BOOK

Over & Nether Compton – Snapshots in Time

On sale now available via booksales at S&DFHS https://sdfhs.org/shop/.

Trencherman’s of Over Compton

Austyn, Cheap Street, Sherborne

or direct from me via CONTACT – Barbara Elsmore

Price: £10

Barbara Elsmore’s book is a very personal journey through her ancestors’ lives and touches on landmark events that many throughout the area and beyond will recognise. Her use of both personal documents and official records creates the framework to which she has added the colour of her family’s story.

Readers who have access to family history resources will be tempted, as was I, to check those official records, look at handwriting and get to know these strangers Barbara knows as her family. The inclusion of family photographs brings us closer to these people.

Whilst the area covered is very localised, I found connections to my own story further afield and I suspect this will be the case for many readers. It’s a great record of how communities grow, evolve and are touched by sadness and joy.

Helen Baggott

See also Barbara’s article in the New Blackmore Vale Magazine.