History

Invaluable family history research tips from Marnhull resident expert

The Blackmore Vale Group of the Somerset and Dorset Family History Society kicked off its 2022 series of talks with a fascinating illustrated presentation from Marnhull resident, Adrian Bailey.

Adrian discussed the three main areas of interest for family historians – family history, the history of an individual house and the history of a village. His tales of ‘brick walls’ in his research brought many knowing nods from his audience!

The practice of houses in villages not being numbered – or changing names regularly – is an oft-encountered problem. In fact, even the Post Office does not have records, and the enumerators for the early censuses all used their own methods for recording dwellings. Some lucky people have the deeds to their old houses, which are a treasure-trove of information. But for those who don’t, Adrian had many useful suggestions of different ways to tackle research problems, and there was much lively discussion.

For the Millennium, the residents of Marnhull produced a book about their village, written by the villagers themselves. The publication was edited by Adrian and revealed many interesting stories. Not all the stories were verifiable, but that wasn’t the aim of the book. The Millennium Book was an updated version of an earlier book (1951), and Adrian has since written Where’s that to, then?, which is a further update and involved him walking around and discovering hidden corners of his village. There is nothing like discovering things first-hand rather than on the computer.

The Family History Group’s next meeting is on Wednesday 20 April in The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, at 7.30pm and all are welcome. Another local speaker, Andrew Vickers from Okeford Fitzpaine, will be presenting ‘Some Famous Okefordians’.

There is a small charge on the night of £3 for members and £4 for nonmembers – and a very warm welcome for all! Further information can be gathered from Felicity Harrison on 01258 472942, blackmorevalegroup@ gmail.com.

A towering taste of the Romanesque

Planning for a Jubilee street party?

• Are you considering closing your street for a party to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee? If so, read the guidance on the links from

https://platinumjubilee. gov.uk/get-involvedwith-the-platinumjubilee because you

may need to apply for a road closure from your local council up to six weeks before the date of the Jubilee.

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by Katrina ffiske

Walking past the Italianate church of St Mary and St Nicholas, Wilton, is always uplifting. “I feel like I have arrived in Tuscany,” guests say when visiting. The church is the inspiration of The Hon Sydney Herbert and his mother, the Dowager Countess of Pembroke, whose family seat is Wilton House. Together they travelled to Italy and, like many, fell in love with the country, so decided to create their own mini-Italy in the centre of Wilton.

The church was completed in 1845, replacing the medieval Church of St Mary that was falling into disrepair. It was designed by 34-year-old Thomas Henry Wyatt, a diocesan architect for Salisbury. As requested, he created a church in Romanesque Revival style, with considerable Byzantine influence. The design is typical of Italy, with a campanile (108-feet high). The building is based on the basilica style of a public building in Rome similar to the Courts of Law.

To create a true Italian style, materials – including marble columns – were imported from Europe. There is an important collection of 12th and 13th Century stained glass, much of which is of French, German and Swiss origin and was purchased at auction, with some of the glass coming from St Denis and Germain-des-Pres, Paris. The glass was possibly removed during the French revolution and later found its way into auction houses.

Nikolaus Pevsner, renowned architectural historian, describes the interior as ‘monumental’ and it really is well worth visiting St Mary and St Nicholas Church, Wilton. Take time out from life for a little peace and admire the many beautiful artefacts. Make sure not to miss the Byzantine style mosaic work in the Choir and Lady Chapel, executed by Gertrude Martin (started in 1908, completed in 1948) whose work can also be seen in Westminster Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament.