Book captures town’s history

11:56am Wednesday 2nd July 2008

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EMINENT local historian Terry Hearing has chosen a collection of articles that he originally wrote for the Rotary Club of Dorchester's newsletter and shaped them up into a delightful little book about the town.

History On Your Doorstep is a look at the people and places around Dorchester.

Its short well-illustrated chapters cover a range of topics including Maiden Castle, Nappers Mite, the town's workhouse, prison and foundry and more. Among the characters he brings back to life are Judge Jeffreys, the Tolpuddle Martyrs and two Dorset magistrates who really were named Jekyll and Hyde.

Terry, of Martinstown, weaves the facts into a series of vignettes that bring to life the people who made Dorchester their home in past times.

The book is priced £4.99 and proceeds go to the Rotary Foundation, a charity that promotes friendship and aid across the world.

Terry said: "I wrote all these articles for the newsletter and Rotarian David Betts suggested that we put them together to make a book. So here it is."

Copies of the book are available at Dorset County Museum, Dorchester Tourist Information Centre and from Terry on 01305 889346.