Wareham Grave, Shroton, Dorset

This is the memorial to three of my great grandfather's (Walter George) siblings. His brother George Russell Wareham who died 1864 age 14, and sisters Emma who died 1880 age 14 and Ellen Louisa died 1876 age 17. It must have been upsetting for the family to lose children at such ages in the era prior to modern health services. At least one other of the 11 brothers and sisters died in infancy. There are other Wareham memorials still standing in the Shroton churchyard but I cannot identify any others in the direct ancestral line although others are buried here.

Shroton Fair, Dorset c 1900

This is a picture of the Shroton Fair taken at the turn of the century. It was held on the old showground to the north of the village and was a major event for decades in the area. It was held in September and I know that my great grandfather, Walter, used to return to the village at fair time each year and it is sure that previous generations of Wareham's enjoyed the event. This picture is supplied courtesy of Blandford Museum in Dorset. To get a copy please contact the museum and they will send one for a very small charge.

Old Workhouse, Shroton

I believe, from another Wareham family researcher who spoke to some current Shroton residents, that this building which is near the Cross is the Old Work House in Shroton. I am waiting to verify this from official records. If it is the place then George and Jane Wareham and their family lived here in scheme number 55 in the 1871 census. My great grandfather Walter was 3/4 when they lived in the Workhouse. Despite seeming rather small and not of a typical workhouse design it is quite possible this is the buidling because in 1881 and 1891 They lived at Cross Cottages which are the other side of the road. Was this an old Poor Law WorkHouse because if it was times must have been hard for the family during these years and living would have been tough.

Uncles and Aunts

Pictured here with my sister Claire as a baby is my Aunt Sandra, Uncle Nigel and Aunt Pauline.

Kath Wareham

Great Aunt Kath Wareham is second from the left. With friends I think at Coombe.

Kath Wareham

Another from the same set of photos as above with Kath on the right.

Rodney Wareham

My dad at the Tolpuddle trade union rally in Dorset. Wettest Tolpuddle I've ever known during the wettest summer for years.

Warehams on Gold Hill, Shaftesbury

Rodney Wareham flanked by his cousin Ken (son of George) on the right of the photo and son Mark on the left.

Blachford's Farm

The roof in the centre amongst the trees is that of the farm held by my 5th great grandparents and where my 5th great grandmother Susannah Blachford was born and raised. now called Blackberry Farm at Hartgrove near East Orchard in Dorset.