Well-Read 'Western'

The Western Gazette once claimed, with 100,000 readers, to be the most read local newspaper in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire. Affectionately known as the 'Western', among its earliest and more unusual small advertisements were:

Miscellaneous Wants. Wife wanted, a pious person without family, aged 50-56. Must possess small annuity of not less than £30 per annum. The advertiser has means, comfortable home and no family. Address to 5H, Post Office, Langport. (Western Gazette Friday 3^rd October 1873)

£20 Reward. Whereas some evil-disposed person or persons did on Friday 6^th, about 6pm, & maliciously set fire to a barn and sheds situate at Sturminster Marshall in the occupation of Mr W Adams – beer house keeper. The above reward will be paid to any person or persons giving such information as shall lead to the conviction of the offender or offenders. (Western Gazette Saturday 14^th January 3^rd 1865)

Shepherd Wanted. Liberal wages with cider, house & garden. No union men need apply. Mr John Hussey, Sock Dennis, near Ilchester. (Western Gazette Friday 3^rd October 1873)

Errand Boy Wanted. Must be trustworthy and able to read and write. Apply to WD, Western Gazette Branch Office, Blandford. (Western Gazette Friday 27^th August 1875)

To Clergymen & Others. Sermons and pamphlets are printed at the Western Gazette offices at universally low prices. (Western Gazette Friday 11^th August 1865)

John Lewis Marsh. Kings Arms Steam Brewery, Blandford. Family Ale from eight pence (3p) to one shilling (5p) per gallon. Strong Beer, Old or Mild at one shilling & four pence (6p). (Western Gazette Friday 21^st July 1876)

Bootmaker Wanted for strong country work, a good hand. Constant employment. Mr Barnett, Stickland, near Blandford. (Western Gazette Friday 3^rd October 1873)

Lost Donkey. Found at Tarrant Hinton, September 21^st, a brown horse donkey, light legs, short tail in low condition and aged. Apply to Henry Harris of Tarrant Hinton, Blandford. (Western Gazette Friday 3^rd October 1873)

Wanted a Steady Man to manage a steam threshing machine. Apply to Mr Richards, Wimborne. (Western Gazette Friday 11^th August 1865)

Situation Wanted – Groom. Wanted by a single man, aged 23, a situation as groom or under coachman. Can ride well and drive, 14 years in one family. Address WS, Post Office, Cranborne. (Western Gazette Friday 3^rd October 1873)

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The Blandford Express

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