Unveiling Dorchester: A Journey Through 12 Historic Artefacts
Delve into Dorchester’s rich history as we explore a curated collection of 12 objects that encapsulate its storied past. Hand picked from the displays of Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, Shire Hall Museum, and The Keep Military Museum to unearth artefacts that serve as reminders of Dorchester’s heritage.
From ancient relics to more recent treasures, each item holds a tale waiting to be told, weaving together the threads of this historic town’s narrative. Join us on a journey through time as we explore the significance of these artefacts and their impact on Dorchester’s cultural landscape.
1) Fordington Mosaic – Atrium wall: The Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
Adorning the halls of the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, this captivating mosaic once graced the floors of a residence nestled on the outskirts of Roman Dorchester (known as Durnovaria).
It proudly embodies the distinctive Durnovaria style, a hallmark seen in residences and villas throughout Dorset during the illustrious 2nd to 4th centuries CE.
2) Surgeons Saw: Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
Featured here is a surgeon’s saw, likely once wielded by the esteemed Dorchester native, Sir Frederick Treves (1853-1923).
Renowned for his care of Joseph Merrick, immortalized as the ‘Elephant Man,’ Treves also held the distinguished position of royal surgeon to King Edward VII.
3) Echinoid fossil: Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
This fossilized Sea Urchin (Micraster cortestudinarium), unearthed in Dorchester, dates back an astonishing 75–94 million years.
Its discovery stands as compelling evidence suggesting that Dorchester may have once rested beneath the ancient waves of the sea.
4) Thomas Hardy’s violin: Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
This violin, cherished by the renowned novelist and poet Thomas Hardy, resonates with the echoes of his life spent in Dorchester, where he lived, worked, and ultimately passed away.
Guided by the hands of his father in his youth, Hardy mastered its strings, becoming a proficient musician by the tender age of twelve, often joining his family in enchanting local gatherings with melodies that stirred the soul.
5) Moule earth closet: Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
Amidst the cholera crisis of 1854, Reverend Henry Moule emerged as a beacon of innovation and compassion. A prominent figure in Dorchester and the esteemed Vicar of St. George’s Church in Fordington, Moule dedicated himself to improving public health, particularly in the impoverished slums of his parish.
His ingenuity shone brightly with the creation of the earth closet toilet, a groundbreaking solution aimed at curbing the spread of disease. This ingenious invention, a testament to Moule’s commitment to hygiene and sanitation, offered a simple yet remarkably effective composting toilet — a “portable commode for all,” ensuring cleaner and healthier living conditions for communities at large.
6) Dorset Owl/Costrel: Shire Hall Museum
Used by most agricultural labourers throughout Dorset, Dorset Owls acted as a 19th century water bottle for people working long hours in the field around Dorchester.
As water in this period was dangerous to drink (as it was pulled from rivers or wells), labourers would instead drink cider or “small beer”, a weak form of beer which broke down the germs in the water, making it safer to drink.
(item on loan from Dorset Museum & Art Gallery)
7) Victorian Cells Graffiti: Shire Hall Museum
The Graffiti on the cells walls was created in 1947 by a US Navy men named L. Cox. We know from an inscription beside the drawing that he was a “cowpuncher in civilian life”, basically meaning he was a cowboy.
The inscription also tells us he was from Tucson, New Mexico. Due to the laws around pulling information from the archives, we can’t find out about L. Cox until 100 years after the documents were created, meaning we will need to wait until 2047 to find out more about him!
8) 3. Tolpuddle room Fireplace: Shire Hall Museum
George Loveless (‘leader’ of the Tolpuddle Martyrs) described his experience of being brought to the cells in his book ‘Victims of Whiggery’.
He wrote: “On the 15th March, we were ushered down some steps into a miserable dungeon, open but twice a year, with only a glimmering light, and to make it more disagreeable, some wet green brushwood was served for firewood. The smoke of this place, together with its natural dampness, amounted to nearly suffocation, and in this most dreadful situation we passed three whole days”.
9) Hidden Staircase: Shire Hall Museum
The staircase opposite the Tolpuddle cell now leads into the Office at Shire Hall Museum. Its original function, however, was to allow access to the armoury, the original function of our office space.
Guards’ weapons such as batons and handcuffs, but also weapons for the yeomanry and police of Dorchester would also have been stored here.
10) Lion & Unicorn Crest (Courtroom): Shire Hall Museum
This is the British Royal Coat of Arms. This gave a courthouse the legal right to pass the monarchs laws (laws throughout the 1800-1900s were known as the Kings Law or Queens Law). Beneath the coat of arms reads “Dieu et mon Droit”, translating from French to “God and my right”.
Shire Hall had to apply for special permission to retain the coat of arms and keep it on display when the court closed down in 1955.
11) Architectural drawings: The Keep Military Museum
This image showcases the meticulously detailed architectural plans for ‘The Keep,’ which originally served as the gatehouse for the Depot Barracks of the Dorsetshire Regiment. The imposing structure, with its robust design, stands as a testament to the architectural ingenuity of its time. When the barracks were eventually closed, ‘The Keep’ was preserved and repurposed as a museum, ensuring that its historical significance would not be lost to time.
Today, The Keep Military Museum offers visitors a captivating journey through local military history. Within its storied walls, the museum houses a wealth of artifacts, exhibits, and archives that chronicle the distinguished service and heritage of the Dorsetshire Regiment and its successors.
12) Medals of Sargent Kathleen Vidler: The Keep Military Museum
Kathleen Vidler hailed from a distinguished military family that ultimately settled in Dorchester. In recognition of her exemplary service as a member of the Women’s Transport Service, she was awarded several medals. Kathleen’s role was pivotal during both World War I and World War II, where she was tasked with driving ambulances and delivering crucial medical aid to the French and Belgian armies.
The Keep Military Museum in Dorchester proudly houses an extensive collection of such medals, each one a testament to the unique lives and remarkable stories of their recipients. These medals not only symbolize bravery and sacrifice but also serve as a tangible connection to the past, preserving the legacy of individuals like Kathleen Vidler who made significant contributions during times of conflict. The Keep offers a poignant and immersive experience, inviting visitors to explore the rich history encapsulated within its walls and to honor the extraordinary efforts of those who served.