Dorchester

Protestant Dissenters
Wesleyanism, Dorchester 1823-1932

Michael Russell OPC for Dorchester January 2014 (86 bapts 49 Marriages = 135 Records ) - Revised Mar 2023 - Last updated Jun 2024

Jump to: Baptisms 1826-1831     : Baptisms 1831-1837     : Marriages 1841-1903


John Wesley (1703-1791)
John Wesley (1703-1791)
Image in the public domain due to its age


Wesleyanism in Dorchester 1823-1932

Wesleyanism:- is a movement of Protestant Christians who follow the "methods" and theology of the evangelical reformers John Wesley (1703-1791) and his brother Charles Wesley (1707-1788). John Wesley's Journal does not record him ever preaching in Dorchester, but in February 1787 his diary mentions stopping there for dinner on the way by coach from London to Exeter.

By 1823 there was a Wesleyan society in Dorchester, but with only 24 members. Their first known preaching place was a loft over a basket makers shop owned by Mr Robert Rumsey in the 'Bullstake' better known today as North Square. It was fitted out as a place of worship in 1825 with seating for 200 and became part of the Weymouth circuit until 1831

Baptisms during this period were therefore recorded in the register for the Wesleyan Chapel in Conygar Lane in Weymouth. I have managed to identify, from the Non-Conformist Registers [RG4] and Birth Certificates [RG5] held at the National Atrchives, 13 baptisms which were recorded by Wesleyan members in the Weymouth Chapel register which relate to births which occured in Dorchester between 1826 and 1831, and these are now listed in a separate section below.

Wesleyan Chapel in Dorchester

By 1831 growth in Wesleyanism in the area meant that Dorchester could form its own circuit and I have also listed below another 73 baptisms performed at the Wesleyan Chapel in North Square in Dorchester between the years 1831 to July 1837. Many of these relate to births in surrounding parishes such as Bere Regis, Cerne Abbas, Charminster, Dewlish etc. Unfortunately registers after this date do not appear to have been lodged with the Registrar.

The loft was replaced in 1840 by a new chapel built in Durngate Street (All Saints Parish). In the 1870's a new site was purchased on the corner of Durngate Street and South Street. This included the Wood and Stone Inn. The new larger chapel opened in 1875 and extensive work was later carried out to the church between the years 1959-1966. This church then amalgamated with the United Reformed church, South street in 1979, to form the United Church of Dorchester. I have not had access to these records which are on microfiche and can be found separately at the National Archives under ref NM2/S/12. The Methodist church was demolished in 1981.



Primitive Methodist Chapel
The Primitive Methodists were a major offshoot of the principal stream of Methodism - the Wesleyan Methodists. In the early decades of the 19th century there was a growing body of opinion among the Wesleyans that their Connexion was moving in directions which were a distortion of, not to say a betrayal of, what John Wesley had brought to birth in the 18th century. Eventually a Methodist preacher called Hugh Bourne became the catalyst for a breakaway, to form the Primitive Methodists. Probably 'primitive' was used to clarify their self-understanding that they were the true guardians of the original, or primitive, form of Methodism. Link to more information about Primitive Methodists


Primitive Methodist Chapel Durngate Street - Built 1875/6
© Copyright Chris Talbot and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

The Weymouth Primitive Methodist Mission was launched in 1834 by the Sunderland Circuit and included Dorchester, where the missioners were welcombed and encouraged by the local independent minister. He estimated that not more than one in twelve of the 6,000 inhabitants were regular worshipers and offered them the use of his chapel in inclement weather. The mission struggled to survive and still had only 46 members in 1853, but was boosted to 172 during the Ministry of Robert PATTINSON in 1855-9. They met at first in the former Independent Chapel and British School in Durngate Street, until their own chapel was built in 1875-76 at the bottom of that street. At the time of the Union in 1932, still with outstanding debt from extensions in 1901, it was sold to the Salvation Army".
Wesleyan Ministers - Dorchester Chapel (1831- 1932)

Ministers:- were itinerant rotating every 3 years although many seem to have been there for an even shorter period. I have not located a difinitive listing but provided below notes on some of those where there is some evidence they actually served at the Chapel in Dorchester. I have started with those who carried out baptisms there. Quite a number of Wesleyan Ministers appear in various census returns but many are simply recorded as visitors (See location records below).

    (1) Rev. James ALLEN (1802-1880) - (In Dorchester 1831-1832 + 1865) - See Research notes below - He was born in Chatham Kent in 1802 and became a serving Wesleyan Minister in 1826 (1) . He married Susannah the daughter of Isaac WINTER at Wilton in Somerset on 12th Aug 1830 when he was described as James Allen of the City of Ely in Cambridgeshire. They had their first child however (See non conformist registers on ancestry.com) James ALLEN Junior who was born at Sherford in Somerset on 8th June 1831, and a son Richard Watson Allen born at Devises on 24th Oct 1833 and baptised 6th May 1834 so it is doubtful that his family ever came to Dorchester to live. The only firm evidence that we have for his existence in Dorchester is the 7 baptisms he carried out between 1st April 1831 and 28th Jan 1832 which makes me believe that he was not permanently resident in Dorchester but helping to establish the Dorchester Circuit rather than serving a full term. He and his wife had at least 6 children between 1831-1849 and he was a serving Minister in Tiverton Devon in 1841. By 1851 he was a widower and serving in Doncaster Yorkshire with his son Richard Watson Allen who was by then also a Wesleyan Minister. Rev James Allen died 12th Dec 1880 at Richmond Place Holloway Road Middlesex.

      Research Note:-The Manchester University Methodist Biographical Index lists only two Wesleyan Ministers called James ALLEN. One was the Rev James ALLEN (1787-1863) who died at Bramley near Leeds in Yorkshire and had served as a Wesleyan Minister from 1806. We know from an obituary on the Yorkshire Herald in 1863 that he was aged 76 but have no other details. There is also an entry in Harrods Street Directory for Dorchester for the year 1865 which shows the Wesleyan Chapel to be in Durngate Street and the Minister to be Revd J Allen. If this is accurate it can only be the second candidate Rev James Allen (1802-1880) as detailed above who seems a more likely candidate as he married and had a child in nearby Somerset.

    (2) Rev. James OKE (1801-1834) (In Dorchester 1832-1833) - He was baptised at St Tudy Church in Cornwall near Wadebridge on 21st April 1801 the son of Paul Upton OKE (1760-1844) and Mary WILLIAMS (1776-1857). He entered the Wesleyan Ministry in 1826 (1)and served Circuits in south-west England until his death on 1st April 1834 following a long illness. He only carried out four baptisms in Dorchester between Sep 1832 and Jan 1833.

    (3) Rev. Edward BRICE (1811-1859) (In Dorchester 1832-1833)- Born at Bristol in 1811 he entered the Wesleyan Ministry in 1833 and came to Dorchester where he carried out 5 baptisms between April that year and July 1833 before Rev J Armstrong arrived. He carried out one further baptism on 30th May 1834 but then left and married at St Giles in Camberwell on 24th August 1837 to Jane Emily the daughter of John DOBELL. Jane had been born in Jersey c1813 and they were living in Leeds Yorkshire by the birth of their son Edward there in 1839. He was followed by Charles W Brice born in 1843 at howley Yorkshire; Alfred in 1845 in Hudderfield; Henry in 1848 at Liverpoole and Matilda in the parish of St Thomas in Birmingham in 1850. They were living at 18 Bath Row Birmingham in the 1851 Census. The Rev Edward BRICE died at Wolverhampton on 10th May 1859 leaving his widow Jane Emily an estate of £450.

    (4) Rev. J ARMSTRONG (In Dorchester from Oct 1833 to July 1834) Nothing is known apart from 13 baptisms that he carried out at the Chapel. [Note:- The Methodist Biographical Index shows two possibilities for a Wesleyan Minister - Joseph ARMSTRONG who became a Minister in 1808 and died in 1849 and John ARMSTRONG who became a Minister in 1816 and died in 1875.]

    (5) Rev. Joseph LOWTHIAN (1799-1872) (In Dorchester from Oct 1834 to Aug 1836) Born ar Renwick in Cumberland on 28th July 1799 the son of Methodist parents. First appointed to the Brecon circuit in 1822. Married Mary the daughter of John & Mary BROWNRIGG in her home parish of Moreland on 13th Aug 1828 (b.1801 Morland in Westmorland) and raised a family of at least 5 children as listed below.

      (5.1) Margaret Lowthian was born on the 13th Nov 1833 at Hugh Town St Marys in the Scilly Islands and baptised in the Methodist Chapel there on Christmas day in the same year(10) She became a Governess and was visiting in Broughton Salford in Lancashire in 1881 and living with her brother Joseph in 1891.
      (5.2) Joseph Lowthian born in the Parish of St Peters Dorchester Dorset on 2nd Dec 1835. He was delivered by the surgeon John Petty Aldridge and baptised on 7th February 1836. He became an accountant, married a Mary Jane and was living in at St Nicholas Street in Carlisle when his father died in 1872 recorded as a cotton manufacturer. He was still living in Carlise in the 1891 Census with his family and sister Margaret(11)
      (5.3) Mary Jane Lowthian born Melksham district of Wiltshire 1st qtr 1838
      (5.4) Thomas Lowthian born at Lancaster in Lancashire Aug 1840
      (5.5) George W Lowthian born at High Wycombe Buckinghamshire 1845

    In 1833 Joseph LOWTHIAN was Wesleyan Minister at Hugh Town on the island of St Marys in the Scilly islands off Cornwall but was in Dorchester the following year where his son Joseph was born and was one of 15 baptisms he carried out at Dorchester between Oct 1834 and August 1836. He had left for Wiltshire by 1837 and went onto Lancaster in Lancashire by 1840 and High Wycombe by 1845. In 1851 he was serving at Midsomer Norton in Somerset. In 1860 his failing health forced him to become a supernumary but he continued to be a faithful preacher of the Gospel. In 1861 he retired to live at 11 Union Terrace Cheetham in Manchester living with his wife and 2 sons. Joseph died on the 17th Oct 1872 leaving an estate of just under £800 proved by his widow and son Joseph.

    (6) Rev William HARVY [HARVEY and HARVIE] (d.1879) (In Dorchester from Sep 1836 to at least July 1837 ) He entered the Wesleyan Ministry in 1825 and carried out 7 baptisms that we know of at the Wesleyan Chapel in Durngate Street in Dorchester between September 1836 and July 1837 when he submitted the Dorchester Chapel register transcribed below and sent it to the Royal commission on 3rd July 1837. He died at Kilkhampton in Cornwall on 19th May 1879 leaving an estate of under £100.

    (7) Rev. John Bond CHARLES (1833-1900) (Serving in Dorchester in 1861) He was born on 12th April 1833 and baptised at St Mary's Church at Redcliff in Bristol on 25th June 1837 the son of a tailor Edward CHARLES (1798-1877) by his wife Jane BOND (1796-1875). He initially trained as an apprentice to his father before joining the Wesleyan Ministry in 1857. He was serving at the Wesleyan Chapel in Dorchester in April 1861 as the Census for that year shows him living at Grove Buildings West Fordington, but recorded as a 'Wesleyan Minister of the Dorchester Circuit'. By 1865 he had left as he married Alice SMITH at Cirencester Gloucestershire during the 3rd quarter of 1865. They had children in Ross Herefordshire 1868-1870 but were at Tavistock in Devon by 1871. From there he went to Holmsfirth Yorkshire (1880) and St Giles Northamptonby 1881and Hunslet Yorkshire 1891.He retired and died on 21st Sep 1900 at 8 Bristol Terrace Newcastel-upon-tyne leaving a modest estate of £393 to his widow Alice.

    (8) Rev John HUGILL [HEWGILL] (1816-1898) (Serving in Dorchester in 1871)John Hugill the son of John and Jane Hewgill was born on 16th June and baptised at Aberford in Yorkshire on 14th July 1816, he joined the Wesleyan Ministry in 1842 and married in the 4th qtr 1847 to Mary Seller SNELL at Torrington in Devon. She was the daughter of John SNELL (1792-1871) and Ann Seller (1795-1873) and born at Tiverton in Devon on 15th June 1823 and baptised at the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel in Tiverton on 6th Aug 1823. They had 10 children as listed below. In the 1851 Census they were living at Haydon's Buildings in Crediton Devon; By April 1861 at Divinity Square Spilsby in Linconshire and in 1871 resident at 2 Alexamder Terrace Holy Trinity Parish Dorchester aged 54 and recorded as the Wesleyan Minister of Durngate St Chapel. His wife died 3rd qtr 1878 aged 55 at Horsham in Sussex and in 1881, now recorded as a widower, he is living at 21 Chandos Road, Buckingham; He died aged 82 at 56 Hanover Road Plumstead Kent on 18th Nov 1898 leaving an estate of £479.

      (1) John Snell Hewgill born 4th Qtr 1848 at Crewkerne Somerset, By the age of 12 he was at Kingswood Boarding school at Charlcombe near Bath in Somerset. The school was originally founded by John Wesley in 1748. He administered his fathers estate in 1898.
      (2) Eliza Mary Hewgill born c1850 Crewkerne Somerset ; In 1891 Principal of a Ladies School Mayfield Villa Preshute Wiltshire unmarried age 41
      (3) Albert Henry Hugill born 3rd qtr 1852 Crediton Devon; 1911 unmarried aged 58 grocers assistant living Snaith & Cowick West Yorkshire
      (4) Ernest Frederick Hugill born 3rd qtr 1854 Launceston, Cornwall, In 1871 he was a a6 year old student at the Wesleyan College at Trull in Somerset.
      (5) Joseph James Hugill born 4th qtr 1856 Mazrazion in Cornwall
      (6) Charles Alfred born 4th qtr 1858 Totnes Devon
      (7) Edith Ellen Hugill born c1860 Sidmouth Devon ; 1891 Governess unmarried with elder sister Eliza in Wiltshire
      (8) William Dyson Hugill bap 9th Apr 1862 Spilsby Circuit Lincoln
      (9) Lucy Lilian Hugill born 2nd qtr 1864 ; 1891 Teacher of Music unmarried age age 26 with elder sisters
      (10) Rose Emily Hugill born 30 Dec 1869 Banwell Somerset and bap 12 Mar 1869 Wesleyan Methodist Church, Banwell. 1891 Governess living with elder sisters in Wilts

    (9) Rev. Joshua DUFFILL (1828-1896) (Serving 1875) The son of Francis & Elizabeth Duffill he was born in York in 1828 and joined the church to become a Wesleyan Preacher prior to 1851, by which time he was in Beaminster. He married Christiana Blackney 8th Aug 1854 in her parish of Madron, Penzance Cornwall and raised a large family. Whilst in Dorchester he lived at 2 Alexander Terrace but by 1881 had moved to New Sleaford in Lincolnshire with his wife and 6 of his children. He retired to Lincoln prior to 1891 and died at 3 Altham Terrace on 3rd April 1896 leaving a modest estate of only £338.

    (?) Rev. J.HARTLE (Serving 1880-1883) , who has been the pastor of the Wesleyan Chapel at Dorchester for 3 years according to the usage of the connection, is now leaving. His new sohere of labour is Truro, and he leaves with the best wishes and esteem of the Wesleyans of the town and district. Mr HARTLE is succeeded by the Rev. John LEWIS of Portland

    (?) Rev. William James CHANT (1855-1916) (3) (Serving 1885) Born c1855 at Milborne Port Somerset the son of a Beer House Keeper who was also a grocer and baker by trade called George Chant by his wife Susan. His father became a Leather trimmer and he taught William how to make gloves. He left however to join the church and in 1881 he was already a Wesleyan Minister resident in West End Cottage in the village of Breock, Wadebridge in Cornwall. Here he met a native of the village Annie Mary Blake whom he married in Bodmin in 1883. They were living at 2 Alexander Terrace in Dorchester in 1885; and in Atherstone Warwickshire in1887; and London Bow in 1891. He died at Stanley villas Runcorn Cheshire on 31st march 1916 leaving a modest estate of just £487 to his widow

    (?) Rev. Seth SWITHENBANK (1868-1951) (3) (Serving in Dorchester in 1885) The son of a cloth manufacturer James Swithenbank by his wife Elizabeth he was born at Ossett in Yorkshire c1868. He joined the church and would have been on probation during his service at Dorchester under the guidance of Revt Chant as by 1891 he was living back with his parents at 11 Westgate Street Leeds and still undertaking theological studies. He went on to become a Wesleyan Minister of Garforth in Yorkshire and married in the 3rd qtr of 1896 to Mary Katherine Pope (a native of Halifax) in Hampstead in London . He died at Oakfold, 174 Leckhampton Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire on 2nd Feb 1951 leaving an estate of £56,778.8s.9d

    (?) Rev. Richard Henry BLEBY (1846-1891) (serving in Dorchester in 1889) The son of Henry Bleby a Wesleyan Minister originating from Winchcoombe Gloucestershire by his wife Sarah Richard was born in Kingston Jamaica circa 1846. In 1881 Richard was already a widower serving on the Redruth circuit as a Wesleyan Minister and living in the town with his parents his sister and his son. In 1889 he was serving in Dorchester living at 2 Alexander Terrace but by 1891 he had moved on to Bingley in Yorkshire. He died later that year on 18th Sep 1891 but in Penarth Glamorgan Wales leaving a modest estate of £112


Dorchester Baptisms: 1826- 1831 - Held at Conygar Lane Wesleyan Chapel in Weymouth

Transcribed from RG4/0469 and RG4/4679 by Michael Russell OPC for Dorchester - June 2020

    12 Feb 1826 -- William son of William RICKARD of Dorchester in the County of Dorset and of Elizabeth his wife - was born in the town and parish of Dorchester 18th Jan 1826 and baptised 12 Feb 1826 by me Rev J Dunbar.

      [Note:- 1st child from the marriage of William RICKARD to Elizabeth BARTLETT at Bradpole 25th Sep 1824]

    14 Jan 1827 -- Edward son of William RICKARD of Dorchester in the County of Dorset and of Elizabeth his wife - was born in the town and parish of Dorchester 13 Dec 1826 and baptised 14 Jan 1827 by me Rev J Dunbar

      [Note:- 2nd child from the marriage of William RICKARD to Elizabeth BARTLETT at Bradpole 25th Sep 1824]

    22 Apr 1827 -- Frederick son of James WINZAR, Plasterer of the parish of St Peters in Dorchester in the County of Dorset, and Ann his wife who was the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth KEATER, was born on 16th March 1827 and Baptised the 22nd April 1827 by me John Rossell

    14 Oct 1827 -- Entry 3 at the Weymouth Chapel Baptism Register at Conygar Lane, Wesleyan Circuit
    Thomas the son of George HOWE of Dorchester in the Parish of St Peters in the County of Dorset Horse Keeper and of Mary his wife who was the daughter of John and Elizabeth BATT was born on the 27th day of February in the year of our Lord 1827 And was solemnly baptised with water, in the name of the Father, of the son, and the Holy Ghost on the 14th October 1827 by me Rev John Newton

    10 Feb 1828 -- Entry 9 at the Weymouth Chapel Baptism Register at Conygar Lane, Wesleyan Circuit
    James the son of James HAMLYN of Dorchester in the Parish of St Peters in the County of Dorset, Sailor and of Elizabeth his wife, who was the daughter of Samuel and Mary STANLEY, was born on the 20th Dec 1827 And was solemnly baptised with water, in the name of the Father, of the son, and the Holy Ghost on the 10th February 1828 by me Rev John Baker

    06 Jul 1828 -- Entry 18 at the Weymouth Chapel Baptism Register at Conygar Lane, Wesleyan Circuit
    James the son of Robert James TROAKE of Dorchester in the Parish of All Saints in the County of Dorset Excise Officer and of Sarah his wife, who was the daughter of James and Frances EASTERBROOK was born on the 6th day of July 1828 and solemnly baptised with water, in the name of the father, of the son, and of the Holy Ghost on 6th day of July 1828 by ne Rev William H Rouch [Note:- Side line entry "Twins"]

    06 Jul 1828 -- Entry 19 at the Weymouth Chapel Baptism Register at Conygar Lane, Wesleyan Circuit
    Emma the daughter of Robert James TROAKE of Dorchester in the Parish of All Saints in the County of Dorset Excise Officer and of Sarah his wife, who was the daughter of James and Frances EASTERBROOK was born on the 6th day of July 1828 and solemnly baptised with water, in the name of the father, of the son, and of the Holy Ghost on 6th day of July 1828 by ne Rev William H Rouch [Note:- Side line entry "Twins"]

    01 Feb 1829 -- Entry 30 at the Weymouth Chapel Baptism Register at Conygar Lane, Wesleyan Circuit
    Elizabeth the daughter of William RICKARD of Dorchester in the parish of Holy Trinity in the County of Dorset, Gardener and of Elizabeth his wife, who was the daughter of James and Jane BARTLETT was born on the 2nd day of January in the year of our Lord 1829 and solemnly baptised with water, in the name of the father, of the son, and of the Holy Ghost on 1st day of February 1829 by me Rev William H Rouch

      [Note:- 3rd child from the marriage of William RICKARD to Elizabeth BARTLETT at Bradpole 25th Sep 1824]

    29 Mar 1829 -- Entry 34 at the Weymouth Chapel Baptism Register at Conygar Lane, Wesleyan Circuit
    Rose the daughter of George BREADING of Fordington Barracks in the parish of Fordington in the County of Dorset,sadler of Guards and 5th Dragoons and of Ann his wife, who was the daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth Hill was born on the 12th day of March in the year of our Lord 1829 and solemnly baptised with water, in the name of the father, of the son, and of the Holy Ghost on 29th day of March 1829 by me Rev William H Rouch

    05 July 1829 -- Entry 41 at the Weymouth Chapel Baptism Register at Conygar Lane, Wesleyan Circuit
    George the son of George HOWE of Dorchester in the Parish of St Peters in the County of Dorset Horse Keeper and of Mary his wife who was the daughter of John and Elizabeth BATT was born on the 11th day of June in the year of our Lord 1829 And was solemnly baptised with water, in the name of the Father, of the son, and the Holy Ghost on the 5th day of July in the year of our Lord 1829 by me Rev William H Rouch [Note:- Buried Holy Trinity Church Dorchester on14th April 1830. George ans Mary resident in Pease Lane.

    23 Aug 1829 --Entry 46 at the Weymouth Chapel Baptism Register at Conygar Lane, Wesleyan Circuit
    Mary Ann Hardy daughter of Richard FIPPARD of Dorchester in Dorset Tea Dealer and of Melicent his wife who was the daughter of James and Mary HARDY, was born on 28th July 1829 and solemnly baptised with water, in the name of the father, of the son, and of the Holy Ghost on 23rd Aug 1829 by me Rev John Newton

    10 Jan 1830 -- Entry 58 at the Weymouth Chapel Baptism Register at Conygar Lane, Wesleyan Circuit
    William son of William BARTLETT of Dorchester in the Parish of Dorchester in the County of Dorset, Mason and of Susannah his wife, who was the daughter of John and Honour SYMES was born on the 22nd day of December in the year of our Lord 1829, and solemnly baptised with water, in the name of the father, of the son, and of the Holy Ghost on 10th day of January in the year of our Lord 1830 by me Rev John Baker

      [Note:- 1st child from the marriage of William BARTLETT (1805-1895) to Susannah SWYER (1806-1850) at St Georges Church in Fordington on 10th Feb 1829]

    28 Feb 1830 -- Entry 65 at the Weymouth Chapel Baptism Register at Conygar Lane, Wesleyan Circuit
    Thomas son of William RICKARD of Hamilton Row in the parish of Fordington in the County of Dorset, gardener and of Elizabeth his wife, who was the daughter of James and Jane BARTLETT, was born on the 8th day of February in the year of our Lord 1830 and solemnly baptised with water, in the name of the father, of the son, and of the Holy Ghost on 28th day of February in the year of our Lord 1830 by me Rev Thomas Jewell

      [Note:- 4th child from the marriage of William RICKARD to Elizabeth BARTLETT at Bradpole 25th Sep 1824]


    Dorchester Baptisms: 1831-1837 Held at North Square Wesleyan Chapel in Dorchester

    Transcribed from RG4/2409 by Michael Russell OPC for Dorchester and Fordington (January 2014)

    01 Apr 1831 -- Ann the daughter of Robert and Susan HARDING of the parish of Ower in the County of Dorset born Dec 1st 1830 and baptised April 1st 1831 by me James Allen (Originally omitted, recorded 1833)

    01 Apr 1831 -- Mary the daughter of Robert and Susan HARDING of the parish of Ower in the County of Dorset born Feb 10th 1831 and baptised April 1st 1831 by me James Allen (Originally omitted, recorded 1833)

      [Note:- Robert HARDING and Susan GARLAND married on 27th Oct 1829 in the Parish of Owermoigne in Dorset and An and Mary were the first two of their children ; two others William and Elizabeth and listed below

    24 Aug 1831 -- Mary Ann the daughter of William & Susan BARTLETT of the Parish of Fordington was born August 3rd 1831 and was baptised on the 24th of the same month by me James Allen Minister

      [Note:- 2nd child from the marriage of William BARTLETT (1805-1895) to Susannah SWYER (1806-1850) at St Georges Church in Fordington on 10th Feb 1829]

    03 Dec 1831 -- Samuel James PHIPPARD the son of Richard & Amelia PHIPPARD of the parish of Dorchester was born October 28th and was baptized December 3rd 1831 by me James Allen Minister

    03 Dec 1831 -- Mary Amelia BRICE the daughter of Frederick and Ann BRICE the Parish of Dorchester born October 31st and baptised December 3rd 1831 by me James Allen Minister


    Baptisms: 1832

    Jane the daughter of Elizabeth & William RICKARDS of the Parish of Fordington was born Dec 12th 1831 and was baptised January 1st 1832 by me James Allen Minister

      [Note:- 5th child from the marriage of William RICKARD to Elizabeth BARTLETT at Bradpole 25th Sep 1824]

    Joseph William the son of William and Elizabeth BRYDLE of the Parish of Dorchester in the County of Dorset was born January 28th 1832 and baptised February the 25th in the same year by me James Allen Minister

    Joseph the son of James ASH Carpenter in the parish of Ower in the County of Dorset and Mary Ann his wife born Aug 15th 1832 & baptised Oct 15th 1832 by me J Oak (Originally omitted, recorded 1834)

    Hannah the daughter of William BURT a labourer and Ann his wife of the parish of Winfrith was born the fourth of September 1832 and Baptized the Fourth of December 1832 by me James Oke Minister

    Edward son of Edward HOARE shoemaker and tanner [by] his wife of the parish of Bere Regis was born November the twenty sixth 1832 and Baptized December the ninth by me James Oke Minister


    Baptisms: 1833

    John the son of William & Susan BARTLETT of the Parish of Fordington was born January 25th 1833 by me James Oke Minister

      [Note:- 3rd child from the marriage of William BARTLETT (1805-1895) to Susannah SWYER (1806-1850) at St Georges Church in Fordington on 10th Feb 1829]

    Charles the son of William and Elizabeth PENNEY of the parish of Ower was born the 20th day of March 1833 and baptized the 8th of April in the same year by me Edward Brice Minister

    Samuel the son of Henry & Jane RAWLES of the parish of Bere Regis in the County of Dorset was born on the 2nd day of January 1833 and baptized the 2nd of June in the same year by me Edward Brice

    Sarah the daughter of Charles & Sarah ALLEN of the parish of Winfrith Newbury in the County of Dorset was born on the 7th February 1833 and baptized on the 4th of June the same year by me Edward Brice

    Emily the daughter of James & Sarah LOVELESS of the parish of Tolpuddle in the County of Dorset was born February 1st 1833 and Baptised the 28th of June in the same year by me Edward Brice

    William the son of Robert and Susan HARDING of the parish of Ower in the County of Dorset born 12th March 1833 and baptized July 3rd in the same year by me Edward Brice

    Mary Ann daughter of George COLE shoemaker in the parish of Dewlish in the County of Dorset and Hannah his wife born 1st Sept 1833 and baptized 1st Oct in the same year by me J Armstrong

    Henry Clament the son of Joseph BRIDLE of Bere Regis in the County of Dorset Draper and Sarah his wife was born 1832 Nov 22nd Baptised Oct 3rd 1833 by me J Armstrong

    John the son of Robert LANE Labourer of Bere Regis in the County of Dorset and Elizabeth his wife born Sept 8th 1833 Baptized Dec 12th in the same year by me J Armstrong

    Louisa daughter of George ROMAIN Labourer in the parish of Bere Regis in the County of Dorset and Maria his wife born July 26th 1833 Baptized Dec 12th 1833 by me J Armstrong


    Baptisms: 1834

    Caroline the daughter of William BRYDLE Taylor of Dewlish in the County of Dorset and Elizabeth his wife born January 26th 1834 Baptized Feb 4th 1834 by me J Armstrong

    William the son of Frederick LAWRENCE Labourer in the parish of Bere Regis in the County of Dorset and Sarah his wife born September 1833 Baptized Feb 6th 1834 by me J Armstrong

    Elizabeth the daughter of John ARNOLD Labourer in the parish of Winterbourne in the County of Dorset and Sarah his wife born Feb 1st 1834 Baptized Feb 20th 1834 by me J Armstrong

    Frederick the son of Frederick BRICE Butcher in the parish of Fordington in the County of Dorset and Ann his wife Born the 28th January Baptised the 2nd March 1834 by me J Armstrong

    Amelia the daughter of Richard FIPPARD grocer in the parish of Fordington in the County of Dorset and Amelia his wife born 8th March Baptised the 30th March 1834 by me J Armstrong

    Ester the daughter of James SANSOM shoemaker of the parish of Tolpuddle in the County of Dorset and Mary his wife was born April 13th 1834 Baptised May 2nd 1834 by me J Armstrong

    Theophilus the daughter of James LOVELESS of the parish of Tolpuddle in the County of Dorset by Sarah his wife born April 23rd Baptised May 30th 1834 by me Edward Brice

    Frederick son of William RICKARD Gardener in the parish of Fordington in the County of Dorset and Elizabeth his wife born May 25th Baptised June 15th 1834 by me J Armstrong

      [Note:- 6th child from the marriage of William RICKARD to Elizabeth BARTLETT at Bradpole 25th Sep 1824]

    Thomas the son of John CAKE labourer in the parish of Charminster in the County of Dorset and Sarah his wife Born march 31st Baptised 29th June 1834 by me J Armstrong

    Elizabeth daughter of Robert HARDING a blacksmith in the parish of Ower Mine County of Dorset and Susan his wife Born May 20th Baptised July 16th 1834 by me J Armstrong

    Mary Frances the daughter of Joseph and Jane WILCOX of the parish of Bere Regis in the County of Dorset Born July 31st 1831 Baptised October 12th 1834 by me Joseph Lowthian

    Anne daughter of Edward and Tamer HOOCH of the parish of Bere Regis in the County of Dorset Born September 11th 1834 baptised October 12th 1834 by me Joseph Lowthian

    Jane the daughter of James and Mary TOZWELL of the parish of Bere Regis in the County of Dorset Born December 19th 1833 Baptised October 12th 1834 by me Joseph Lowthian

    Edward son of William and Anne RAWLES of the parish of Bere Regis in the County of Dorset Born November 6th 1833 Baptised October 12th 1834 by me Joseph Lowthian

      [Note:- William RAWLES married Ann WILCOX at Bere Regis on 1st Mar 1819]


    Rhoda daughter of Lionel and Ann ELFORD of the parish of Houghton in the County of Dorset Born september the 13th 1834 Baptised November 12th of the same year by me Joseph Lowthian

    Hannah Lydia daughter of Thomas & Mary Ann GROVES [GRAVES] of the parish of Maiden Newton in the County of Dorset was born September 18th 1834 Baptised November 23rd of the same year by me Joseph Lowthian


    Baptisms: 1835

    Andrew James son of James & Jane LANGDOWN [LANGDON] of the parish of Bere Regis in the County of Dorset Born Nov 8th 1834 Baptised Jan 18th 1835 by me Joseph Lowthian

    Susannah Maria daughter of William & Susannah BARTLETT of the parish of Fordington in the County of Dorset was born December 17th 1834 baptised January 25th 1835 by me Joseph Lowthian

      [Note:- 4th child from the marriage of William BARTLETT (1805-1895) to Susannah SWYER (1806-1850) at St Georges Church in Fordington on 10th Feb 1829]


    Jane Matilda daughter of William & Susannah BARTLETT of the parish of Fordington in the County of Dorset was born December 17th 1834 baptised January 25th 1835 by me Joseph Lowthian

      [Note:- 5th child from the marriage of William BARTLETT (1805-1895) to Susannah SWYER (1806-1850) at St Georges Church in Fordington on 10th Feb 1829]


    Elizabeth daughter of Simon & Sarah BISHOP of the parish of Bere Regis in the County of Dorset Born September 23rd 1834 Baptised February 5th 1835 by me Joseph Lowthian

    Elizabeth Ann daughter of James & Martha LEGG of Cerne Abbas in the County of Dorset Born February 21st 1835 Baptised April 21st 1835 by me Joseph Lowthian

      [Note:- James Legg married Martha SCARD at Cerne Abbas on 25th Dec 1834]


    Mary Jane daughter of William & Mary SHUTTER of Piddletrenthide in the County of Dorset Born May 29th 1835 baptised July 2nd 1835 by me Joseph Lowthian

      [Note:- William SHUTTER marrried by licence to Mary STROUD at Piddletrenthide on 4th Aug 1828]


    George Smith the son of John & Frances SHEPHERD of Cerne Abbas in the County of Dorset was born January 9th 1825? and Baptised July 14th 1825? by me Joseph Lowthian

      [Note:- John SHEPHERD married Frances SMITH on 24th Nov 1825 at Cerne Abbas]


    Herbert son of Robert & Sarah OLD of Piddletrenthide in the County of Dorset Born [blank] 1835 Baptised July 15th 1835 by me Joseph Lowthian

    Charles Wesley son of George & Hannah COLE of Dewish in the County of Dorset Borth July 10th 1835 Baptised August 4th 1835 by me Joseph Lowthian

    Arthur son of Job and Jane CURME of Cerne Abbas in the County of Dorset was born September 8th 1835 Baptised October 4th 1835 by me William Solehill


    Baptisms: 1836

    Benjamin son of Lionel & Ann FOSTER of Whitchurch in the County of Dorset Born [blank] Baptised January 6th 1836 by me Joseph Lowthian

    Mary daughter of Thomas & Elizabeth ELFORD of Houghton in the County of Dorset Born December 25th 1835 Baptised January 25th 1836 by me Joseph Lowthian

    Joseph the son of Joseph LOTHIAN Wesleyan Minister of Dorchester in the Parish of St Peters in the County of Dorset and of Mary his wife who was the daughter of John and Margaret BROWNRIGG was born at Dorchester on the 2nd day of December in the year of our Lord 1835 at whose birth was present John Petty ALDRIDGE, Surgeon and Deborah Rogers and who was solemnly baptised with water in the name of the Father of the son and the Holy Ghost on the 7th day of February in the year of our Lord 1836 at Dorchester by Joseph LOWTHIAN - Registered the 24th day of October 1836 Thomas Cordeux Registrar - RG4/4679 Image 131 of 259 Non Conformist File Ancestry.com

    Ann daughter of Joseph & Elizabeth MABY of Cerne Abbas in the County of Dorset Born January 28th 1836 Baptised February 23rd 1836 by me Joseph Lowthian

    Elizabeth Sarah daughter of George & Mary DERRIMAN of Cerne Abbas in the County of Dorset Born November the 6th 1835 Baptised December 29th 1835 by me Joseph Lowthian

    Harriet daughter of George & ROMAIN of the parish of Bere Regis in the County of Dorset Born October 21st 1835 Baptised February 16th 1836 by me Joseph Lowthian

    Louisa daughter of James & Mary SOMERVILL of the parish of Bere Regis in the County of Dorset Born November 8th 1835 Baptised February 16th 1836 by me Joseph Lowthian

    Sarah Jane daughter of John & Jane LEGG of Cerne Abbas in the County of Dorset Born January 29th 1836 baptised March 8th 1836 by me Joseph Lowthian

    Charlotte Stanfield daughter of Joseph & Mary SHAVE in the parish of Whitchurch in the County of Dorset Born March 7th 1836 Baptised June 30th 1836 by me Joseph Lowthian

    Elizabeth daughter of John & Louisa MORRIS of Cerne Abbas in the County of Dorset Born February 4th 1836Baptised June 28th 1836 by me Joseph Lowthian

    Catherine daughter of Joseph & Jane WILCOX of Bereheath in the parish of Bere Regis in the County of Dorset was Born April 7th 1836 and Baptised June the 19th 1836 by me Joseph Lowthian

    Catherine daughter of William & Ann RAWLES of Bereheath in the parish of Bere Regis in the County of Dorset was Born April 30th 1836 Baptised June 19th 1836 by me Joseph Lowthian

    Henry son of William & Frances JACOB in the parish of Bere Regis in the County of Dorset was Born January 7th 1836 baptised July 7th 1836 by me Joseph Lowthian

    Ann Marion daughter of Frederick & Ann BRICE of the parish of Fordington in the County of Dorset was born March 21st 1836 baptised 10th April 1836 by me Joseph Lowthian

    James son of John & Ann FOOT of Sydling in the County of Dorset Born March 26th 1836 Baptised May 8th 1836 by me Joseph Lowthian

    Sarah daughter of William & Elizabeth BRYDLE of Dewish in the County of Dorset Born April 16th 1836 Baptisede May 10th 1836 by me Joseph Lowthian

    Francis [Frances] daughter of George B and Jane ASH in the parish of Bere Regis in the County of Dorset was Born June 12th 1835 and Baptised 13th September 1835 by me Joseph Lowthian

    John Henry son of Joseph & Sarah Ann BRYDLE of the parish of Bere Regis in the County of Dorset was Born December 28th 1835 Baptised March 27th 1836 by me Joseph Lowthian

    Herbert son of Richard and Amelia PHIPPARD of Upper Fordington in the parish of Fordington in the County of Dorset was Born July 28th 1836 Baptised Aug 17th 1836 by me Joseph Lowthian

    Mary Ann daughter of William & Elizabeth RICKARD of Upper Fordington in the parish of Fordington in the County of Dorset was Born July 28th 1836 Baptised August 17th 1836 by me Joseph Lowthian

      [Note:- 7th child from the marriage of William RICKARD to Elizabeth BARTLETT at Bradpole 25th Sep 1824]

    Charles the son of Edward & Tamar HOAR of the parish of Bere Regis in the County of Dorset was Born October 26th 1836 Baptised December 25th 1836 by me William Harvy


    Baptisms: 1837

    Anna daughter of William and Mary SHUTTER of Piddletrenthide in the County of Dorset Born January 1837 baptised February 2nd 1837 by me William Harvy

    John Thomas son of John & Mariah LANE of Cerne Abbas in the County of Dorset Born March 22nd 1837 baptised April 23rd 1837 by me William Harvy

    Mary Gillingham daughter of John & Sarah SHIPHARD of Cerne Abbas in the County of Dorset Born April 29th 1837 Baptised June 25th 1837 by me William Harvy

    Mary Elizabeth daughter of John & Mary Ann BARNETT of Stickland in the parish of Winterbourne in the County of Dorset was Born November 22nd 1837 Baptised June 11th 1837 by me William Harvy

    Stephen son of Charles & Susannah ALLIN of Stickland in the parish of Winterbourne in the County of Dorset was Born may 19th 1837 baptised June 11th 1837 by me William Harvy

    John Wesley son of Thomas and Mary Ann GRAVES [GROVES] of Cerne Abbas in the County of Dorset Born May 4th 1837 Baptised June 25th 1837 by me William Harvy Minister


    4: Records after June 1837


    I do not curreently have access to registers after the start of the General Registry Office on 1st July 1837 as I moved to Yorkshire in 2016. As far as I know they are held at the Dorset History Center in Dorchester and have not so far as I am aware been imaged. It is important that these are properly transcribed and I am prepared to index them if someone can supply images to me. In the absence of formal registers if anyone is aware of baptisms or marriages carried out at the Chapel and they supply details, certificates, pictures etc to me I will add them to this section. In the meantime baptisms and marriages that I have become aware of with their source at listed below.

    28 Dec 1841 - Marriage Between Gideon Wright to Elizabeth Shaw - Source Biography by Rob Wright.

    Gideon Wright Marriage Certificate 1841

    Marriage Solemnized at the Durngate Chapel 28th Dec 1841 between Gideon WRIGHT and Elizabeth SHAW 28th Dec 1841

      [Note:- Little is known of Elizabeth nee Shew's early life except that in June 1841 she was aged between 25 and 29 (1812-1816), already of independent means, and living in Miller's Close in Fordington. She is head of the household and living in the same house is a young journeyman shoemaker Charles Oliver and Gideon's younger 11 year old sister Sarah whose occupation is already given as being that of a servant. Charles Oliver was baptised at nearby Bockhampton on 20th Sep 1818, the son of a carpenter George Oliver by his wife Jane but by 1861 he is a master shoemaker selling boots and shoes he has made from 5 South Street in Dorchester. At marriage Gideon gives his occupation as that of a cordwainer (shoemaker).

      Elizabeth gives her birthplace in 4 later Census returns as that of Weymouth being born between the years 1813-1816. At marriage she does not appear to have known her father's Christian name, perhaps suggesting that both her parents died whilst she was quite young. Elizabeth Wright (1807/1816-1886) was buried at the Civic Cemetery in Dorchester on 26th March 1886 recorded as the wife of Gideon Wright grocer, when her age was given as being 79 (born c1807). Weymouth did not have it's own Anglican Church however until Holy Trinity was built between 1834 and 1836 and prior to that date Weymouth was included within the parish of Wyke Regis. I have not however been able to locate a likely baptism even searching under the surname Shaw, a possible variation.

      After marriage Gideon (Darby) WRIGHT (1821-1900) and Elizabeth nee SHEW settled in All Saints Parish in Dorchester. Follow link provided to separate Biography of his life.

        They had only one child Gideon Denner Wright (1844-1919) who was born at Dorchester on 11th Dec 1844 and probably baptised shortly thereafter in the Wesleyan Chapel. He later married in Cheselbourne to Susannah Jane RIGGS (1846-1931) the daughter of Levi RIGGS (Follow link for more information about their family)

      After Elizabeth's death Gideon remaried in 1889 to Mary Ann BATTISCOMBE (1826-1913) a native of Chelsea at Croydon in Surrey (GRO 4th qtr 1889 Ref 2a/489) and brought her to live in Dorchester at his premises at 19 High East Street. Gideon and Mary are at the same address in the April 1891 census, Gideon aged 69 a grocer and provision merchant, is now recorded as being deaf. Gideon died there on 25th June 1900

    28 Dec 1868 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Durngate Street Dirchester by the Rev.J Mann, Mr G.E.PETERS, to Fanny Bennett youngest daughter of John JOINER. It being the first marriage that has bveen taken place in the Chapel, a Bible and a Hymn book were presented to the young couple by the chapel steward and members of the congregation. [Note:- Source Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette Tue 5th Jan 1869 - ALSO GRO Marriages Between George Edward PETERS and Fanny Bennett JOINER at doirchester 4th qtr 1868 Ref 5a/743 See 1871 Census living all Saints Dorchester Bell street George Edward peters a compositor by trade born Lewes Hampshire with a daughter Bessie Martha peters born Dorchester aged 1 ]

    28 Aug 1870 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester, Mr John JOINER of Bell Street Dorchester, to Elizabeth eldest daughter of Mr George HOLLOWAY, Sergeant Dorset Constabulary, Askerwell [Note:- Source:- Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette Tues 6th Sep 1870 ]

    03 Oct 1874 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester by the Rev. J Duffill, Richard eldest son of Mr. John SLADE, of North Perrott, to Emma eldest daughter of Mr. William MASTERS of Piddletrenthide.[ Note:- Source :- Blandford and Wimborne Telegram Fri 9th Oct 1874]

    05 Dec 1876 - Marriage HUNT-GOUGH - Dec 5th at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester, by the Rev. W.Allen, Gunner F HUNT of the Royal Horse Artillery to Harriett, eldest daughter of William GOUCH of Melbury [Note:- Weymouth Telegram 8th Dec 1876 and Source Southern Times and Dorset County Herald Sat 9th Dec 1876].

    02 July 1878 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester, by the Rev. William Allen (B), the father of the bride, John Hughs ADAMS, R.N. Portsmouth, to Miss Susie ALLEN of 2 Alexander Terrace Dorchester [Source Bridport, Beaminster and Lyme Regis Telegram Fri 5th July 1878]

    09 Aug 1881 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel, Dorchester by the Rev. J.Harte, the Rev. G.K.OSBORN, Wesleyan Minister to Elizabeth (Bess e) sic second daughter of Mr George CROCKER of Dorchester. - - [ Note:- Source Bridport, Beaminster, and Lyme Regis Telegram and also Blandford and Wimborne Telegram - Friday 12 Aug 1881]

    01 Oct 1882 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel, Dorchester by the Rev. W. Allen, Henry MADDOX, of Aldershot, to Mary Jane (Jennie), eldest daughter of Mr.G.READ of priory-crescent Dorchester. - [Note:- Source:- Bridport, Beaminster, and Lyme Regis Telegram - Friday 17 Nov 1882]

    11 Nov 1882 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel, Dorchester by the Rev. W. Allen, George Bucler, second son of Mr.T.PAYNE of Studland, to Elizabeth Ellen, eldest daughter of Mr.James GREEN Charminster. [Note:- Source Bridport, Beaminster and Lyme Regis Telegram - Fri 17 Nov 1882]

    23 Dec 1883 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel, Dorchester by the Rev. W. Allen, Harry Smith KIRBY, to Bessie Strawson JORDON, both of Dorchester. [Note:- Source:- Poole Telegram - Fri 28 Dec 1883]

    10 May 1884 - Marriage by Rev. J.Lewis, Henry W.HUTCHINGS of Sturminster Newton, to Ada second daughter of Mr.T.DAVIS of Walls Down [Note:- Source:- Bridport, Beaminster & Lyme Telegraph Fri 23 May 1884 - Also Poole Telegram 23rd Oct 1884]

    08 Apr 1885 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester by Rev. Lewis, Mr. STICKLAND late of Puddletown, to Mrs. C.CLARKE of Puddlehinton. [Note:- Source Blandford & Wimborne Telegram Fri 17th Apr 1885]

    04 Oct 1885 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester by Rev.R.W.Dillon, Thomas eldest son of the late Mr.J.OLIVER of Fordington , to Sarah Ann Eldest daughter of Mr.J.H.DELLER of Templecombe Somerset [Note:-Source:- Bridport, Beaminster and Lyme Regis Telegraph Fri 9th Oct 1885]

    04 Oct 1885 - Marriage October 4, at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester by Rev. W.Allen, John the eldest son of Mr.George WILTSHIRE, builder to Emma Edith LEGG both of Dorchester. [Note:- Source Blandford and Wimborne Telegram Fri 9th Oct 1885 & Bridport, Beaminster, and Lyme Regis Telegraph Fri 9th Oct 1885]

    29 Oct 1885 - Marriage October 29, at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester by Rev.R.Dillon, William CLOTHIER to Ellen PUCKETT [Source Poole Telegram and Blandford and Wimborne Telegram Fri 30 Oct 1885]

    07 Jan 1886 - Marriage January 7 at the Wes;leyan Chapel Dorchester by Rev. R Dillon, Mr Charles PAINE of Piddletrenthide, to Miss Jane DAMPNEY of Boys Hill Sherborne [Note:- Source:- Poole Telegram Fri 22nd Jan 1886]

    20 Feb 1887 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel, Dorchester by the Rev.Dillon, superintendant minister, Mr G.H.P.MOORS late of Charminster to Mrs. Mary HODGES, West Walks Dorchester [Note:- Source:- Bridport News Fri 25 Feb 1887 ]

    28 Feb 1888 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester by the Rev. R.Dillon, William G. ROBINS to Elizabeth GREEN, both of Stratton. [Note:- Source:- Bridport News Fri 2nd March 1888]

    31 Jan 1889 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester by Rev. J/P. Lowe , Mr T.CURTIS, watchmaker &c dorchester, to Hannah Maria daughter of Mr FISH Grocer &c of Bristol [Source Dorset County Chronicle 7th Fev 1889 ]

    12 Feb 1889 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel in Dorchester by Rev.J.Powell Lowe, Edward SYDENHAM to Mary Ann PENGELLY, both of Frampton [Note:- Source Dorset County Chronicle Thur 14 Feb 1889 and Blandfor Weekly News 16th Feb 1889]

    05 Oct 1889 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel, Dorchester Mr. William FOX to Miss Honor LEGG both of Mappowder near Sherborne [Note:- Source: Blandford Weekly News - Thrs 17 Oct 1889]

    13 Oct 1889 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester, Mr Frederick William HOWE to Miss Alice Deborah WRIGHT, both of Dorchester [Note Source:- Dorset County Chronicle Thur 17 Oct 1889]

    25 Dec 1889 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester between Mr. Walter Henry ALLINGHAM to Miss Ellen Mary ROSSITER both of Dorchester-[Note: Source: Source Bridport News Fri 3rd Jan 1890]

    26 Dec 1889 - Marriage between Mr John MORRIS and Mirs Elizabeth Jane SAUNDERS - Source Bridport News 3rd Jan 1890

      [Entry - MORRIS-SAUNDERS - Dec 26th at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester by the Rev R.H.Bleby Mr John MORRIS to Mrs. Elizabeth Jane Saunders both of Maiden Newton]

    23 Jan 1890 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester by the Rev.R.H.Bleeby, Bombadier Hebry SEAMAN of the Royal Horse Artillery, to Miss Eliza FREE both of Dorchester [Note:- Source Bridport News Fri 31 Jan 1890 and also Southern Times and Dorset County Herald Sat 1st Feb 1890]

    16 Feb 1890 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester by Rev.J.T.Waddy BA , Mr William THOMAS to Miss Ellen SMITH both of Dorchester [Note Source Bridport News Fri 21 Feb 1890]

    21 July 1890 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester by the Rev.R.H.Bleeby, Mr. Edwin Harold OLIVER, to Miss Eliza SMITH, both of Dorchester [Note:- Source Bridport News 25th July 1890]

    02 Sep 1890 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester by Rev W. Allen, Mr F. A. GOLDSMITH third son of Mr C GOLDSMITH of Leighton Buzzard to Alice, only daughter of Mr Joseph DIBBEN Dorchester [Note: Source: Blandford Weekly News Thur 11th Sep 1890 and Bridport News Fri 5th Sep 1890]

    07 Sep 1890 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester Mr. Richard LAKE to Mrs SCOTT, both of Dorchester [Note: Source Southern Times and Dorset County Herald Sat 20 Sep 1890]

    23 Apr 1891 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel, Dorchester, by Rev.H.J.Quilter, bombadier William ROBERTSON of the Royal Horse Artillery, to Annie Symonds LAKE both of Dorchester. [Note:- Source:- Bridport News Fri 01 May 1891]

    25 Dec 1892 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester by the Rev H.J.Quilter, Driver SEARLE of the Royal Horse Artillery, to Miss Annie PERRIGO, both of Dorchester [Source Bridport News Fri 30 Dec 1892 and Weymouth Telgram 3rd Jan 1893]

    10 Sep 1893 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester William Henry LAYTON, 1st Battalion Dorset Regiment to Ellen Louisa JEVONS, both of Dorchester. [Note:- Source Southern Times & Dorset County Herald Sat 23 Sep 1893 and Weymouth Telegram Tue 26th Sep 1893]

    28 Mar 1894 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester, Joseph G.HOWE to Elizabeth COX both of Piddletrenthide [Note: Source Weymouth Telegram Tue 10th Apr 1894. ]

    14 May 1894 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester by the Rev. W.J.Chant, Harry James GODDARD of Buckland Newton to Edith M REID of Acland Road Dorchester [Note:- Source Bridport News Fri 18 May 1894 and Weymouth Telegram Tue 22nd May 1894]

    30 Aug 1894 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester W. ANDREWS of Dorchester to Susannah fifth daughter of James OLIVER of Broadmayne [Note: Source Weymouth Telegram Tue 11th Sep 1894]

    14 Apr 1895 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester Alfred Edward SAMWAYS to Flora A.G.SHEPHERD both of Martinstown [Source Weymouth telegram Tue 23 Apr 1895]

    20 Apr 1895 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester Willie SHERGOLD to Harriett Ann DREW [Source Weymouth telegram Tue 23 Apr 1895]

    12 May 1895 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester Fred, son of J. DAVIS to Annie eldest daughter of George RIGLAR, both of Fordington [Note Source:- Weymouth Telegram Tues 21 May 1895 ]

    15 Juky 1895 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel South Street Dorchester James B. PENFOLD to E.S.AWCOCK both of Dorchester [Note Source Weymouth Telegram Tue 23 July 1895 - GRO Marriages 3rd qtr 1895 between James Breach PENFOLD and Eliza Sarah AWCOCK Dorchester district 5a/694a]

    17 Aug 1896 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester, by Rev. W.J.Chant , William HELLEY of Dorchester to Ellen SNOOK of Lymington [Note Source Bridport News Fri 21 Aug 1896]

    14 Dec 1896 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester , Philip MILES of Kingadon, Somerset, to Mary Ann youngest daughter of the late William TINNEY also of Kingsdon Somerset [Note: Source Weymouth Telegram Tue 22nd Dec 1896]

    26 Sep 1897 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester, William RIDDLE, of Dorchester, to Ida NEAL of Burton Charminster [Note:- Source Weymouth Telegram Tue 28th Sep 1897]

    27 July 1899 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel, Dorchester, Fred MARTIN to Bessie Jane GALE, both of Dorchester [Source Weymouth Telegram Tues 8th Aug 1899]

    25 Dec 1889 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel South Street Dorchester Sidney Lawrence HUNT , of Hilsea Portsmouth to Annie Elizabeth daughter of Eli GOLDRING of Dorchester [Note Source Weymouth Telegram Tue 9th Jan 1900]

    01 Apr 1900 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester by the Rev. T Roberts, Charles Edwin BIRD, to Emily Jane POWERESLAND, both of Dorchester [Note:- Source:- Southern Times and Dorset County Herald]

    17 Apr 1900 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester Frederick WILDS to Jane Ann MATHESON [Source Weymouth Telegram Tue 24 Apr 1900]

    16 Oct 1900 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester by the Rev J.S.Allen and J Howard, the Rev. F.BALCH of Chard, to Ellen Marion daughter of Mr WRIGHT of 40 South Street Dorchester.[Note:- Source Southern Times and Dorset County Herald Sat 20 Oct 1900]

    16 Jan 1901 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester Albert R. ATTWOOD to Minnie Elizabeth HOBBS both of Dorchester [Note:- Source Weymouth Telegram Tue 22nd Jan 1901]

    07 Feb 1901 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel Dorchester William eldest son of J.SEYMOUR of Sytton Surrey to Ethel Maud Kate only daughter of E WINGRAVE of Fordington [near] Dorchester [Note: Source Weymouth Telegram Tue 19 Feb 1901]

    24 Feb 1903 - Marriage at the Wesleyan Chapel in South Street Dorchester by the Rev.J.Howard. George BIRD, to Beatrice Emma BARBER, both of Charminster. p[Note:- Source Southern Times and Dorset County Herald Sat 28 Feb 1903.


    5: Location Records

      1830 - Pigots Street Directory states'the edifices for divine worship in Dorchester are' ---'and 4 chapels belonging to the Independent, Wesleyan Methodists, Baptists and Unitarians'.

      1837 - Source History of Dorchester during the British, Roman, Saxon and Norman --by James Savage published 1837 (page 202) extract 'The Wesleyan Methodists have a chapel in North Street built about the year 1824. The Minister is the Rev OKE. [Note:- Clearly wrong as the Chapel was in North Square and out of date as The Rev James OKE died in 1834.]

      1841 - Source June 1841 Census St Peters Parish Dorchester District 3 - John MASON Senior living in Back South Street Dorchester aged 55 to 59 Wesleyan Minister (Note no Minister living in Durngate Street)
      1841 - Source June 1841 Census Fordington District 4 - George CLEMENT living in Grove Buildings age 25 to 29, Wesleyan Minister Became a Wesleyan Minister in 1839 - died 1903]

      1851 - Source 1851 Census St Peters Parish John STEVENS Head married aged 60 Wesleyan Minister born Runden, Holn, Norfolk with wife Elizabeth age 54 born Palgrave Suffolk and 2 daughters and a servant.

      1852 - Slaters Directory shows the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel to be in Durngate Street.

      1861 - Source 1861 Census Fordington District 8 - Rev. Brownslow WESTBROOK (c1823- ) age 38, born Droxford Hampshire, Coachbuilder and Primitive Methodist & Local Preacher

        [Note:- `He was never a Minister of the church only a local preacher in Dorchester. He was born 22nd Dec 1822 at Droxford in Hampshire the son of James WESTBROOKE (1778-1846) and Elizabeth HARRINGTON (1779-1851). He became a Coachbuilder Journeyman and married Harriett JAMES in March 1845 living at Shoreditch in London and Wimborne Dorset before moving to reside on Fordington Hill by 1861. He was in Wickham Hampshire in 1871 before emigration to New Zealand where he died in 1875.]

      1861 - Source 1861 Census Fordington District 9 - Rev. John Bond CHARLES (1833-1900) unmarried age 27 born Bristol, Wesleyan Minister Dorchester Circuit :
      1861 - Source 1861 Census - James Drewitt ALFORD (c1831-) visitor staying at Grove Buildings Fordington age 30 born Arreton Isle of Wight. Minister United Methodist Church

      1865 - Harrods Directory shows the Wesleyan Chapel to still be in Durngate Street and the Minister to be Revd J ALLEN.

      1866 - 31 Jan - Richard PULMAN name appears in the Description of Prisoners Admission & Discharge Registers for Dorchester Gaol (1863-1868 File -) Recorded as a Wesleyan resident at Grove Buildings Dorchester age 12 arrested for stealing herrings

      1871 - Source 1871 Census All Saints Parish 21 Woolaston Terrace - John PERRETT Visitor single Aged 27 Wesleyan Minister born Bath Somerset

        [Note:- Rev John PERRETT (1844-aft 1911) (Visitor in Dorchester 1871) Wesleyan Minister Resident at 22 Wollaston Villas All Saints Parish Dorchester - aged 27 (i.e.) Born c1844 Bath Somerset; Married c 1872 Eliza Jane native of Shrewbury Shropshire and had 2 children; Herbert J Perrett born St Helier Jersey 1874 & Sydney A Perratt born Marple in Cheshire 1876 who had died by 1901; Resident at Coventry Road Eastbourne Sussex 1881; Resident 1891 Fairfield Farnham Surrey with family; Resident 1901 20 Clarence Sq Alverstoke Hampshire ;Resident in 1911 Admirals Road, Park Gate Southampton aged 67 recorded as a retired Wesleyan Minister.

      1871 - Source 1871 Census Fordington District 9 -
        - Gideon Denner WRIGHT was born in Dorchester in 1844 the son of a master grocer Gideon WRIGHT by his wife Elizabeth. They lived circa 1861-65 at 17 and 18 Grove Buildings in West Fordington where his father ran his grocery business. Gideon Denner married in 1869 in Cheselbourne Dorset to Susannah Jane RIGGS the daughter of a farmer Levi RIGGS a native of Dewlish. The 1871 Census describes him as a Grocer and Provision Merchant and Wesleyan Local Preacher follow link to more information about the family.

      1875 - The Post Office Directory - Wesleyan Chapel Durngate Street and the Minister to be Revd J DUFFILL living at 2 Alexander Terrace

      1881 - Source 1881 Census - Rev. William MARTIN age 25 unmarried born Bridgewater somerset; is lodging at 23 High West St Dorchester described as Primative Methodist Minister of Dorchester Chapel

       

      The Western Gazette for Friday 5th Sep 1873 states" Wesleyan Chapel: The Rev W.Dunstan has just been removed from Swindon to the Dorchester Circuit, in place of the Rev. T.L.Taylor and commenced his duties on Sunday, by preaching two sermons in the Wesleyan Chapel in Durngate Street.

      National Archives Kew - Copy of Conveyance NM2/S/11/TS/7/5 Date 19th June 1873 Property Messuage situated in St Peters Parish in the occupation of Sarah Warren but now of Richard Curtis and William Durden. The property is a corner house bounded on the north with Durne Lane, on the east by the Wood and Stone Public House, on the south by a messuage occupatied by Aaron Turner and the west with South Street - Condition To be used to build a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel.

      The 1886 Ordnance Survey Map shows the Methodist chapel (Wes.) to be on the south corner of South street where it is joined by Durngate street.

      Kellys directory for 1889 shows the Chapel to be in South street (erected 1875) and the Revd Richard Henry Bleby Wesleyan Minister resident at 2 Alexander Terrace

      Kellys Directory for 1895 shows the Chapel in South street was built in 1875 in the Italian Style at a cost of £4,000 with the Architect being Mr W.S.Allardyce. Also that the Ministers were Rev. William Chant whose private residence was 2 Alexander Terrace& Rev. Seth Swithenban.

      The 1901 Ordnance survey map still shows the chapel to be on the south corner of South street where it is joined by Durngate street.

      Kellys Directory for 1915 shows the Chapel still in South street and the Minister to be Revd John Edmund Lewis who was living at Grassington, Prince of Wales Road Dorchester
      1970 - British History On-line : Dorchester: Former Chapel, in Durngate Street, of brick rendered in stucco, is probably the Wesleyan Chapel opened 22nd Dec 1840. It now forms part of a printing works.


    Sources:-
    (1) Manchester University Methodist Biographical Index
    (2) Return of baptisms to Royal Commissioners 1831-1837 Also The Minutes of the Methodist Conference on Archive.org 1873
    (3) Slaters directory 1852
    (4) Kellys Directory 1885
    (5) Harrods Directory of 1865
    (6) Kellys Directory 1915
    (7) CLDS IGI
    (8) various Census returns
    (9) National Probate Records
    (10) This birth and baptism is registered at the Methodist Registry Office in Paternoster Row near St Pauls Church in London entry 66 in the register on 21st Dec 1835 Folio 1026 No.9042 and confirms his wife's maiden mane and parentage RG5/204
    (11) This birth and baptism is in RG4 Wesleyan Metropolian Register Paternoster Row Entry 9494

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