Genealogical Records for Cerne Abbas

Parish Registers for St Mary's Church, Cerne Abbas survive from 1653. They are available for research in the Dorset Record Office, Bridport Road, Dorchester DT1 1RP (telephone 01305 250550, website www.dorsetforyou.com/archives). The Record Office also holds copies of other parish records for Cerne Abbas (and other Dorset parishes), a 1992 survey of the Monumental Inscriptions in the Cerne burial ground, Census enumerators' returns for Dorset from 1841 to 1901, many local pre- and post- 1858 wills, and a wealth of other records that will be of interest to anyone researching their Dorset family history. A full list of the records available, and other information concerning the Record Office, will be found on their website.

To mark the year 2000, the local branch of the Royal British Legion produced a Roll of Honour, recording what could be found from local and national records about the men recorded on the war memorials in Cerne Abbas, Godmanstone and Minterne Magna. This Roll is now laid up in St Mary's Church for anyone to read.

Another useful reference book is the recently published 'The Parish Book of Cerne Abbas', by Patricia and Vivian Vale. The book covers the history of the village from earliest times, but essentially celebrates the last 150 years. It is based on many years research of a wide range of parish records and personal reminiscences drawn from characters across the parish. The book may be bought at the village stores, or from the authors at 22 Long Street, Cerne Abbas (price £19.99).

The Cerne Historical Society was instituted in 1987, following the 1000th anniversary of the founding of the Abbey (in AD987). The objects of the Society are to promote knowledge of and care for the history of Cerne Abbas and the local area. It is available to provide limited help to anyone researching their family history in Cerne Abbas. Visit its website at: www.cerneabbashistory.org.