Buckhorn Weston

St Mary's Tyneham
St John the Baptist, Buckhorn Weston

Buckhorn Weston is a scattered parish on the Dorset/Somerset border 4 miles south-east of Wincanton, 4 miles south-west of Gillingham and 8 miles north-west of Shaftesbury.

In Saxon times the area was known as Bokere Waston, which meant 'hamlet in the wilderness near the dyke'. In 1086 Buckhorn Weston was recorded in the Domesday Book as Westone; it had 26 households, 6 ploughlands and 40 acres of meadow. In 1349 the village was badly affected by the plague and its population much reduced. Later, the estate passed via the Stourton family (associated with Stourhead) and the Fane family into the hands of the Stapleton family in 1837 who remained substantial local landowners until the death of Sir Miles Stapleton in 1979. The village inn still bears the family name and coat of arms.

The church of St John the Baptist is situated on the hillside. A church has existed here from the beginning of the 13th century, part of the north chancel wall dates from this period. The wrought iron gates which were made in memory of Captain Hugh Stapleton can be seen. The south porch also dates from the 13th century and due to subsidence has a 20% slope.



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Census Transcription of the 1841 Census [Alex Nicole]
Transcription of the 1871 Census [Christel Muncaster]
Transcription of the 1881 Census [Terry Smith]
Parish Registers Baptisms 1813-1864, 1864-1923 [Ruth Hawkins]
Marriages 1811-1836, 1839-1943 [Ruth Hawkins]
Burials 1813-1929 [Ruth Hawkins]
Postal Directories Hunts 1851, Kelly's 1889, Topographical Dictionary 1831
Other Records Monumental Inscriptions
Civic Cemetery, St John the Baptist

Poor Rate in 1679 & 1719
Protestation Returns

Return of Landowners 1871
Photographs Photographs of the church and village by Lynda Mudle-Small
Useful Links  
Wills Thomas Davidge [d. 1582]
Thomas Davidge [Yeoman of Buckhorn Weston d. 1605]
George Davidge [Yeoman of Buckhorn Weston d. 1658]
Henry Davidge [Yeoman of Buckhorn Weston d. 1705]
Maps  

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Records held at the Dorset History Centre
[Ref PE-BCW]
 
Registers
Christenings 1677-1952. Marriages 1679-1992. Burials 1677-1929.
Registration District
(for the purpose of civil registration births, marriages & deaths)
1 Jul 1837-31 May 1895: Wincanton (Somerset)
1 Jun 1895-31 Mar 1937: Shaftesbury
1 Apr 1937-31 Mar 1974: Sturminster
1 Apr 1974-17 Oct 2005: North Dorset
In 1966 part of the parish of Buckhorn Weston was transferred to Henstridge (Somerset)

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