heritage Lottery Funded…

“I do not think any two boards remained together.”

Dorchester author Philip Browne gave a graphic account of The…
florence 2011

Turn of the Year Exacts Heavy Toll

A few winter weeks have seen the passing of three strong supporters…
IMG_0559

The other “Great” English King, apart from Alfred

A full house at December's Shaftesbury & District Historical…
IMG_0795

Honour for Shaftesbury Museums Volunteer

At the AGM of the Dorset Museums Association held on 24 November…

A Commemoration in Words, Music and Images of the Great War

A moving commemorative event organised on Saturday 12 November…

Smith and Jones Design The Cabinet of Curiosities

Chris Jones of Smith and Jones Design Consultants popped into…

Walter Bagehot – A Voice of Sanity

On Tuesday 01 November at 2.30p.m. in the Garden Room at Gold…

Bumper Audience for “The Beckfords at Fonthill”

Ninety-plus Shaftesbury & District Historical Society members…

Venue for The Beckfords at Fonthill

The subject of the 2016 Teulon Porter Lecture for The Shaftesbury…

Reminisce about Plants and Gardening Tuesday 30 August 2.30p.m.

The next Shaftesbury and the Great War Community Project Reminiscence…

The Beckfords at Fonthill

The Shaftesbury & District Historical Society's season of…

A Cabinet of Curiosities Briefly Opened

On 02 August professional photographer Paul McCabe of Southampton…

Memorial to the Fallen

According to Australian historians Robin Prior and Trevor Wilson…

Sand Mandala Attracts Record Number of Visitors

During the penultimate day of their residency at Gold Hill Museum,…

A Remarkable Work of Art Takes Shape in the Garden Room

From Monday 27 June Tibetan monks from the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery…

Meet the Team on Saturday 25 June 11a.m. – 3p.m.

Each day of the season at Gold Hill Museum six volunteer stewards…

Remembering the Great Battles of 1916

Fourteen British ships were sunk, and over 6000 Royal Navy personnel…

Summer Outing Catches the Midwinter Sun

On 14 June eighteen members of The Shaftesbury & District…

Make and Flavour Soft Cheese with Hedgerow and Garden Herbs

Local herbalist Kate Scott returns to the Garden Room at Gold…
Fire Pump from 1744

What Our Visitors Say

Recent entries in our Visitors' Book: 23 April 2016  A really…

Shaftesbury Remembers the Great War

Claire Ryley (left) and Ann Symons are staging a "Shaftesbury…

Medieval Feast Sunday 15 May 1 – 3 p.m.

As part of the Shaftesbury Food and Drink Festival on Sunday…

Old Wives’ Tales or Old Wise Tales?

Kate Scott returns to Gold Hill Museum on Friday 13 May with…

Five Temporary Exhibitions to see this week

448 visitors came through the door of Gold Hill Museum during…

Spring Awakening

Childhood Theme to Reminiscence Afternoon Tuesday 26 April 2.30 – 3.30p.m.

The focus for the next Reminiscence Afternoon at Shaftesbury…

Tea and Talks at Gold Hill Museum

The Shaftesbury & District Historical Society concluded their…

Tibetan Monks to Create Sand Mandala at Gold Hill Museum

Visitors to Gold Hill Museum from Monday 27 June are promised…

Hands-on Activities for Younger Visitors

Cup and ball, yo-yo, kaleidoscope, slate and chalk: all these…

Shaftesbury Camera Club Exhibition at Gold Hill Museum

Following last year's successful Photographic Exhibition held…
Reminiscence

Reminiscence Afternoon 2.30 – 3.30 Tuesday 29 March at Shaftesbury Library

Ann Symons and Claire Ryley are holding a further Reminiscence…

Life in Shaftesbury and Tisbury Workhouses

A new exhibition for 2016 created by Librarian and Archivist…

34035 “Shaftesbury” arrives at Gold Hill Museum

"Shaftesbury" was one of the Southern Railway Company's "West…

The Language of the Fan at Gold Hill Museum

Gold Hill Museum re-opens on Saturday 19 March with many new…

New Face in the Garden at Gold Hill Museum

Biffo the Gargoyle has taken up residence in the Museum Garden.…

Dorset Mayors Visit Gold Hill Museum

Over 30 Dorset Mayors and their consorts visited Gold Hill Museum…

Ancestry Afternoon Friday 26 February Fully Booked

The opportunity to uncover Family History with the help of experienced…
Reminiscence

Reminiscence Afternoon Tuesday 23 February 2.30 – 3.30p.m.

In conjunction with Shaftesbury Library, Claire Ryley and Ann…
Open Free Admission

Gold Hill Museum Open for the Snowdrop Festival

Take refuge from February's biting winds in the light and warmth…

Finding Pitt-Rivers at Gold Hill Museum

Jane Ellis-Schon brought a tiny sample of the 15,000 objects…

Celebrate the Snowdrop at Gold Hill Museum

Anna McDowell, seen here [left] with her cousin Catherine Erskine…

BBC Radio Solent Visit Gold Hill Museum

Steve Harris, "Breakfast in Dorset" radio presenter based in…

News Blog Connected to Facebook

The Gold Hill Museum News Blog is now connected to both Facebook…

Standing Room Only For Julian Richards

TV archaeologist and Shaftesbury resident Julian Richards attracted…

Operation Warhorse by Julian Richards

The Shaftesbury & District Historical Society's January lecturer…

Dickensians meet Alfred The Great

Visitors to Gold Hill Museum's late-night Christmas shopping…
Dorset Clay Pipes

Dorset Clay Pipes

December's lecturer, Robert Lancaster, brought an array of examples…

Christmas Fun

Christmas Fun at Gold Hill Museum Sunday 6th December 2015 -…

November News

Gold Hill Museum closed its doors at the end of the regular season…

Teulon Porter Memorial Lecture

New President of The Shaftesbury & District Historical Society,…