Category Archives: Journal

Notes on slavery, the slave trade, and the counties of Dorset and Wiltshire

Before Bristol there was Dorset. Merchants from Poole, Weymouth, and Lyme Regis were involved in the trading of slaves from West Africa with colonial West Indies. There is a suggestion that the main reason the shipping moved from Dorset to Bristol was because larger ships needed bigger and deeper ports. Whatever the reason the legacyContinue reading “Notes on slavery, the slave trade, and the counties of Dorset and Wiltshire”

Wanderings with the monks of Grandmont

It’s a winding drive through woodland and hills to reach the settlement of Grandmont in the Limousin hills. A chapel recalls the village’s links with a monastic order that was once one of the wealthiest and most austere religious communities. The Grandmontines grew from a small group of hermits who had been inspired by theContinue reading “Wanderings with the monks of Grandmont”

Almshouses

I wrote this piece a few years ago for one of our local magazines. It prompted some useful discussion about how we can best provide homes that meet social need in our communities. I think it’s worth sharing here to keep some of that discussion alive, and because I simply love seeing almshouses on myContinue reading “Almshouses”

The impact of Covid-19 on church-related social action in Dorset and Wiltshire

When the pandemic became more than just a passing reference on the international news and began to spread across this country I imagine many of us, like the Government, thought that it would pass in a few weeks. The first lockdown, starting in the middle of March, saw people making arrangements where they could, stockingContinue reading “The impact of Covid-19 on church-related social action in Dorset and Wiltshire”

Foxwell-Buxton, anti-slavery campaigner and MP of Weymouth

“With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attainable.” Today the Church of England remembers the anti-slavery campaigners William Wilberforce, Olaudah Equiano and Thomas Clarkson. Here in the Diocese of Salisbury we might like to add Thomas Foxwell-Buxton, MP for Weymouth and Melcombe Regis between 1818 and 1837.In 1823 Foxwell-Buxton established the Society forContinue reading “Foxwell-Buxton, anti-slavery campaigner and MP of Weymouth”

Levelling Up and Destitution

It is good to have Danny Kruger’s report on the role of charities, faith groups, and community organisations, in serving communities, building strong social networks, and shaping the future of our society as we work through the effects of lockdown.  A lot of careful reflection has gone into this report and it’s no surprise thatContinue reading “Levelling Up and Destitution”