Shaftesbury Through Time

Explore the captivating history of Shaftesbury, Dorset, through a unique then-and-now visual journey. Shaftesbury, a Saxon hilltop town overlooking the Blackmore Vale, boasts a rich history dating back to King Alfred's founding of its abbey in c. 888. This book, drawing from the Gold Hill Museum archive, offers a fascinating look at how Shaftesbury's streets, buildings, and enterprises have transformed over the years. Through carefully curated then-and-now photographs, author Roger Guttridge highlights the changes and what they meant to the town's citizens. Discover the stories behind iconic landmarks like Gold Hill, made famous by the Hovis bread advertisement, and the abbey, once one of England's wealthiest religious establishments. Perfect for local history enthusiasts and anyone curious about Dorset's past, this book provides a delightful and engaging glimpse into Shaftesbury's evolution.