Abbotsbury Genealogical Records

Abbotsbury Birth & Baptism Records

England & Wales Birth Index (1837-2006)

An index to births registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of birth certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Abbotsbury Baptism Records (1813-1906)

Baptism registers are the primary source for birth documentation before 1837, though are relevant to the present. They record the date a child was baptised, their parents' names, occupations, residence and more.

Abbotsbury Baptism Records (1560-1812)

Baptism records from people born in and around Abbotsbury between 1560 and 1812. Lists the name of people's parent's, their occupations and abode.

Abbotsbury Baptism Registers (1726-1812)

Baptism registers record the baptism of those born in and around Abbotsbury and were subsequently baptised in an Anglican place of worship. They are the primary source of birth details before 1837, though are useful to the present.

Dorset Baptism Index with Images (1813-1906)

Original images of baptism registers, searchable by a name index, covering almost all Dorset parishes.

Abbotsbury Marriage & Divorce Records

England & Wales Marriage Index (1837-2008)

An index to marriages registered throughout England & Wales. This is the only national marriage index that allows you to search by both spouse's names. Provides a reference to order copies of marriage certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Abbotsbury Marriage Records (1813-1929)

Marriage registers record Anglican marriages in Abbotsbury. They are the primary marriage document before 1837 and contain the same details as marriage certificates from then on. They typically record residence and marital status, though may contain ages and father's names.

Abbotsbury Marriage Records (1560-1812)

Details on those who married at Abbotsbury between 1560 and 1812. Information given may include parents' names, ages, marital status, abode and more.

Abbotsbury Marriage Registers (1813-1837)

Marriage registers are the primary source for marital documentation before 1837, though are relevant to the present. They typically record marital status and residence. Details may also be given on a party's parents, age and parish of origin.

Abbotsbury Marriage (1837-1937)

An index to marriages in between 1837 and 1937, listing the date of marriage and the names of the bride and groom.

Abbotsbury Death & Burial Records

England & Wales Death Index (1837-2006)

An index to deaths registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of death certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Abbotsbury Burial Records (1813-1919)

Records of burial for people buried at Abbotsbury between 1813 and 1919. Details include the deceased's name, residence and age. Some records may contain the names of relations, cause of death and more.

Abbotsbury Burial Records (1560-1812)

Burial records for people buried at Abbotsbury, detail the deceased's name, residence and age from 1560 to 1812. Some records may contain the names of relations, cause of death and more.

Abbotsbury Burial Registers (1659-1982)

Burial registers are the primary source for death documentation before 1837, though are relevant to the present. They record the date someone was buried, their age & residence. Details given may include the deceased's name, residence, age, names of relations, cause of death and more.

Abbotsbury Burial (1813-1919)

An index of burials in the churchyard. These records essentially record deaths between 1813 and 1919.

Abbotsbury Census & Population Lists

1939 Register (1939)

An index to and digital images of records that detail 40 million civilians in England and Wales. Records list name, date of birth, address, marital status, occupation and details of trade or profession.

England, Wales, IoM & Channel Islands 1911 Census (1911)

The 1911 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

Dorset Electoral Registers (1839-1922)

A full name index, connected to original images of the registers. These records list those who were eligible to vote and may give a description of an individual's property.

Dorset Poll Book (1807)

A list of freeholders in the county, with their residence, the name of their tenants and the location of their freehold.

Dorset Hearth Tax Assessments (1662-1664)

Transcriptions of hearth tax records for the county of Dorset.

Newspapers Covering Abbotsbury

Western Morning News (1894-1950)

A politically independent newspaper, covering the affairs of Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. It includes family notices.

Western Gazette (1863-1950)

A regional newspaper covering the counties of Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire Hampshire and Berkshire. It covers local and national news, family announcements, business news, legal proceedings and more.

Western Times (1827-1950)

A liberal newspaper covering the counties of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. It includes family notices.

Dorset County Chronicle (1824-1867)

A regional newspaper including news from the Dorset area, family announcements, business notices, advertisements, legal & governmental proceedings and more.

The Daily Herald (1926)

A London newspaper that later became The Sun.

Abbotsbury Wills & Probate Records

England & Wales National Probate Calendar (1858-1966)

Searchable index and original images of over 12.5 million probates and administrations granted by civil registries. Entries usually include the testator's name, date of death, date of probate and registry. Names of relations may be given.

Devon Wills Index (1163-1999)

An index to 295,609 wills of people who lived in or were connected to Devon. The wills they reference can contain a great deal of genealogical information.

Early Gloucestershire Probate Index (1540-1660)

An index to Gloucestershire wills from Bristol and Gloucester Diocese.

Dorset Wills and Probate Documents (1565-1858)

An index linked to original images of wills, administrations and inventories proved in Dorset courts. Documents contain much genealogical information.

Prerogative Court of Canterbury Admon Index (1559-1660)

An index to estate administrations performed by the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. The index covers the southern two thirds of England & Wales, but may also contain entries for northerners.

Abbotsbury Immigration & Travel Records

Dorset Vagrant Passes (1739-1791)

An index linked to original images of documents for vagrants. These records were draw up for poor people who moved to parishes where their presence was unwanted. They contain much genealogical information.

Dorset Convict Transportation Records (1724-1791)

Indentures and other records that recorded the transportation of Dorset men and women to the colonies.

Dorchester Company Emigrants (1623-1628)

Details of individuals who left Dorset for New England.

Passenger Lists Leaving UK (1890-1960)

A name index connected to original images of passenger lists recording people travelling from Britain to destinations outside Europe. Records may detail a passenger's age or date of birth, residence, occupation, destination and more.

UK Incoming Passenger Lists (1878-1960)

A full index of passenger lists for vessels arriving in the UK linked to original images. Does not include lists from vessels sailing from European ports. Early entries can be brief, but later entries may include dates of births, occupations, home addresses and more. Useful for documenting immigration.

Abbotsbury Military Records

Dorset Militia Lists (1757-1860)

An index linked to original images of lists men eligible to serve in the militia. Records may include name, residence, occupation, age, height, marital status, disabilities and family details.

Dorset Absent Voters (1918-1919)

A list of Dorset-men who were in the military and registered to vote as absent.

Dorset WWI Memorials (1914-1918)

A list of names found on World War One monuments in Dorset, with some service details.

Dorset WWII Memorials (1914-1918)

A list of names found on World War Two monuments in Dorset, with some service details.

Prisoners of War of British Army (1939-1945)

A searchable list of over 100,000 British Army POWs. Records contains details on the captured, their military career and where they were held prisoner.

Dorchester Prison Documents (1782-1901)

Over 60,000 documents relating to prisoners held at Dorchester Prison. The collection includes admission and discharge books and photographs of the latter prisoners.

Dorset Alehouse Licences & Recognizances (1754-1821)

Documents relating to the licensing of alehouses. Contains details on the proprietor, establishment and conditions of the licence.

Dorset Vestry, Poor and other Parish Records (1640-1932)

Original images of Dorset parish records. Including: poor rates, overseers, churchwardens, vestry, incumbents' and other records.

Dorset Quarter Sessions Records (1625-1905)

The records document Quarter Session judges’ decisions in matters that include settlement inquiries, highway rates, criminal trials, registers of settlement, orders of removal, bastardy examinations, apprenticeships, licensing, contracts, lists of justices, and other matters related to the business of running the county.

Dorset Vestry, Poor and other Parish Records (1511-1997)

Original images of Dorset parish records. Including: poor rates, overseers, churchwardens, vestry, incumbents' and other records.

Abbotsbury Taxation Records

Dorset Tithe Apportion & Maps (1835-1850)

Maps delineating fields in Dorset, which are referenced to documents recording field names, land owners, occupiers, land use and land size.

Dorset Land Tax (1780-1832)

Digital images of 18th and 19th century records that record landowners and their tenants. The taxable value of the land is given, and sometimes a description of the property. These records can be searched by names and place indices.

Dorset Hearth Tax Assessments (1662-1664)

Transcriptions of hearth tax records for the county of Dorset.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Land Tax Redemption (1798-1811)

This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.

Abbotsbury Land & Property Records

Dorset Electoral Registers (1839-1922)

A full name index, connected to original images of the registers. These records list those who were eligible to vote and may give a description of an individual's property.

Dorset Tithe Apportion & Maps (1835-1850)

Maps delineating fields in Dorset, which are referenced to documents recording field names, land owners, occupiers, land use and land size.

Dorset Land Tax (1780-1832)

Digital images of 18th and 19th century records that record landowners and their tenants. The taxable value of the land is given, and sometimes a description of the property. These records can be searched by names and place indices.

Dorset Poll Book (1807)

A list of freeholders in the county, with their residence, the name of their tenants and the location of their freehold.

Dorset Absent Voters (1918-1919)

A list of Dorset-men who were in the military and registered to vote as absent.

Abbotsbury Directories & Gazetteers

Kelly's Directory of Dorset (1931)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Dorset (1927)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Dorset (1920)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Dorset (1915)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Dorset (1912)

An exhaustive gazetteer, containing details of settlement's history, governance, churches, postal services, public institutions and more. Also contains lists of residents with their occupation and address.

Abbotsbury Cemeteries

Abbotsbury Monumental Inscriptions (1699-2002)

An index to vital details from monuments found at the church.

Dorset Monumental Inscriptions (1200-2000)

An index to vital details engraved on gravestones and other monuments across the county of Dorset.

Dorset Monumental Inscriptions Index (1020-2007)

An index to inscriptions found on 56,608 gravestones and monuments in Dorset. The index includes details of relationships.

Dorset Memorial Inscriptions Index (1421-1985)

An index to inscriptions found on over 11,500 gravestones in Dorset. The index includes details of relationships.

Dorset Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Dorset' most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

Abbotsbury Obituaries

iAnnounce Obituaries (2006-Present)

The UKs largest repository of obituaries, containing millions of searchable notices.

United Kingdom and Ireland Obituary Collection (1882-Present)

A growing collection currently containing over 425,000 abstracts of obituaries with reference to the location of the full obituary.

Quakers Annual Monitor (1847-1848)

A collection of 364 obituaries of Quakers from the British Isles. The volume was published in 1849 and includes obituaries of those who died in late 1847 through 1848.

Musgrave's Obituaries (1421-1800)

This transcribed and searchable work by Sir William Musgrave contains 10,000s of brief obituaries. The work is a reference point for other works containing information on an individual.

British Medical Journal (1849-Present)

A text index and digital images of all editions of a journal containing medical articles and obituaries of medical practitioners.

Abbotsbury Histories & Books

Notes and Queries for Somerset and Dorset (1888-1906)

Selected issues of a periodical which contains many historical and genealogical tracts relating to the counties of Somerset and Dorset.

Catholic History in South West England (1517-1856)

A history of Catholicism in South West England with biographies of noted Catholics. Contains details of the Dominican, Benedictine, and Franciscan orders.

Victoria County History: Dorset (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

Dorset Church Photographs (1890-Present)

Photographs and images of churches in Dorset.

Dorset Church Histories & Photos (1066-Present)

Short profiles of Dorsetshire churches, containing photographs and bibliographies.

Abbotsbury School & Education Records

National School Admission & Log Books (1870-1914)

A name index connected to digital images of registers recording millions of children educated in schools operated by the National Society for Promoting Religious Education. Records contain a variety of information including genealogical details, education history, illnesses, exam result, fathers occupation and more.

Teacher's Registration Council Registers (1870-1948)

A name index linked to original images of registers recording the education and careers of teachers in England & Wales.

Oxford University Alumni (1500-1886)

A name index linked to original images of short biographies for over 120,000 Oxford University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge University Alumni (1261-1900)

A transcript of a vast scholarly work briefly chronicling the heritage, education and careers of over 150,000 Cambridge University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge Alumni Database (1198-1910)

A searchable database containing over 90,000 note-form biographies for students of Cambridge University.

Abbotsbury Occupation & Business Records

Dorset Crew Lists (1863-1914)

A collection of nearly 60,000 documents including crew lists, ship agreements and log books for Dorset. Records may contain information of a sailors birth, life, duties and discipline.

Dorset Parish Apprentices Indentures (1605-1799)

Abstracts of apprenticeship indentures initiated by parishes in Dorset. These records provide details on parents' names and occupations.

Dorset Hemp & Flax Bounties (1782-1793)

Over 3,300 documents relating to bounties offered to farmers by the government to grow hemp & flax.

The Dorsetshire Labourer (1887)

An article describing the life of labourers in Dorset in the 19th century. Includes details on hiring practices and poverty.

Smuggling on the South Coast (1700-1867)

An introduction to smuggling in Dorset & Hampshire.

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Abbotsbury

Victoria County History: Dorset (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Abbotsbury Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

Victoria County History: Dorset (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

Dorset Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Dorset' most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Visitation of England and Wales (1700-1899)

Over 600 pedigrees for English and Welsh families who had a right to bear a coat of arms.

Abbotsbury Church Records

Abbotsbury Parish Registers (1560-1929)

The primary source of documentation for baptisms, marriages and burials before 1837, though extremely useful to the present. Their records can assist tracing a family back numerous generations.

Abbotsbury Parish Registers (1659-1982)

Documentation for those baptised, married and buried at Abbotsbury. Parish registers can assist tracing a family back numerous generations.

Dorset Vestry, Poor and other Parish Records (1640-1932)

Original images of Dorset parish records. Including: poor rates, overseers, churchwardens, vestry, incumbents' and other records.

Dorset Parish Apprentices Indentures (1605-1799)

Abstracts of apprenticeship indentures initiated by parishes in Dorset. These records provide details on parents' names and occupations.

Dorset Parish Register Index with Images (1538-1812)

Original images of parish registers, searchable by a name index, covering almost all Dorset parishes.

Biographical Directories Covering Abbotsbury

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1885)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Crockford's Clerical Directories (1868-1914)

Brief biographies of Anglican clergy in the UK.

The Concise Dictionary of National Biography (1654-1930)

A directory containing lengthy biographies of noted British figures. The work took over two decades to compile. Biographies can be searched by name and are linked to images of the original publication.

Abbotsbury Maps

Dorset Tithe Apportion & Maps (1835-1850)

Maps delineating fields in Dorset, which are referenced to documents recording field names, land owners, occupiers, land use and land size.

Maps of Dorset (1610-1900)

A collection of digitalised maps covering the county.

UK Popular Edition Maps (1919-1926)

Detailed maps covering much of the UK. They depict forests, mountains, larger farms, roads, railroads, towns, and more.

Ordnance Survey 1:10 Maps (1840-1890)

Maps showing settlements, features and some buildings in mainland Britain.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Abbotsbury Reference Works

England Research Guide (1538-Present)

A beginner’s guide to researching ancestry in England.

Parish Register Abstract (1538-1812)

Compiled in 1831, this book details the coverage and condition of parish registers in England & Wales.

Building History Research Guide (1066-Present)

A comprehensive guide to researching the history of buildings in the British Isles.

Surname Origins (1790-1911)

A service that provides advanced and custom surname maps for the British Isles and the US.

British Family Mottoes (1189-Present)

A dictionary of around 9,000 mottoes for British families who had right to bear arms.

Historical Description

Abbotsbury, a small town, pleasantly situated in a rich and fertile soil, which produces great quantities of hemp and flax. The town consists of three streets, in form of the letter Y. The name is derived from an ancient abbey founded by Orcusar Arkus, steward to Canute the Great, for secular canons; but in the reign of Edward the Confessor they were removed, and Benedictines placed in their stead; these remained in the possession of it till the reign of Henry VIII. when it was dissolved with other religious houses; at which time its revenues amounted to 4841. per annum.

This abbey was a place of great repute in times of popery, having received many donations from devotees, which enabled the monks to rebuild the whole edifice, together with a fine church, and a chapel on the summit of an adjoining hill, from whence there was a fine prospect.

The conventual church, stood a little north of the abbey, parallel to that and the present parish church. There still remains an ancient low gate (probably one of the porches,) on the north, opposite to the remains of the abbey-house; and a little to the west of the said gate is a large heap of ruins, v/here perhaps the tower stood. It was here, according to the ancient register of the monastery, the nobility and gentry of these parts were buried.

The abbey stood parallel to the ancient conventual and the present parish church, on a rising ground. South of the town is a large gatehouse, leading from the town to it, on the side of which is a portal where the last abbot is said to have been confined and starved to death : near this gate, on the left, is another large gate, by which you enter the precincts of the monastery; near the farmhouse, is a stable, supposed to have been the dormitory. Somewhat south of the precincts of the abbey is a very ancient barn, which, when entire, must have been the largest in the county.

The remains of St. Catharine's chapel, belonging to the abbey, are to be seen on a high round hill, half a mile S. W. of the town; it has two porches, a turret at the west end, and windows all round. It is a strong handsome building, with a stone roof, arched in the inside, and is esteemed a great curiosity, and one of the most venerable pieces of antiquity this kingdom has to boast. By the style of building it seems to have been erected in the reign of Edward IV. Its high situation renders it an excellent landmark for seamen.

The present church is a large and handsome structure dedicated to St. Nicholas, and supposed to have been built a short time before the Reformation; it is situated on the south side of the town.

About a quarter of a mile S.W. of Abbotsbury, is a large decoy, well covered with wood, where plenty of wild fowl resort, and are taken. A little west of the town is the Swannery, much visited by strangers; in the open part of the fleet, are kept 6 or 700 swans. The royalty belonged anciently to the abbot of the monastery; since to the family of the Strangeways; now to the Countess Dowager of Ilchester, who has a small house upon the margin of the beach, where she usually resides some time in the summer mouths.

The principal part of the inhabitants of Abbots-bury are employed in fishing and agriculture; a few in spinning of cotton, which is manufactured into stockings, which have long acquired great reputation. There is a free-school for teaching 20 poor boys reading, writing, and arithmetic; at first endowed with 121. per annum, since augmented to 201. by the late Mrs. Horner.

The town lies near the sea, where vast quantities of fine mackerel are caught, from the middle of March till Midsummer; they have sometimes caught 80 or 40,000 at a draught, and 100 have been sold for a penny. There are many curious stones on the beach, and stone is dug in the quarries near the shore, very serviceable for slating or paving.

The vicinity of this town to Weymouth, being a pleasant ride, occasions, in the bathing season, frequent excursions of company from that place, on account 'of its antiquities, and the romantic prospects of the surrounding country.

Abbotsbury has a weekly market on Thursday; and is distant from London 128 miles. At the end of a ridge of hills, about a mile and half west of the town, and a little north of East Bexington, is an old fortification, called Abbotsbury Castle. Its form is nearly square; but the south side is longer than the north, and the angles rounded off. On the north is only one rampart: half way down is a shallow ditch; and at bottom another not very deep. On the south, towards the sea, the hill is very steep: half way down is a small ditch, and at bottom an irregular one, not always continued. The rampart on this and the north side, does not rise above the area. On the east are two very high and very thick ramparts, and two deep ditches, which separate it from the rest of the hill. On the west side are two ramparts and ditches; the innermost rampart high, and rising above the area, but not so much as on the east. The outer rampart and ditch are not so high or deep as the other, and extend only to the north, and half of the west side. Where it is discontinued, is an entrance in the middle of that rampart. There is another entrance near the northeast angle. The area is about twenty acres. Near the south side is a low tumulus. The hill on which this castle is raised, continues to the east about half a mile. At the foot is a ditch, in some places pretty considerable. The north side 144 paces; the south, 250; the east, 115; the west, 217. In the southwest and north angles, is a circular ditch and rampart, inclosing a small area, twelve paces diameter." Returning to the line of our original route, we cross the road in order to visit Eggerdon Camp, about two miles to the left, situated on the brow of Eggerdon hill. The area of this ancient fortification appears to have been upwards of forty-seven acres, comprised in an oval, of which the largest inner diameter is 1380 feet; the smaller 720 feet. It has only two ditches and two ramparts on the north and east sides, each about thirty feet wide. On the west side there are three ramparts and two very regular ditches. The ramparts on the south side are irregular and at present hardly observable. There is no doubt of this camp having been the work of the Romans; their ways in the neighbourhood and other concurrent circumstances, proving the fact.

Topography of Great Britain (1829) by George Alexander Cooke

ABBOTSBURY is a large village and parish near the West Fleet, pleasantly situated in a deep valley open to the sea at the south-west and sheltered by lofty hills to the north, and terminus of the Abbotsbury branch of the Great Western railway from Weymouth, 9 miles south-west from Dorchester, 9 north-west from Weymouth, in the Western division of the county, Uggescombe hundred, Dorchester petty sessional division, Weymouth union and county court district, rural deanery of Bridport (Abbotsbury portion), archdeaconry of Dorset and diocese of Salisbury. The church of St. Nicholas is a Very ancient Gothic fabric of stone, consisting of chancel, nave and aisles, separated by piers and Pointed arches, antique porch and a fine square embattled western tower, with 6 bells and clock: over the western door is a curious figure emblematic of the Trinity-an old man in a sitting posture, with a crucifix between his knees and a dove at his right ear: on the north side the windows are Gothic, the walls being surmounted by pinnacles; the windows on the south side are Debased English, 1660: it has an antique font: in the pulpit, which is beautifully carved, are two holes from bullets said to have been fired in at the windows by Cromwell’s soldiers: the chancel has a handsome altar-piece having the Ten Commandments in gold letters on a black ground; the remains of Orc the founder are deposited under the chancel: the church was reseated in 1886, when a new organ was presented: there are 450 sittings of panelled oak: in the graveyard are two large stone coffins; one found under the north porch and the other in the churchyard. The register dates from the year 1574. The living is a vicarage, rent-charge £9, net yearly value £138, with 60 acres of glebe and residence, in the gift of the Earl of Ilchester, and held since 1892 by the Rev. John Harvie Douglas M.A. of Downing College, Cambridge. Here are Congregational and Primitive Methodist chapels. Charities producing £17 19s. 6d. yearly, arising principally from a rent-charge on the manor, left in 1754 by Mrs. Susannah Strangways Hormer, are distributed in money. Mr. William Jennings, by will dated 1852, gave £500 in trust for the benefit of the Sunday school. This place is of great antiquity: Canute, the Danish King, gave it together with several others, to Orc, his favourite steward: in early ages Bertulf had built a church here which he dedicated to St. Peter; that having gone to decay, Orc founded a monastery in the year 1044, and filled it with monks from Cerne Abbey; he also endowed it with eight of the neighbouring manors: the abbey stood on rising ground south of the village: the ruins of the gateway still remain in tolerable preservation: near this gateway is a gable covered with ivy, supposed to be part of the ruins of a mansion built on the site of and out of the remains of the abbey, by Sir Giles Strangeways, and in which he resided: the conventual church, traces of which still exist, stood a little to the north of the abbey: the old tithe-barn of the monastery is still in good preservation; it is 105 yards in length, with large porch and buttresses on the north side; adjoining thereto is an hexagonal tower. On an eminence south-west of the village are situated the ruins of St. Catharine’s chapel, supposed to have been erected in the reign of Edward IV.; it was of stone, strengthened by buttresses on the north and south sides; at the northwest angle is a tower; the roof is finely arched and a few of the ornaments still remain: from its altitude it serves for a landmark at sea, being visible at a great distance. Henry VIII. granted the manor to Sir Giles Strangeways knt. and it was confirmed by Elizabeth, with the fishery, water, and soil of East Fleet, also the swannery and site of the monastery of West Fleet: from this family it descended to the Earl of Ilchester P.C. whose seat is Abbotsbury Castle, a Gothic residence commanding a beautiful view of the West Bay. Nearly a mile to the south of the village are the swannery, decoy and keeper’s house, where as many as 1,057 swans are kept, together with all kinds of wild fowl. The inhabitants are chiefly employed in the mackerel fishery and agriculture. The Right Hon. the Earl of Ilchester P.C. is lord of the manor and principal landowner. The soil is red clay chiefly; a seam of iron ore runs through the village, extent about 3 miles and from one-eighth to half a mile in breadth. The chief crops are wheat, barley and potatoes, but most of the land is in pasture. The area is 5,616 acres, of which 545 are water; rateable value, £5,500; the population in 1881 was 979 and in 1891 was 903.

Parochial Schools (mixed & infants) (endowed with £20 yearly) & a master’s house were erected by the late Earl of Ilchester, at a cost of about £1,500, for 200 children; average attendance, 130; principally supported by Lord Ilchester.

Kelly's Directory of Dorset (1895)

Most Common Surnames in Abbotsbury

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Uggscombe Hundred
1Gill441:2216.48%139
2Ford381:2610.53%86
3Critchell281:3519.72%295
3Limm281:3596.55%1,118
5Symes261:383.95%25
6Gee241:4133.33%565
7White231:431.19%1
8Hayne221:4524.18%465
9Bartlett211:471.66%4
9Toms211:479.72%189
11Keech201:4917.09%356
12Trevett191:527.60%155
13Cribb171:5847.22%959
14Lee161:616.87%168
14Dunford161:615.08%113
14Downton161:618.65%224
17Pittman151:6525.00%649
18Hall141:704.55%116
18Brodby141:7093.33%1,675
20Green131:751.90%20
20Roper131:756.22%197
20Churchill131:752.66%48
20Mundy131:7559.09%1,328
24Taylor121:821.68%15
24Pitcher121:825.15%168
26Gardner111:8939.29%1,150
26Hayward111:893.51%114
26Wallis111:895.14%192
26Bryer111:8957.89%1,451
30Gibbons101:9816.13%633
30Lake101:987.30%302
30Dark101:9828.57%981
30Boatswain101:9845.45%1,328
34Randell91:10911.11%511
34Corben91:10925.00%959
36Marsh81:1221.19%22
36Penny81:1224.97%259
36Claxton81:12253.33%1,675
36Hansford81:1221.20%24
36Hodder81:1222.62%119
36Dennett81:1227.92%419
36Ferry81:12213.79%672
36Kellaway81:1223.85%199
36Sansford81:12229.63%1,174
45Williams71:1401.10%26
45Thompson71:1404.14%246
45Gould71:1402.18%109
45Darby71:14013.73%755
45Beale71:1404.49%264
45Hopson71:14036.84%1,451
45Damon71:1407.07%427
52Wood61:1633.82%263
52Carter61:1631.31%53
52Arnold61:1631.79%102
52Bradford61:1637.89%545
52Vallance61:16313.64%837
52Westmacott61:16346.15%1,847
52Dight61:163100.00%3,092
59Adams51:1961.40%88
59Collins51:1960.95%43
59Knight51:1961.33%80
59Palmer51:1961.27%70
59Hawkins51:1961.19%64
59Wren51:19631.25%1,616
59Frampton51:1960.95%42
59Cozens51:1969.80%755
59Hounsell51:1962.27%185
59Chaffey51:1963.07%254
59Cornick51:1962.58%208
59Furlonger51:196100.00%3,470
59Hurden51:19629.41%1,539
59Deamen51:19629.41%1,539
73Clark41:2450.91%57
73Cooper41:2451.40%128
73Russell41:2450.91%56
73Vincent41:2451.03%72
73Talbot41:2451.78%179
73Chard41:2453.05%311
73Vivian41:24515.38%1,203
73Kingman41:2453.67%385
73Figgins41:245100.00%3,917
73Tullidge41:245100.00%3,917
83Legg31:3260.27%5
83Hallett31:3260.50%30
83Orchard31:3261.30%173
83Burridge31:3262.33%316
83Bridle31:3260.87%97
83Saint31:3265.66%727
83Poynter31:32625.00%1,933
83Bagg31:3262.42%328
83Hamley31:32675.00%3,917
83Thresher31:3267.89%927
83Kearley31:3266.25%787
83Walbridge31:3263.30%465
83Vivan31:326100.00%4,444
96Stevens21:4900.48%65
96Lock21:4900.72%138
96Slade21:4900.60%105
96Crabb21:4900.61%106
96Rendall21:4901.25%260
96Crockett21:490100.00%5,091
96Stickland21:4900.38%40
96Cheney21:4902.02%427
96Jeanes21:4901.67%344
96Godding21:49011.76%1,539
96Stoodley21:4902.11%452
107Smith11:9790.06%2
107Jones11:9790.33%120
107Hughes11:9791.18%494
107Young11:9790.17%31
107Clarke11:9790.25%70
107Cook11:9790.26%77
107Miller11:9790.12%8
107Cox11:9790.11%7
107Mason11:97912.50%2,498
107Hunt11:9790.13%12
107Powell11:9790.40%157
107Gregory11:9790.88%370
107Kerr11:97911.11%2,313
107Abbott11:9790.33%121
107Goddard11:9790.44%177
107Short11:9790.29%97
107Winter11:9791.08%460
107Whittle11:9790.31%108
107Lovell11:9790.42%164
107Hutchings11:9790.41%161
107Conway11:9790.83%344
107Broughton11:97911.11%2,313
107Hickman11:9798.33%1,933
107Phipps11:97933.33%4,444
107Good11:9791.59%623
107Manley11:9794.17%1,256
107Dyke11:9790.83%336
107Blanchard11:9791.89%727
107Lockett11:9793.70%1,174
107Godden11:9790.88%370
107Crew11:9791.02%432
107Perrett11:9791.89%727
107Gillingham11:9790.27%81
107Angel11:9792.38%866
107Sweetman11:97916.67%3,092
107Samways11:9790.19%40
107Hanney11:9796.25%1,616
107Wallbridge11:9792.17%812
107Star11:9799.09%2,038
107Cosh11:9792.86%981
107Balson11:9791.49%598
107Wingett11:979100.00%6,158
107Rossi11:97920.00%3,470
107Fuszard11:9794.17%1,256
107Hadgley11:979100.00%6,158