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South Walks were originally named 'Chestnut Walks' see 1771 Map of Dorchester (y). They were laid out in 1743 and planted with chestnut trees on both sides of the avenue. As will be seen in the extract below, taken from the 1886 Ornance Survey map of Dorchester, the walks run from what was the old Roman 'South Gate', eastwards towards Fordington before joining the southern end of Gallows Hill which then continues to become Icen Way.
(1) In the first postcard shown below we immediately have a view taken from 'South Gate' looking eastwards down 'South Walks'. The last building shown on the above map facing into South Street, but with it's long thin side facing 'South Walks', is the building on the left of the picture covered in ivy. You need to look carefully at the bottom of the ivy to note the letter box which is also annotated on the above map as 'L.Box'. This post card was posted in Dorchester on 29th Nov 1905, but the actual picture was taken much earlier by the Photographer Thomas Grigg (1857-1932). The gentleman with the tall bowler hat, his clothes and those of the lady holding the lamp post, together with the small child all hark back to an earlier age. It is difficult to estimate when but my best guess would be around the mid 1880's. By then Thomas Griggs studio was at South Street, just round the corner. Behind the lady in black in the distance is another crossing like that in the foreground. Just beyond this on the left would be 'South Lodge'.
'South Walks' viewed from 'South Gate' - Photo by Thomas Grigg (1857-1932)
© Private Postcard Collection: Mr. M Russell FIPD All Rights Reserved
Posted Dorchester 29th Nov 1905
© Mr. M Russell FIPD
Posted Dorchester 10th Feb 1905
© Mr. M Russell FIPD
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(3) The next postcard is useful in providing a contrast to those above. It is almost the same view but it is clear that photography has moved on.
Of the ones above in black and white the 1st was published by T.Dean, also of South Street, Dorchester, the 2nd by Valentines. The one below has much better paper with a sheen, and no attribution. It was posted in Stafford on 2nd Dec 1907 only 2 years after those above. Much has changed, all the ivy was removed and has started to grow again, the letter box has been changed, and a new metal railing on the right added to allow better access to the new letter box. the tree on the right has lost the large branch overhanging 'South Walks'. I think it was taken within a couple of years before it was posted.
'South Walks' viewed from 'South Gate'
© Private Postcard Collection: Mr. M Russell FIPD All Rights Reserved
Posted Dorchester 2nd Dec 1907
© Mr. M Russell FIPD
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(4) This Postcard is another example of an old photograph being used many years later. It has been taken much further away to show the start of South Street but includes the same corner building which on enlargement I have confirmed has the same window advertisement as the card posted in 1907 above. It states "A. RUSSELL" and in the middle "Tailor" and beneath it "&" and beneath that "Breeches Maker". This refers to a short lived business run by Alfred RUSSELL (1868-1914) a native of Bere Regis who came to Dorchester before 1891 to learn the trade of a tailor at Genges Dept Store in High West Street. By 1903 he had set up his own business here on the corner of 'South Street' and 'South Walks'. He died however in April 1914 when the business was sold some 9 years before this postcard was posted in Dorchester on 22nd Sep 1923. I would date it about 1910-1914.
Junction of 'South St' with 'South Walks' - Photo by Judges Ltd
© Private Postcard Collection: Mr. M Russell FIPD All Rights Reserved
Posted Dorchester 22nd Sep 1923
© Mr. M Russell FIPD
'South Walks' Viewed from?
Posted in Hampstead, London - 28th February 1922
6. Picture taken Thursday, 7th August 2008
7. Picture taken Friday, 5th September 2014
