Whitminster

The early twentieth century
By Jon Shaw

Whitminster is not the only village to have changed over the years, however, the picture of the Whitminster Hotel and the various shops and public house (The Forge), set as they are next to the A38 is without question a picture of a way of life quite different from that of today.

Can anyone help us to build up a picture of Whitminster through the twentieth century?

Photo:This photo is taken from a glass plate negative we have which shows the A38 at Whitminster in the early C20th before the façade to the Whitminster Hotel was changed. The Forge pictured right, the sign over the door reading 'A E Wyer RSS, Shoeing and General Smith'. The pony and trap (or fly?) is stationary so as not to blur the camera (i.e. the camera taking this picture and not the speed camera!)
Photo:This caption to this postcard reads 'The Meet of the "Berkeley Hounds" at "Whitmister" October 30th 1905 - Just Starting.' Within a decade or so of this photograph the Georgian style of the Whitminster Hotel was substantially altered with the raised parapet and its dentil course removed, as was the decorative string below the first floor windows. This postcard was sent to Miss Morgan of Quedgeley House, Quedgeley, Gloucester and is postmarked 7:15 pm December 14th 1905. The message reads "I went to Town yesterday, had such a long day arrived there 10:20 got back here 9:20 beastly riding. Do not know if I shall come to Wed if I do perhaps I shall see you. I hope you are well. I feel so dull today. Love from GB.'
This gallery was added by Iris Capps on 11/07/2009.

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