Charlton marshall

[queenswood 1]

Can anyone tell me where the old blacksmiths was in Charlton marshall please? Is River Lane the old 'Road to the River' as shown on the Censuses or was that somewhere else?

I have also just read about an old smithy at the back of Charlton Manor that was used during WW1 for reconditioning spent ammunition shell cases. Where would that have been located?

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Caroline

[nanny jan]

On the Charlton Marshall page on the Dorset OPC site there is a link to the 1891 map:

http://www.opcdorset.org/CharltonMarshallFiles/CharltonMarshall.htm

You might find your answers there.

[queenswood 1]

Thank you. I can now see that Charlton Manor is on the opposite side of the road to the road to the river but cannot see any reference to a blacksmith within the village either at the Manor or heading towards the river. If he was the village blacksmith, would the manor House have its own smithy in addition to one in the village do you think?

Caroline

[nanny jan]

Have you checked 1891 or 1901 census to see if a blacksmith is listed in the village?

The Dorset History Centre in Dorchester might have information about Charlton Manor.

[queenswood 1]

Yes- there are 2! In 1881 the father and wife are living in Main street and the son and his wife (who is also the post mistress) are living in Road to the River. the father was a blacksmith in 1851/61/71. In previous censuses before 1881 the father is shown as living at High street/Main street in Charlton Marshall- which is presumably the main road which runs north through the village towards blandford.

I wonder if there are any directories available which may clarify this a bit more.

Caroline

[queenswood 1]

I have found the Directory for 1859 which lists John Cross Matcham as the Blacksmith and also the sub post master- so making progress slowly!
Caroline

[nanny jan]

If the Manor had a smithy it might show on the census either after the Manor or very close to it.

Does the WW1 article give any more details?

[keyboard86]

Hi intrigued by this thread, located the Matcham occ Blacksmith in Main Street, 1861 census also noted a Thomas H Bastard/Basterd 64 occ Landed Proprietor b Charlton Marshall with family residing at Gentleman(s) Mansion, Main Street
Census ref RG09/1332/33/7
John C Matcham on RG09/1332/31/4
Keyboard86