Blandford Forum

BISHOP'S TRANSCRIPTS & EARLY COPIES

Bishop's Transcripts are copies that the incumbent took of the Registers and presented to the Bishop usually at the Visitation or on an annual basis. Nearly all BT's in Dorset date from 1731 as earlier ones were destroyed in the great fire of Blandford. As many BT's were just on scraps of paper they have been lost and this accounts for the missing years. Also some BT's contain less information than in the registers. The BT's have been filmed by the Church of the Latter Day Saints and are available through them. The only way to access the Parish Registers is to visit the Dorchester Record Office or to obtain photocopies from them. The list below indicates BT's that are known to be missing. There are no BT's for Marriages beyond 1846. Below is a copy of a early register, these extracts were printed in Hutchins History of Dorset

Extract from Hutchins History of Dorset - 1861

The old parish registers probably perished in the fire of 1731 as there are none prior to that date: From the present register:-

Ann, dau of William PITT, bap Aug 29 1718

Mr George WHITMARSH and Mrs Mary PITT, married, being first wedding in the new church, Apr 25 by licence 1739

The Rev, Mr John PITT, bur May 17 1732

Mr Robt. EARLE, bur Jul 3 1737

We learn from the register that the awful penalty of death was inflicted in Blandford during the past century:

 Will. KING and Ben FLUEL, who were executed in the middle of the town, opposite the hall, for robbing Lady Grace Hayes, buried Apr 4, 1741

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