In July 2017, a Trafalgar Medal (1805) presented to Dorset born, Ordinary Seaman William Selby was sold at auction for £2,200. The medal had been struck by Matthew Boulton of the Soho Mint in Birmingham on his own initiative. Boulton was embarrassed that there had been no official recognition given to the survivors who had fought in and had won the Battle of Trafalgar in October 1805. Sadly, it is said many of these medals were not particularly well received as not being made of silver they were not easily pawned. So, they were just thrown into the sea by some of the ungrateful recipients. The medals were issued in gold to flag officers, in silver to captains and lieutenants but in bronze or white metal to junior officers and men. William Selby is believed to have originated from Durweston and had volunteered to join the British Navy in April 1803. The following month he transferred to HMS Victory where he served as an Ordinary Seaman during the Battle of Trafalgar. Like many of hi
Where do these local place-names come from? Blandford Forum – a ford where ‘ blay ’ which are small fresh water fish could be found. ‘ Forum’ comes from the Latin for a market. In the 13 th century, the town was known as ‘ Cheping Blandford’ , from the Old English for market. Bryanston – from the Old English meaning ‘ Brian’s estate’. This is named after the man who held this estate in the 13 th century. ‘Tun’ is Old English and means ‘ farm, estate or village’ . Winterborne Stickland – ‘ estate on the River Winterborne with a steep hill.’ A Winterborne is a winter stream. Langton – a ‘ long village, farm or estate. ’ Tarrant Gunville – ‘ estate on the River Tarrant held by the Gundeville family.’ Pimperne – first mentioned in the year 935 and probably comes from the Old Celtic meaning ‘ five trees’ . Thorncombe – the ‘ valley where thorn trees grow. ’ Shroton – ‘ sheriff’s estate or farm. ’ The sheriff being Baldwin of Exeter in the 11 th century. Tarrant