Issue 8: Farming & Rural Box: 1870 - 1920s July 2015
Lark Rise to Candleford - The deeply rural nature of the area in Victorian times can be seen in almost every view of Box showing small enclosed fields with mixed dairy and arable agriculture. To introduce the subject of rural life we have the story of the BBC TV programme which was filmed partly at Hatt.
From Farmers to Shopkeepers - The story of the Martin family, farmers at Spencers Farm, Ashley, who later moved to Norman Martin's shop in The Parade. The story includes details of the life of Susanna Spencer (photo right courtesy Phillip Martin)
A Life in Farming - Mike Pope tells about his life at Kingsdown and Hatt Farms, which were in his family for several generations. He recalls his accident when he lost a leg and overcoming the handicap through long-distance cycling.
Box Basket-maker - If you think Box was fully industrialised in late Victorian times, think again - the story of William Davies, a wealthy basket-maker who lived at Box Hill.
Quarry Man Emigrates - PM Cogswell left Box in the 1910s at a time of economic depression to find work in the USA. Find out why he changed his name.
Schoolmaster to School Owner - The story of the son of a Box child who ended up owning a boys' preparatory school.
A Life in Farming - Mike Pope tells about his life at Kingsdown and Hatt Farms, which were in his family for several generations. He recalls his accident when he lost a leg and overcoming the handicap through long-distance cycling.
Box Basket-maker - If you think Box was fully industrialised in late Victorian times, think again - the story of William Davies, a wealthy basket-maker who lived at Box Hill.
Quarry Man Emigrates - PM Cogswell left Box in the 1910s at a time of economic depression to find work in the USA. Find out why he changed his name.
Schoolmaster to School Owner - The story of the son of a Box child who ended up owning a boys' preparatory school.
Main Road Through Ashley - The history of the houses and people on Ashley Lane since 1800 as written by the residents of the area. Including the story of Ashley Farm (left).
Happy Times at Rising Sun - Linda Finch, relative of the Milsom family, the original owners who started the pub, tells the story of the pub before the tragedy of the 1950s.
Discovering the Chequers Inn - the story of James Vezey and milling and brewing in Box.
Drewetts Mill - Box's medieval mill was in operation until the 1970s. These amazing pictures were taken inside the mill when it was still working.
Happy Times at Rising Sun - Linda Finch, relative of the Milsom family, the original owners who started the pub, tells the story of the pub before the tragedy of the 1950s.
Discovering the Chequers Inn - the story of James Vezey and milling and brewing in Box.
Drewetts Mill - Box's medieval mill was in operation until the 1970s. These amazing pictures were taken inside the mill when it was still working.
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Victorian Box Index
Secret History of an Ashley House - Bob Alderman has recorded the story of his house, including its origins as a weaver's cottage and later when it was owned by Sir Charles Hobhouse, Liberal Member of Parliament. Great Farming Depression - some remarkable photos of early farming in the village submitted by readers. This Website - We are a not-for-profit organisation seeking to record the history of Box in Wiltshire. We welcome all contributions, corrections and additions to the information in the articles, so please feel able to contact us via the Contact tab with your suggestions.
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FJ Goulstone ploughing at Hill House Farm (courtesy Shirley Goulstone)
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Can't Find Something?
All previous issues are still available to access using the Previous Issues tab. You can track the people who have contributed from the Index by Author tab.Or go into People Index or Places Index for a list of articles and the chance to search the whole website for particluar items.
All previous issues are still available to access using the Previous Issues tab. You can track the people who have contributed from the Index by Author tab.Or go into People Index or Places Index for a list of articles and the chance to search the whole website for particluar items.