Menu

Hilary Townsend – What A West Stour Pupil’s Schoolbook Reveals About Victorian North Dorset

North Dorset historian and author Hilary Townsend tells Alfred how a schoolbook belonging to her great uncle George Rabbett offers an insight into how sons of farmers and traders were taught business skills at their specialist school in Bourton.

She’s fascinated by the maths questions posed in this textbook.

George’s family first farmed at West Stour, specialising in Blue Vinny cheese. Hilary says her find offers us a window into ‘another world’. She intends to donate the book to the county archive.

Listen at 21:00.