Village Guestbook
We hope you have enjoyed your time looking around - why don't you sign our Guestbook by clicking here?
You can read what Guests to this Website have said below, or click the world map at the bottom of the page to see where in the world our Guests come from...
Select a year from the drop down menu or scroll down...
2010
Name
Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments I was happy to find your website. I have a book tracing my ancestor, Thomas Joyner back to Bere Regis, Dorset in 1595. I'd love to come there one day.
From the Editor
Do come & visit soon!
2009
Name
Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments Have just discovered your - 'Bere Regis' website - spent a couple of day's researching a branch of my 'family tree'. Must say, it is one of the best designed websites that I have used - most informative in every field of research that I have had to do - and easy to find that information to boot!
A question arises though - if I may!
An old family tradition has it - that there were, in 'ye olde days,' some smugglers in our Bere Regis ancesters! Do any of your historians have any information about Bere Regis, 'free traders' - be they related or not?
Best wishes
David
From the Editor
Thanks David - Iam glad you have enjoyed exploring the site & will continue to do so!
I hope someone is able to provide an answer to your question! You can join our Facebook group too if you would like to post your question there. Click here to join the group.
Name
Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments I have visited your web site the past two days and am just ecstatic over all the information you all have.
My name is Jean Turbeville Sanders and I live in Conway, Arkansas, USA Our ancestry line has been traced back to Sir Payn de Turbeville. Some information states he was "a demon". I would like to know how this nickname came about. I'm also wondering if I have some long, lost cousins in Bere Regis - wouldn't that just be the neatest thing! I would love to visit at some point in the future.
Look forward to the newsletters.From the Editor
Thanks Jean - Iam glad you have enjoyed exploring the site & will continue to do so!
I hope someone is able to provide an answer to your question! You can join our Facebook group too if you would like to post your question there. Click here to join the group.
Name
Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments I came across your site tracing my ancestors. My ancestor Thomas Joyner operated the Royal Oak Inn during the 1600's. Your site added more documentation for my family tree. I hope I get the chance to come to your village; the pictures are great.
From the Editor
Thanks James - come visit soon!
Name
Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments I visited your site while I have been doing my family history.
My Grandfather Henry Davis was born in Bere Regis in 1876, he had an older brother named Charles born in 1865. Their parents were Charles Davis (born 1841) and Jane Maria Phillips (born 1848).
I am trying to locate either someone who is also doing the same family search or sites where I could find more information about the family.
From the Editor
I have added your request to our Village Forum section - I hope you get some good responses!
Name
Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments Greetings from British Columbia, Canada.
I just wanted to tell you how much my husband, Peter, and I have enjoyed browsing the website. He was born in Portsmouth but his family (from father back) comes from Bere Regis. The website has brought back a lot of memories of visiting grandparents and aunts and uncles when he was young. We're hoping to visit Bere Regis soon.
Thanks for your dedication to the site.From the Editor
Thank you very much for your kind words - it's a pleasure to run the site and Iam glad it has brought back lots of fond memories.
Enjoy your trip to the village!
Name
Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments The reason I have visited the Bere Regis web site is that I would like some photos of Woodbury Hill
fair at about 1900 to 1910.Let me tell you a little story. My grandfathers father ( Jackie Warren ) was a beekeeper for a man called Herman Lee. Herman Lees friend was the poet Thomas Hardy. When the Fair came to Woodbury Hill my great grandfather & his son (my grandfather) were invited to go with Lee and Hardy on their horse & trap. At the Fair there was a boxing match where if you could stay in the ring for 1 minute and not get knocked out you would win £1! Not bad for threepence! Lee said he would have a go, but Hardy said it's, "not for gents, let's try the rifle range."
Hardy paid the man and took up position and shot down three targarts and won two Staffordshire
flat back Figures of two Horsemen ( Dick Turpin & Tom King ). Hardy didn't want them and said give them to my grandfather. My grandfather told me this story when Iwas a boy and the two Horsemen are on display
in my sitting room!From the Editor
What a great story - thank you! How wonderful that you still have the two horsemen!
I trust you were able to find some good historical photographs of Woodbury Hill Fair in our Gallery.
Name
Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments I found the website in my efforts to find "Virtue" whose wedding my mother Muriel Elliott and her sister Gwen were bridesmaids for in, as I thought, 1931. See my email of 21st October 2008. Then, as now, I congratulate you on a well designed informative website.
I'm pleased to say further research has found that she was Vertrude Standfield (known as Virtue) who married Percy Bartlett at Bere Regis on the 1st March 1930 . If only your List of Marriages had been more comprehensive though I may well have found the information I was seeking back in Oct 2008. I'm not complaining as I know what a laborious job it must be transcribing B M and D.From the Editor
Iam glad that you have enjoyed exploring the website and that it has produced even more finds for you than a year ago - we are continually adding to the Collection!
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Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments My name is Patricia Horsman and I am a teacher of Religious Studies at a Catholic Girls' school in Croydon. I found your website through Google when looking for floor plans of churches; as this is the topic I am about to teach my Yr 9 girls.
Thank you for such a fabulous and informative website; the diagrams, beautiful pictures and explanation are excellent. I shall be getting them to search through your site for information and use it to prepare for their GCSE exam in May.
Congratulations on this and on what you have achieved.
Many many thanks, it's a time saver for an overworked teacher with not enough time!!!From the Editor
Iam glad that you have found the website useful - I hope your pupils enjoy exploring it!
Name
Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments Excellent site on all that is and has happened in Bere Regis. My wife's great grand fathers family (Stroud), lived in Shitterton in 1881 and the Census states that they were number 20 Shitterton.
Do you know from where the numbering started, so that it would be possible to identify the actual dwelling?
Any help would be appreciated.
ThanksFrom the Editor
Thank you for your kind comment. Iam not sure where exactly 20 Shitterton is - however my mothers house is 18 Shitterton (Honeycombe Cottage!) Our neighbour on one side is no. 17, but on the other side there is Shitterton House.
I would therefore suggest you ask one of the following 2 places for guidance -
Bere Regis Post Office - Kevin & Gillian Coetzee on 01929 471 201
Or the Dorset Record Office - details are here
Best of luck!
Name
Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments I must fully endorse all the compliments by previous visitors to your website. It is excellant, and the organisers are to be congratulated!
My interest is in a number of family members who lived in the village in the 19th Century.
My g.g.g.g.grandfather, Henry House, married in 1780 to Grace Vincent, lived in West Street but of both of whom, not much is known. However their son, also Henry appears to have had a modest carpentry business employing men. He married Maria Mitchell, and the family appears to have moved to Rye Hill in the early 1850's.
Their daughter, Hanna Maria married in 1846 to Henry Miller from Winterbourne Kingston, whose daughter Mary Jane was my g.grandmother, born in Rye Hill, but who moved to Bournemouth on marriage.
In the light of this story, I wonder if your archive would have information about the House & Miller families living in Bere Regis in the second half of the 19th Century. I would very much like to locate their homes of course, but any information would be of great interest.
I am attaching for your archive, two pictures. Firstly, Henry Miller's father, John. The photo is dated 1863 and very faded, but hopefully can be seen satisfactorily. Also attached is a picture of Hanna Maria [House] Miller and her daughter Mary Jane. Mary Jane was born 1854 and I would put the date at about 1865, when living at Rye Hill.
From the Editor
Thank you for your compliment - it is a pleasure to run this site.
I have added your Family Photographs to our Archive here.
Although I can't help you with the exact location of their homes, might I suggest you try our Village Census Section here? It may help you track down their addresses.
Also the Dorset History Centre has alot of local information; they may be able to help you - their website is here - best of luck!
2008
Name
Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments My Great-uncle. Fred Davis, appears on the memorial and when I visited your site I was very impressed with the amount of information that you had there and think it tremendous that you have spent so much time and effort on compiling the information. Please pass on my thanks to those who compiled it.
Fred's sister, Ellen Mary, my grandmother, was married at Bere Regis church on Oct 12th 1910 by the Rev Montagu A Bere, although the marriage does not appear on your website. The certicate no is 87 and I have a copy of it should you wish to see it. I understand that Ellen was a maid at the vicarage before she married, I don't know if you have any information regarding those employed at the vicarage.
She died when I was very young and is buried at Hilton with her husband, Arthur Moore Thomas, who was employed at Binghams Melcombe House as a groom I believe. My sister Sally was baptised at Binghams Melcombe Church. It appears to be when The Bosworth-Smiths were there. I have a watercolour painted by one of the Bosworth-Smith girls in front of a cottage at Aller where I used to stay. I believe that the picture was given to my Grandfather by her and has been passed on to me.
With regard to Fred, I have visited his grave at Sanctuary Wood. His birthday, Jan 12th, is the same as mine and Ellens wedding date is also the same as mine, Oct 12th. I understand that Freds brother joined the Dorset Militia and I am trying hard to find out more.My father, now dead, told me that he thought the Davis family, I know that they originated from Tolpuddle, were descendents of one of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, but I have not yet been able to trace back that far.
If you have any more information, or know of anyone who might, regarding the Davis family I would be very pleased to hear from them.From the Editor
Thank you for your kind comments - they are much appreciated.
I have added your Grandmothers wedding to the website.
We don't currently have further information about who was employed at the Vicarage, nor anymore regarding the Davis family. However, we get new sources from time to time so keep checking the site. I have added you to our Newsletter aswell. In the meantime, the Dorset History Centre has alot of local information; they may be able to help you - their website is here - best of luck!
Name
Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments My brother and I have been tracing our family tree and have traced it back to Bere Regis, Dorset, England. Apparently they owned what's now the Royal Oak.
I have never been to England, but have always loved the accent, culture, movies, etc. Now I understand why, because that is where my ancestors come from.
Thanks,Angie
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Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments Just to say been doing some research regards the Stickley family and the 1st world war and your site has two Stickleys on the war memorial in Bere Regis and asks if they were related. Just wanted to say they were cousins both called Henry Charles Stickley, hence one was called Harry. They were sons of William and Frank Stickley respectively. Frank being my great, great grandad.
Fantastic website!
Thanks
Paul Stickley
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Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments Dear Sir,
I think your website is wonderful. Its great to see the the village where my birth (20th September 1942) was registered (7th October as a sub District of Poole) it has so much interesting information.
My links with Bere Regis go much further back than I realised, as I have discovered recently by researching my family history.
Two of my forebears families' were Bere Regis people; namely the Gould and Cobb families. My great grandfather on my mother's side was Henry Gould (son of George and Maria) who married Adah Cobb (daughter of George and Priscilla) on 5th December 1872 in Bere Regis.Thanks!
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Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments A brilliant site. I am Tony based in Europe. I understand that Bere Regis is Kingsbere in Thomas Hardy's Tess of The D'Urbervilles, A Pure Woman. Why did Hardy paint such a negative picture of the D'Urbervilles? (Chapter 34 the harridans description)
Clearly they were based on the Turbervilles. Is there a negative feature to their rule in Bere Regis which is hidden from the historical accounts and which formed the basis of Hardy's perception?
From the Editor
There is no reason that Thomas Hardy would have assigned a negative slant to the D'Urbervilles family in relation to anything that the Turberville Family did. In fact the Turberville story is an interesting but ultimately sad one.
A successful family through the ages, who then became extinct due to a lack of male heirs throughout the family by the late 1700s. You can find a history of them here
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Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments Dear "All of you connected to your website",
Whilst looking for a marriage which might have taken place in Bere Regis of someone called Virtue in 1931, I was overwhelmed by the ease of use, design and layout and many faceted items included in your website. It would make family research a whole lot easier if all towns produced websites of such quality.
Many congratulations.
Best wishes, Sylvia Pitcher
P.S...... and no, I couldn't find what I was looking for after all !
Name
Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments I again want to thank you for this magnificent web site. As I’ve written before, I’ve been able to find out much interesting information because of it. Most significantly, I have come across a few distant relatives because of this site. I want you to know that you are responsible for my finding that my distant Joyner relatives, who originally settled in the Carolinas, and then some moved on to Georgia, are still in this very location in Georgia, USA!!
I’ve lived here many years and had no clue that I had so many distant Joyners (back from the 1500s and before in Bere Regis) that live within 100 miles of me! And because of this web site, I was able to contact one of them who invited me to the annual Joyner family reunion! It was held this past weekend and there were about 300 Joyner descendants there!!!
Now, that’s about one of the most wonderful contributions I can think of that you can give those of us who love our ancestry!! Thank you ever so much for your dedication to this site. I’ve been eying it for the last many years and it just continues to get better and better. We can never find a way to thank you for the emotional gifts that you give so many of us. Many thanks from the bottom of all of our hearts!!!
I also want to make a special remark on behalf of John Pittfield. He is an amazing man who seems tirelessly dedicated to Bere Regis and helping those of us who want to find our roots. Thank you, John. You are a most wonderful man and I will always have a special place in my heart for you and your hard work and great patience with my never ending questions!! I certainly look forward to the day when I can have that drink with you at The Royal Oak, formerly owned by my Joyner ancestors (no, I’m not proud!)
From the Editor
Iam glad our hard work has paid some dividends, even across the Atlantic!
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Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments What an amazing site you have created.
I am particularly interested in the history of Bere Regis & in particular the origin of the name. I note from "the derivation of the name Bere Regis" page that in 1303 the form Kingsbere occurs and that this form was still in use in 1587 (as Kynges Bere)
My family name is Kingsbury which I am almost certain is derived from "de Kyngesbury" i.e. from Kyngesbury.
I also know that the greatest concentration of Kingsbury's in the 1881 census anywhere in England were in Dorset.
There are several place names called Kingsbury in England & until today I thought the nearest to Dorset was Kingsbury Episcopi in Somerset
In C18 & C19 my family lived in Winterbourne Whitechurch & in C16 & C17 they were living in Cheselbourne both of which are only a few miles from Bere Regis
The trail goes cold if I try & go any earlier other than a John de Kyngesbury who was born about 1280 & who was living in Kentelesworth, Dorset in 1312 (per the Dorset Feet of Fines)
My current theory is that John came from Kingsbere or Bere Regis. Do you have any evidence to support this & have you ever come across Kentelesworth (which I presume is the name of a house or hamlet somewhere in the immediate area)
Any help you can give will be much appreciatedFrom the Editor
Thank you for your support!
The Dorset History Centre has alot of local information; they may be able to help you - their website is here - best of luck!
Name
Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments It's wonderful to see maps & photos of my Great Grandfather Charles Bevercombe's birthplace. Charles parents were Alfred Bevercombe & Elizabeth Jenkins. Seeing the name as we spell it, on old documents is rewarding. We're quite interested in communicating with anyone related to the Bevercombe family.
Name
Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments Thank you for this excellent website - if anyone would like to send me an e-mail, I am quite happy to share whatever information I have on the Bevercombes.
Name
Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments Hi
Came across your website via google, doing my husbands family history and found a great great Grandma living as a servant at 5 West Street, and although I live in Crossways I can't seem to find the address. The owners were a Scutt family and he was a farmer. Was 5 West Street a farm or their home? Grandma was a servant so I presumed it was their home. Grandma was there in 1861 and her name was Lydia Boucher. She was born in Blandford.
Thanks!
From the Editor
The Dorset History Centre has alot of local information; they may be able to help you - their website is here - best of luck!
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Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments Most of the people writing in the guestbook do so because they are connected to Bere Regis in some way. Me Too!! My name is Sher Leetooze and I live in Ontario, Canada. Mom's family are from Newfoundland and her ancestors went there from Bere Regis in the 1780's.
I have been researching family for some time, but a couple of years ago a cousin e-mailed me and said I ought to see a certain website (this one!) because there were some really great photos on it. I come back to the website as often as I can to see what other wonderful gems have been posted. I am usually pleasantly surprised.
If any other visitors to the website are researching
TOREVELL/TORRAVILLE/TOLLERFIELD/etc I would love to hear from you.
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Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments Hi, my name is Tim Vacher and I live in Hallau, Switzerland with my wife Kay and my son Ben and daughters, Charlotte and Kathleen. I found your web site a while ago using Google.
My Father was Leslie Earnest George Vacher and he came from Whitechurch where he lived as a child with his sister Marjorie and their parents Lucy and Earnest. I have always been very interested in my family history and finding your website took this to another level. Where previously I thought my oldest ancestor was Benjamin Vacher, found in the Abby and Milton in about 1760, your website lead me to find Vachers going back to the mid 1600's. This makes me wonder if it goes back even further, or if we did originate from France which is what I had been told by my father. I see from links to the parish registers that Vacher and Vatcher seemed to be closely linked, even intermarrying, I would be extremely grateful if you could guide me further on this.
Thank you for a truly wonderful and informative website and any further pointers you may be able to offer.
From the Editor
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement.
The Dorset History Centre has alot of local information; they may be able to help you - their website is here - best of luck!
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How found this Website Comments Hi! My husband's father's family (Montague Frederick Cobb b. 1910) comes from Bere Regis. The family farmed at Court Farm and Chalk Pit Farm in the late 1800s and early to mid 1900s. I'm doing some research about his family and have been able to trace the Bere Regis connection back to the mid 1700s.
The website is fantastic. Best one I've ever come across for a town that size. Congratulations!
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Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments Hello,
I am really very impressed by your wonderful website. It is so packed full of interesting information. I am researching the PURCHASE branch of my wife's family tree and have found useful information on your webpages. In 2006 my wife and I had the good fortune to be able to visit your lovely village and have fond memories of our all too short a time there. Thank you for the efforts you have gone to to make your website the pleasurable experience it is.
Regards,
Barry Howard
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Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments Hi, I’m a Cobb, found your website, and found our family comes from Bere Regis!
I’m Tristan Cobb, grandson of Ronald W. T. Cobb, who married Pam Philips and moved to Yeovil area (my uncle Christopher Cobb was born in Bere Regis too).
My Great granddad was Joseph Alfred Cobb who had 7 children in Bere Regis, I wonder if there was anymore history of the family in the area?
Thanks
Tristan J. E. Cobb
From the Editor
The Dorset History Centre has alot of local information; they may be able to help you - their website is here - best of luck
Name
Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments Hello James,
I am a descendant of the Vivians' from Langton Herring...I am from Australia and came upon your website and I just had to drop you a line to thankyou for such a wonderful site.
Wow, what can I say other than your site is by far the best I have ever seen! You give such great information on the village and beautiful pictures and maps. Everything is amazing! On reading that you voluntarily run the website I wanted to congratulate you on such a great job and let you know your efforts are very much appreciated. I have never enjoyed exploring a website as much as Bere Regis, I have yet to see all of it but am definately impressed with what I have seen so far. Keep up the great work.
Kindest Regards
Leanne
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Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments Hello,
What a brilliant website this is, it was a wonderful find. I am researching family history and Angelina George (nee Hardy) in particular. She was the wife of William George and censuses show him the innkeeper of the Royal Oak as early as 1881. Would you know if there are any old photographs of them or family members in your archives? They had five children, Bertha, Cecil, Kathleen, Charles and Frank. Noting previous tenancies with the Hardy connection, I wondered if that's how William obtained his tenancy, with wife Angelina being a Hardy. (She was a second cousin of Thomas Hardy the author, quite an exciting find.)
I looked at all the marvellous photos on your site, but have no idea what the family looked like. Could there be any details of names with the photos?I would be so pleased if you could help in any way.
Yours sincerely,
Judith Oliver (Mrs)
From the Editor
Thank you for your kind words.
Although all you can see is what we currently have, the Dorset History Centre has alot of local information; they may be able to help you - their website is here - best of luck
Name
Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments Great to find a place that my family came from. Lots of information about the Village, including the census. My ancestors were the Purchase family.
Name
Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments Hi,
I just would like to say Bere Regis is the best place to live, I may only be 12 years old, but i was brought up in this rural area. I know all the farmers (Bill, Sid, Tony & Jimmy Shave) and lots more. My Gran lives just down the road from the Chapel and I have been in there millions of times before!!!!
All I really needed to say is Bere Regis is the most outstandingly beautiful place you ever did see, whatever the weather. The country landscape will take your breath away, I should know, it did it to me. All my family was brought up here; my Mum, Uncle, Auntie, Cousins, Brother, Gran & Grandad.
As I say, it really is the most amazing place!!
Yours truthfully
Zoe Roberts
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Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments I am the great grandaughter of Columbus M Jioner, known as "Dad Joiner", he brought in the biggest oil field in the world in East Texas. I and several cousins have been looking for family and you help us a great deal. Thank you & keep up the work and if you need info from me just e-mail.
2007
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How found this Website Comments Hello, I came across your website while searching for any information on my great grandmother, Annie Pain. Your website is a great source of info which gives me an idea of what the area would have been like before she immigrated to Australia. I am having problems tracking down information on Annie. Australian records state that she was born in Bere Regis in or about 1870. Maybe her name is spelt completely wrong or she could be from a neighbouring village
Anyway, thank you for your great website and any information would be greatly appreciated!
From the Editor
Thank you for your support!
The Dorset History Centre has alot of local information; they may be able to help you - their website is here - best of luck
Name
Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments I have found it useful in finding other family members.
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How found this Website Comments I want to take a moment to tell you how overwhelmed I am with this amazing web site! I first visited it in 2003 when it was rather young. It was nice then, but WOW, look at it now!
I came to visit this site because while tracing my family history I came to find that the Joyner side of my family came from Bere Regis. That in fact they had owned a local pub there between the 1500’s and 1630’s. That they were also craftsmen in the village. Because of your web site I was able to contact the owners of the pub as it is still in operation. They were able to give me more specific information about my ancestor’s names, and are the reason I know that Mary Joyner, as widow, owned the pub into the 1630’s when she sold it.
This I owe to your hard work and dedication. I appreciate this gift more than you can know and hope to be a regular contributor to assist in keeping this valuable site running with the improvements and additions I know you wish to implement.
Very much gratitude,
Heidi Smith
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How found this Website Comments I am a descendant of Thomas Williams Dowell who was born near Bere Regis in 1833. His father was George C.Dowell (1786) and his grandfather was Richard Dowell (1748), both from the Bere Regis area. I have genealogical information on several hundred Dowell descendants and would like to share information.
I would also like to find information on George's spouse's, Mary Hallett (1785) family and Richard's wife, Eloisa Willshire (1760) family.
From the Editor
Thank you for your support!
The Dorset History Centre has alot of local information; they may be able to help you - their website is here - best of luck
Name
Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments My Great-Great Grandfather Justinian Dowell was born in Bere Regis Dec. 1, 1836 & moved to Newfoundland in 1853 - where he remained until his death in 1911. We are fortunate to have many years of diaries (between 1871-1904) which Justinian kept while living in Moreton's Harbour & Change Islands, NL. Justinian is featured on the Moreton's Harbour Museum gate.
I visited Bere Regis last August and was overwhelmed by the beauty of the place and the sense of belonging. I am returning again this September and would like to find out more about the Dowell history. Justinian's daughter married my great grandfather Walter J. Torraville, who we believe have roots in Bere Regis as well. I'll know for sure before I leave to England.
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How found this Website Comments
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How found this Website Comments The whole website is very interesting, and shows what a lively place Bere Regis is. My daughter and son in law live in the village (where he was brought up) and now that I have a grand-daughter I will move there as soon as I can sell my house. I love visiting as I find everyone is very friendly and I am looking forward to joining in village life.
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How found this Website Comments I think this website is the best & I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting it. I have found more answers than I thought I would. Thanks very much.
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How found this Website Comments Looking for any information on the Toms Family. ie Christopher Toms 1747 Bere Regis.
From the Editor
The Dorset History Centre has alot of local information; they may be able to help you - their website is here - best of luck
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Date Where are you from
How found this Website Comments I and other members of the Turbyfill family are looking forward to visiting Bere Regis during August 2007
Name
Date Where are you from How found this Website Comments I am so excited to find a relative working at one of the Inns,"The Crown" in 1844. I will certainly have to read the entire website now to discover more about your beautiful place on earth "Bere Regis"!! Great work on setting up this website.
Name Date Where are you from How found this Website Comments Congratulations! What a superb site and so full of interesting items! An absolute must for those family historians who had ancestors in the village.
If only my PAIN(E) (PAYNE) and BUTCHER families had been born there instead of Winfrith and West Lulworth.
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Name Justin Standfield Date 18th January 2007 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Well done on the hard work you've put into the site and for keeping it updated - the village should be very proud of it.
You may be interested to know that one of the men in the photograph here (in the "Industry" section of the historical photos) is my uncle, Derrick Standfield, who worked at the cress beds. My dad was Derrick's younger brother Ken, who sadly died in April 2006.
By the way, I've put a link to the Bere Regis website on my family history website here
Best wishes,
Justin Standfield
Name Michael Applin Email Date 13th January 2007 Where are you from How found this Website Comments 2006
Name Stephen Charles Phillips Email Date 6th October 2006 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
He served under the name of Charles Davis as he joined under age! Served at the 1st Battle of Ypres and was finally discharged after be severly wounded in Palestine with the Dorset regiment 1918.
GREAT SITE, Well Done.
Name Chris Locke Email Date 26th September 2006 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
I had many great walks up and around Black Hill (nearly stepped on an Adder up there once) when visiting Vere and Duffy Pearse during the seventies. I think their residence was Dairy cottage. I particularly remember the re-thatching of the roof, Oh and the village tug of war over the river, and outrage when they renamed the village Sitterton.
Thanks.......Chris
Name Rachel Email Date 21st September 2006 Where are you from How found this Website Comments Really interesting site. I am researching my family tree and would be interested to know of any links or information about the FARR family in the 19th/early 20th centuries in Bere Regis.
RachelFrom the Editor
The Dorset History Centre has alot of local information; they may be able to help you - their website is here - best of luck
Name Karen Stults Email Date 20th August 2006 Where are you from How found this Website Comments My great-great grandfather Charles Bevercombe was born and raised in Bere Regis and came to the US in the 1850's. I am trying to find more information about this family, and the history of this little village fascinates me! Wonderful website!
From the Editor
Thank you for your kind words!
The Dorset History Centre has alot of local information; they may be able to help you - their website is here - best of luck!
Name Marrin Smith Email Date 8th August 2006 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Thank you From Marrin and David Smith
Name Brian Kavanagh Date 27th July 2006 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Name Laura Thomas Email Date 21st May 2006 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Young George partially lost his sight in a firearms accident aged approx 14 (whilst gun loading for the local shoot) and left Bere Regis (approx 1872) for a post in London ? in service as a gardener.
I am very grateful to this site for putting so much of Bere's historical records online
I was very pleased to see that Sue Gould has signed the guestbook and hope to liase with her on any information on the Goulds of Bere Regis.
Laura Thomas (nee Gould)
Name Sue Gould Email Date 27th April 2006 Where are you from How found this Website Comments We are intrigued!
My husband is David Gould, and his grandfather, Frederick Walter Gould, was born in Bere Regis. The line goes back to the John Gould (b1760) on Woodbury Hill, unfortunately Fred’s Dad, Henry, died when they were very little, and Mum, Emily Elizabeth (nee Trimm), re-married and moved away. I have been hooked by this family research, and am now trying to find out where New Inn was. Apparently Johns wife Sarah ran the pub, as she left a will in the 1850's specifying which children should have the pub, and which children should have certain houses (she seemed to own more than one!) I found it on the National Archive site.
By a fluke, when WE got married, back in 1971, we moved from Berkshire to live only 3 miles down the road (Milborne St. Andrew), knowing nothing of this connection! I am definitely going to try and have a look at the book John gave to Mr. Guest.
Regards
Sue Gould
Name Jay Joyner Email Date 31st March 2006 Where are you from How found this Website Comments I am searching the Joyner/Joiner line. I understand that George Joyner b 1574 and Thomas Joyner b 1610 were from Walden Hertfordshire. Has anyone else researched this family? Thanks!
Jay JoynerFrom the Editor
The Dorset History Centre has alot of local information; they may be able to help you - their website is here - best of luck!
Name Val Simpson Email Date 19th March 2006 Where are you from How found this Website Comments Hi All,
I am reserching my Mothers Family tree and I am afraid I am stuck, Wondered if there was anyone out there that could help me. My Great,Great grandfather was Samuel Scutt, he was born in Bere Regis in 1823. I know his fathers name was Richard Scutt but thats all I know, oh yes and he was a farmer. As I am not mobile and live in Northamptonshire it is very difficult for me to get any further. Is there any kind person out there that could help me with anything. Pleaseeeee!!!From the Editor
The Dorset History Centre has alot of local information; they may be able to help you - their website is here - best of luck!
Name Sandra Gaskell Date 3rd March 2006 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
It is a website I will return to!
Sandra
Name Peter Eliot Email Date 17th February 2006 Where are you from How found this Website Comments Greetings from Sydney Australia,
I just happen to be working on an old document relating to the Survey/Inventory of the Turberville Estate 1729 and needed to look for some info on the internet. I found your site, which I found very interesting.
I am curious to know if any of you know the meaning of the name/word "Herriotts" which is the heading on some of the columns in the old document and has "Best Beast" and sometimes a money value written in?
Thank you!
PS. Mary Turberville was my 5th Great Grandmother.From the Editor
Not sure about that word - the Dorset History Centre has alot of local information; they may be able to help you - their website is here - best of luck!
Name Malcolm Dyer Email Date 13th February 2006 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
One day we hope to set up something similar here in New Romney, Kent. We live in one of the Cinque Ports although to see it now, it is a little hard to believe! Sadly neglected and poorly researched, but many undoubtedly early buildings line the main street. A book will be published, hopefully in the Autumn which will entirely re-write the medieval history of the town.
Best wishes!
Name Heidi Brooks Email Date 26th January 2006 Where are you from How found this Website Comments I am so thrilled to see the updates to this web site!! I last viewed it about three years ago. The only thing I could find related to my family, the Joyners, was a picture of the pub, Royal Oak, that had been in the family for some time. Tonight, upon checking the site after three years I find there is a detailed list of owners of this pub for over a century!! Little did I know the Joyners owned this pub for decades. I only knew of it being in the family for two generations. I also found the birth record of Thomas Joyner in 1619, how amazing!!
I wish to deeply thank those who have worked so diligently on this site. It means so very much to me to see this information in print, on a web site.....makes things so very real and emotional. All I can say is WOW!!!!!Message for Charlotte Parsons.....
I've tried reaching you through your email link. The mail was return as unknown user. We are distantly related through Thomas Joyner. I have information put together by my great-uncle on the Joyner family back to the 900's. Please contact me, I'd love to correspond with you!!
Heidi Brooks
Name Steve Bailey Email Date 19th January 2006 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
I was given a clue that in the past they visited Woodbury Hill. What a surprise when I found your website with pictures of the Bartlett's fair. They must have visited regularly as the photos show two roundabouts at different times. One of these is being restored at Preston Services, Canterbury. Website
I can now show these photographs to some of the older residents of Fordingbridge which often brings back memories and puts me on another path for more information.
Thank you!
Name Andrew Phillips Email Date 12th January 2006 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
I manage the North Herts Charity Detector Group in Hitchin & I found the seal some 5 years ago very near to the Ickneild Way which passes Hitchin. I am attempting to prove the provenance. The seal has been recorded under thr Treasure Act 1996 and was returned to me by the Secretary of State at DCMS. If the seal is that of Alice of Turbeville I will let you know; there will be a new coat of arms to add to your site. There is a branch of the family in Hertfordshire who are hoping my research proves fruitful. I have commissioned a drawing of the seal and I will be researching it at the Public Record Office & the College of Arms.
Name Carl Stickley Email Date 7th January 2006 Where are you from How found this Website Comments My family arrived in the US in the early 1700's. We have had difficulty finding from which town. Some of the names and dates appear to match with those posted on your site. If there is someone who could help with a little of the Stickley history it would be greatly appreciated. Would be really great to find a cousin.
From the Editor
The Dorset History Centre has alot of local information; they may be able to help you - their website is here - best of luck!
Name John Cobb Email Date 3rd January 2006 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
If any realatives would like to contact me email me
Cheers
John2005
Name Michael Applin Email Date 5th November 2005 Where are you from How found this Website Comments My grandfather Thomas Edward Applin owned the butcher store at 85 West Street. He and his wife Eliza Elizabeth Applin had 8 boys and 2 girls. My uncles, Jasper Applin (89 West Street) Maurice Applin (picture on your website - from Butt Lane), Frank Applin (lived on west Street)Reginald Applin and John Applin (actually Walter Gilbert Applin) all lived in the village. I was christened in St. John's in 1947, as were my sisters Lesley Clinch (Applin)1950 and Heather Frazer (Applin)1952.
My father, Morgan Ashton Applin was married to Margaret Reid in St John's in November 1946. We lived in Poole and I biked to the village regularly to visit my aunts and uncles.
I am interested in any additional information about the village and hearing from relatives - have lost track of many cousins!From the Editor
The Dorset History Centre has alot of local information; they may be able to help you - their website is here - best of luck
Name Donna Email Date 20th October 2005 Where are you from How found this Website Comments I really love this website. Not many websites make you want to keep coming back for another look, time after time. I now have a website of my own. It is a family history website and has lots of old Dorset surnames on it. Like Aplin, Bowditch, Christopher, Cutler, Hannam,Kellaway,Pitfield, Phillips, Legg, Lucas, Runyard, Thresher, Tizzard, Vincent to name but a few. Please feel free to check it out. You just need to contact me for the password.
Click here for the site
Keep up the great work with this wonderful site.
With kind regards Donna
Name Ian Holmes Date 11th October 2005 Where are you from How found this Website Comments I am ax ex-pat Englishman (from Lincolnshire)
living in Minnesota USA. for the past year or so I have been enjoying your villages website immensely - particularly all the pictures relating to the watercress railway.As a railway modeller I became fascinated by the system and built a model of the Locomotive built by Mr Bedford and Mr Jesty as well as basing a small layout on the idea of a watercress farm. You can see the Locomotive by clicking here and the layout here
I have recently completed a model based on the passenger vehicle as seen in the picture hereThank you for putting together such a wonderful and informative website.
Name James Curtis Email Date 26th September 2005 Where are you from How found this Website Comments I was just looking because my uncle and aunty lived in old barn road when i was younger, and i lived there with my cousins martin and gary, also my grandad is buried at the church
Could anyone take a picture of the old barn road area for me? i'd love to see it again on the site, after all these years!!!
From the Editor
Done - click here to see it
Name Stephanie Melinda Rigby Email Date 16th September 2005 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Stephanie M Rigby
Name Linda Pemberton Email Date 12th September 2005 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Name Charlotte Parsons Email Date 8th August 2005 Where are you from How found this Website Comments I really enjoyed the pictures and seeing the very place where my relatives lived .Thomas Joyner Inn keeper. I am the great granddaughter of Columbus Marion Joiner who brought in the biggest oil field in the world in the 1800s. I am trying to find my roots and now I am coming across the ocean to find my roots. would like to know if you have a genealogy site anyone could go to? Beautiful village ,will be back several times to look at the rest of the things listed. Thank you for a look in the past.
From the Editor
The Dorset History Centre has alot of local information; they may be able to help you - their website is here - best of luck
Name Margaret Gibbons-Cousins Email Date 29th July 2005 Where are you from How found this Website Comments Viewing the photographs, I feel that I have been there before. Gibbons/Toms were shepherds and named their children accordingly. Abraham, Issac, Joseph, to name but a few. All baptised and married in St. John the Baptist Church.
Would be interested with any information about Fanny ( Frances ) White b 1846 Bere Regis, married George Gibbons b 1840 Sitterton. Would like to know "Why they left such a beautiful place, to walk to Liverpool"?
From the Editor
The Dorset History Centre has alot of local information; they may be able to help you - their website is here - best of luck
Name Terry Piercey Email Date 19th June 2005 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Name Michelle Brookes Email Date 14th June 2005 Where are you from How found this Website Comments Have just gone on your web site. Very good.
My mum use to work in the village shop. She loved it there but unfortunately dad got a new job and she had to leave.
During her time there she learnt that a lady who lived in the area bred St Bernards. Please could anyone give me her details. Mum used to own a St Bernard. Sue Brookes is her name. My name is Michelle -
please email me back with any info.Yours in hope,
Michelle.
Name Graham Hill Date 27th May 2005 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Name Bere Neas Date 17th May 2005 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Name Brian Fayle Date 28th April 2005 Where are you from How found this Website Comments A very impressive effort.
I got directed to the site via an e-group that models very narrow gauge railway lines. The watercress line was the lead in this case. Needless to say once on site I started to look around and passed a fair bit of time. One advantage of being retired!
Thanks again for an entertaining read.
Name Charles Chase Email Date 18th April 2005 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Name Robert Hillier Email Date 11th April 2005 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Name Laura Dron Date 10th April 2005 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Name Bob Martin Email Date 7th April 2005 Where are you from How found this Website Comments I have visited Bere Regis several times on holiday. We have stayed on the Roland's Wait and the Wareham Forest caravan sites. The photos reminded me of the enjoyable times spent in this part of Dorset.
Congratulations on a great website!
Name James B. Turbyfill Email Date 29th March 2005 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Name Glyn Davies Email Date 5th March 2005 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Name Donna Email Date 18th February 2005 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Name Lila Date 4th February 2005 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Name Carol Date 18th January 2005 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Name Val Simpson Email Date 13th January 2005 Where are you from How found this Website Comments 2004
Name Mary Bridge Email Date 23rd December 2004 Where are you from How found this Website Comments I am trying to trace my ancestors. my mother was born in bere regis her maiden name was CLIFT. her father came originally from a large family in essex. He was a groom domestic her mothers maiden name was HEWITT or HUWITT. I believe she might have been local. They would have lived in the village in the early 1900s just wondered if anyone would know of the name.
From the Editor
The Dorset History Centre has alot of local information; they may be able to help you - their website is here - best of luck
Name
Martin J Clarke Email Date 15th November 2004 Where are you from How found this Website Comments Really good website. I am researching my wife's ancestors, Poore/Shiller/Barnes.
Congratulations!
Name Graham Uren Email Date 25th September 2004 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Name Sharen Date 13th August 2004 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
My brother Stephen (Taffy) and his partner Lorraine have recently (2004) bought the General Stores in Bere Regis - please pop in and say "hello" to them!
Well done to all those who put the website together -it is a very informative site with wonderful photos.
Best wishes to you all.
Name Neil Sutherland Email Date 23rd July 2004 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Name Victoria Oswald Email Date 13th July 2004 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Name Sher Leetooze Email Date 9th May 2004 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Name Peter Abbott Email Date 20th April 2004 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Name David Butcher Date 3rd February 2004 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Name Denise & Geoff Baker Email Date 25th January 2004 Where are you from How found this Website Comments 2003
Name Justin Standfield Email Date 31st December 2003 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
I found this website whilst conducting family history research (STANDFIELDs of Bere Regis). If you have a link with the Standfields in your family tree, or can provide ANY information regarding the Standfields which may be useful, please contact me.
Many thanks, Justin Standfield.
Name Mike Furlong Email Date 25th December 2003 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
Name Bob Jennings Email Date 25th November 2003 Where are you from How found this Website Comments
© Bere Regis Village Website 2009 - Site by Chola Design
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