About Gillingham Dorset - a potted history

"The oldest substantial building in the town apart from the church is Wyke Hall. Parts date from Tudor times and although much altered over the years is now in good order and divided into several separate dwelling units.

St Mary's church has existed for over 900 years but was largely rebuilt in the 1830's under the direction of Henry Deane, vicar at the time. The chancel is the only substantial ancient part, dating from the 14th century. The church is unique in that the chancel floor is lower than that of the nave.

The coming of the railway in 1859, opened opportunities for Gillingham to grow and thrive. Many industries were established and the main street furnished with a variety of shops. Important among new industries were several serving the farming community, particularly for dairy products, which could now be dispatched several times daily to London and other large towns to arrive in a fresh condition.

Brick and pottery works, gloving, engineering, glue making, brewing and a bacon factory, were the main manufacturing industries with markets, service and retail businesses covering virtually every need of the Victorian age.

During the 20th century the town continued to steadily grow, and cheap local land prices have led to much housing development. The population now stands at around 10,000."

( This is an excerpt and photograph from a more detailed article - reproduced with permission of the Local History Society)