Melcombe Bingham

Much of England’s social history can be explored by examining the manorial structure of villages such as Melcombe Bingham. It is interesting to note that the parish church seems to belong more to the adjacent manor house than to the village.
An extract from from"Dorset Living Memories".

Melcombe Bingham’s manor house dates back to the time of the Plantagenet kings, though much of the present building is Tudor. The Bingham family held the manor estate for several centuries, becoming a founding family of the United States of America.
An extract from from"Dorset Living Memories".

Close to the Top o’Town, Dorset’s most famous son is commemorated in this life-size bronze statue by Eric Kennington, set on a Portland stone plinth. Unveiled by Sir James Barrie in 1931, the statue shows Hardy seated and dressed for the country, wearing a jacket and leather gaiters, with his hat on his knee. Around the figure are plants and animals, symbolizing Hardy’s love for his native countryside.
An extract from from"Dorchester Photographic Memories".

The river runs alongside the right of the churchyard. The church building includes parts of an 11th-century pre-Norman church, with further additions being spread over the next eight hundred years. In the background is the war memorial and several thatched cottages . The church of St Mary was recently damaged by flooding.
An extract from from"Dorchester Photographic Memories".

This footbridge is still to be found in the village. The young man may be delivering post, judging by his bag. He is apparently travelling on two wheels, as he is wearing bicycle clips. His straw boater is in the fashion of the time.
An extract from from"Dorchester Photographic Memories".