History

Discovering Dorset (Volume 2)

Anyone who has been captivated by Dorset will relish this latest visit to one of Britain’s most spectacular counties. Your journey begins at Studland, where we take the Chain Ferry across Poole Harbour, first visiting the millionaires’ playground of Sandbanks.

A stroll around Poole Quay reveals how the town developed, largely through its trade links with North America; at its peak in the 18th century it was one of the busiest ports in Britain. In more recent times, it was a major embarkation point for the D-Day landings of the Normandy Invasion.

After looking at some of Poole’s most historic buildings, as well as Holes Bay and the national headquarters of the RNLI, we take a majestic boat trip around the second largest natural harbour in the world, which includes a view of Brownsea Island, where Robert Baden-Powell set up the first Scout Camp in 1907.

We then set sail on the world’s last seagoing paddlesteamer, Waverley, which berthed at Poole for the first time since 1987. As we reached Branksome Dene Chine, the presentation was handed over to distinguished Bournemouth historian and tour guide John Walker. John explains the history of significant sites such as the Royal Exeter Hotel, once home of the town’s founder Captain Lewis Tregonwell. You will also see St Peter’s Church, where Frankenstein author Mary Shelley is buried, enjoy a tribute to the town’s floral splendour, and visit the Pier, the Pavilion and the Bournemouth International Centre.

There is also time to call at Boscombe, Southbourne and the ancient town of Christchurch, famous for its splendid 11th century Priory and its stunning quay, before we finish our tour at Highcliffe, on the very edge of Hampshire.

Lost Villages

All over Britain, you may stumble across the remains of villages that were once busy and full of life but now lie silent and still. These are known as ‘lost villages’ or even ‘ghost villages’ and there are an estimated 3,000 of them. In this film we visit a number that disappeared during the 20th century, from the Outer Hebrides to the South West of England, and because of their diversity there are many reasons why they met their end. This magnificent new DVD is based on Henry Buckton’s best-selling book, and is enhanced by evocative period photographs, specially composed music and stunning location film.

Yesterday’s Country Village

Take a walk down history’s rural byways into the heart of everyday village life as it was from 1900-1960. The traditional spirit of the small country village – the charm of the buildings and the warmth of the welcome – is fondly remembered, but what was it really like to live in these communities? What was it that makes us long for a similar quality of life now? Here is a unique chance to recall those bygone days, as villages around Britain are visited through interviews, photographs, rare archive footage and stunning modern film. Based on the popular book of the same title, this is a treasury of scenes and faces from a rustic world that has now almost vanished.

Bristol At Work

Bristol's working life - the foundation of the city's economy - is explored in great depth in this fascinating DVD, produced by history specialist 1st Take. Based on John Penny's best-selling book, the story, is enhanced by interviews with Bristol workers of bygone years and a remarkable selection of rare archive footage, photographs and advertisements as well as stunning modern film from the perspective of Bristol City Docks.

Fortunately for Bristol's economic development, its favourable geographical position ensured that a varied range of trades and industries became established in the city. Its motto 'Virtue et Industria' (by Virtue and Industry) is evident, as over the years skilled and industrious workers have manufactured a wide range of products which came to held in high esteem throughout the world. Few Bristol businesses have survived from time to time of the Industrial Revolution, and others have reinvented themselves, or been replaced by those more suited to the times. Yet all have played their part in ensuring Bristol's continued prosperity.

Beginning with the port, other industries covered include shipbuilding, coal, potteries, soap making, metalworking, tobacco, brewing, chocolate, printing and packaging, motor vehicles and aeroplanes. The examples selected clearly illustrate the diversity of industry that survived in Bristol until the latter half of half of the twentieth century, and will remind people of those companies, both past and present, which have established Bristol as the undisputed 'Metropolis of the West'.

Discovering Dorset (Volume 1)

Your tour will take you along the southernmost part of the county, beginning at Lyme Regis, the town at Dorset's western boundary, following the famous Jurassic shoreline but making detours off-route to explore some of the lesser-known places along the way. You'll discover old industries and visit towns which were small coastal ports until they reinvented themselves as seaside resorts in the 18th and 19th centuries, including Weymouth, the quintessential seaside town.

You'll see abbeys, castles, fine houses and deserted villages; view chalk hill-carvings, quarries, local industries and lost railways. Portland's stone and Bridport's rope-making are among industries featured and no story of the area would be complete without a visit to the coastal villages where less law-abiding citizens profited from shipwrecks and smuggling.

You'll step onto the steeply shelving shingle of Chesil Beach, the extraordinary age-old barrier against the sea, without which much of the Dorset coast would have been eroded away, and visit the popular resort of Swanage, before finally arriving at the mouth of Poole Harbour with Millionaire's Row at Sandbanks in view.

The county's history, literary heritage, legends, personalities and unrivalled scenery are all reflected, in Discovering Dorset.

Barton Hill and Lawrence Hill

This documentary recounts the fascinating story of a proud working-class Bristol community. Helped by some delightful old photographs, and the Barton Hill History Group’s knowledge and enthusiasm, your tour is packed with highlights.

The Great Western Cotton Factory on Barton Hill was once the biggest in the South of England. Its emergence in the 1840s, following the opening of the Feeder Canal, transformed the area from a rural backwater into a seething mass of industry and terraced streets.

You will see Schools, Shops and Pubs as they were before the tower blocks came. There are superb features on road and rail transport, and Lawrence Hill before it was transformed by Bristol’s biggest roundabout.

Not forgetting the tales of the Rat Catcher!

Bedminster: The Pride of South Bristol

Eminent local historian Anton Bantock is the ideal narrator of a film based on Bristol’s famous southern suburb.

The ancient origins of Bedminster, which is older than Bristol itself, are explained in depth. There is a special feature on St John’s Church, which no longer exists, but which was at one time the mother church to St Mary Redcliffe.

Bedminster’s industrial tradition is celebrated with segments on W.D. & H.O. Wills, Robinson’s and coal mining.

Collards, the family butchers, and E.N. Miles, the drapery emporium, come to life again with the aid of lovely old photographs.

The history of Bedminster’s less fortunate souls is also recognised with reports on the Union Workhouse and the Soup Kitchen at William Street.

You will also discover a Bedminster publican who kept a wild animal to promote his business, amongst an array of priceless tales.

The History of Bishopsworth, Withywood and Hartcliffe

This 2hr presentation is an enlightening and enjoyable account of the history of the old parish of Bishopsworth, an area which now includes the post-war housing developments of Withywood and Hartcliffe.

Until the early 1960s, when it was replaced by the Swimming Pool, the Village Triangle stood proud in the heart of the community. It included a Norman Chapel, the first village Post Office and some quaint cottages.

Special features include a visit to the beautifully restored 18th century Manor House, St Peter’s Church, the Grange (later the Mendip Gate pub) and a look at the area’s farming heritage.

Modern highlights include: Bishopsworth at War, memories of the Hartcliffe estate in the 1950s, some stunning views from Dundry and the local Fire Brigade that never saw action!

Narrated by Anton Bantock of the Malago Society, the story is enhanced by some fascinating old photographs, and there are also interviews with a host of local characters for whom this corner of South West Bristol is their favourite part of the city.

Yesterday's Brislington

Once a rural backwater in North Somerset, Brislington is now a bustling suburb of Bristol. Local historian Jonathan Rowe, with the help of his vast collection of nostalgic photographs, tells the full, fascinating story of the area. The Romans made their mark with a majestic villa, and a thousand years later the first church was established, where the beautiful St. Luke's still stands. The Chapel of St Anne in the Wood attracted some notable pilgrims, including Henry VII. Many of Brislington's historic buildings are also featured, together with pubs, schools and shops. You will also enjoy a tribute to local industry, including St. Anne's Board Mills and Robertson's, at one time the biggest jam factory in Europe.

Brislington Remembered

This documentary on Brislington continues the story of the area’s rich and fascinating past. As with ‘Yesterday’s Brislington’, it is illustrated superbly by the vast photographic archive of Brislington historian Jonathan Rowe.

It begins with recollections of notable Brislington people, Houses and Farms. The two principal landowning families, the Clayfield-Irelands and the Cooke-Hurles, are remembered and there is a special feature on a Brislington diary from the 1860s.

Local industry highlights include the memories of former employees of the Co-op Butter Factory in Whitby Road, and of Smiths Crisps Factory on Bath Road.

The ‘Brislington at War’ feature is a poignant record of how the area was affected by both World Wars, including eye-witness accounts of the Blitz and memories of the American soldiers preparing for D-Day.

On a lighter note, some wonderful archive cine film recalls Brislington during the severe winter of 1963. There is also a tribute to local sporting traditions, with a look back at Brislington Cricket and Football Clubs, and a colourful section on Amateur Dramatics in the area.

Relax and enjoy 100 minutes of Brislington nostalgia!

Bristol Cinemas: Magic Of The Movies

Do you remember those far-off days when a visit to the Cinema was a really special occasion?

This souvenir documentary recreates an era when picture houses provided a magical escape from the daily struggle. A time when it was considered sinful to leave the auditorium without showing respect to the National Anthem. A time when Bristol had more cinemas than any other city in the country apart from London.

Join cinema historian Bill Knight on a nostalgic tour and re-discover some of your favourite haunts of days gone by.

The recollections of projectionists, usherettes and cinemagoers complement some fascinating old photographs, interspersed with Pearl and Dean advertisements from the 1960s and 1970s. The story is brought right up to date with the multiplexes of the 21st Century.

Castle Cary Captured In Time

Relax and enjoy a tour of Castle Cary, one of the most beautiful towns in the West Country. Roger Otton, born and bred in the town, explores the history of this Somerset jewel, aided by a selection of nostalgic photographs and illustrations.

Castle Cary's appeal remains untarnished by time, and many of its historical features still adorn the town, including the Horse Pond, the 13th Century George Hotel, All Saints Church, and of course the Round House.

Special features include visits to the site of the castle, demolished over 800 years ago, the Market House and John Boyd Textiles Ltd, the only surviving horse-hair fabric weaver in Britain.

There is also the story of Parson James Woodforde, the renowned 18th century diarist, who was born and raised in nearby Ansford.

If you have ever lived in Castle Cary, or were once an enchanted visitor, you will thoroughly enjoy this 70 minute film.