Memoranda in the Christening register of 1790 - 1812
Transcribed from the original parish register held at the Dorset History Centre in Dorchester and donated to the OPC project by Kim Parker.
"Two Yew Trees were removed in the Year 1768 from the Garden of William Holloway of higher Whatcomb and planted near the South East corner of the Chancel. That nearest to the Chancel stands at the Head of the Grave of Joseph Holloway (William's Brother) who was buried 13 March 1767. Pride, a Labourer of Milborne who assisted in planting them, made the following Verse in the ___:
"Friend Joe lies here 'tis certain true,
Who in his Garden reared this Yew.
Now with respect his brother said
This tree we'll plant close at Joe's Head.
Stop, mortal, as now passeth by
And on this Grave, pray cast an Eye
Prepare thyself and bear in mind
That thou must die and all mankind."
1801
Inhabited houses: 89
Males: 182
Females: 248
Total: 430
1811
Inhabited houses: 82
Uninhabited houses: 3
Families: 90 (of which 41 in agriculture; 27 in trade & 22 independent)
Males: 165
Females: 213
Total: 378
Decrease over the decade: 52