Let me introduce our Civic Society. We are very active in Blandford and focus mainly on the enhancement and preservation of the matchless character of Blandford. It has been described as "the best, most complete, small Georgian town in England". We are proud of our heritage and keen to maintain it.
The reason for
its "most satisfying Georgian ensemble" is quite simple. The town was
burnt flat in 1731. That is apart from a few outlying houses, and it was
completely rebuilt with Government and Royal assistance immediately afterwards.
The Georgian church, the houses, shambles, streets and yards built then,
by good fortune remain to this day.
A graphic contemporary account of the 1731 fire by Malachi Blake reports that at "about Two of the Clock in the Afternoon a dismal cry of Fire was heard in our Streets. The Inhabitants of the Place were soon alarmed. The Fire first kindled on the Outside of a Soap-boiler's House; occasioned by Sparks that fell from a Chimney upon the Thatch. Our three Engines were soon brought out and play'd, but to no Purpose; for in little more than half an hour they were all burnt. The Wind carried the Fire into distant Parts. The Flames raged, every Thing was soon devoured". It burnt for two days.
Over the past
few years the Civic Society has endeavoured to raise awareness of our
town's recent past with a series of walks that highlight the various types
and styles of architecture, social history and background to many of its
buildings - and its past inhabitants - all aspects of the town that we
take for granted. We invite you to visit us.
BLANDFORD EVENINGS:
On Wednesday evenings during the summer months of 2000, one or more of
the Civic Society's six town guides conduct these enlightening and oft
amusing 2 hour walks at the modest cost of £2.00 per head. Walks alternatively
cover:
- The Heritage Town Centre, mainly Georgian Blandford: 7 June, 5 July, 2 and 30 August, 2000. Meet 7.00 pm by tree in centre of Marsh/Ham Carpark, West Street.
- The Town Perimeter Walk, encompassing Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, and pre- and post-war Blandford: 21 June, 19 July, 16 August, 2000. Meet 7.00 pm in carpark behind Eagle House, Whitecliff Mill Street.
We can lay on specific tours if required, and tours conducted in French
and German can be arranged.
Also by prior arrangement, tours of the Grade One fine Georgian Parish
Church of St Peter and St Paul are available for parties of six to twenty
people.
And earlier in the day, come and visit our Blandford Town Museum in Bere's
Yard, Market Square, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 7HQ, UK which is also
our address. It's closed at the moment but will open on 22 April 2000
at 11am.
Michael Le Bas mjlb@soc.soton.ac.uk
