From Dorset Gallows to Van Diemen’s Land is the little-known but true story of political corruption, hangings and transportations in Dorset - available in the UK, Australia & the USA as a paperback from Amazon. ‘A must read for anyone with an interest in Dorset’s history. (Mick Robertson, BAFTA Lifetime Television Award winner & former ITV children’s programme Magpie presenter.) ‘My father’s ancestor (Richard Bleathman) was one of the so-called Dorset rioters. He was effectively a political prisoner and therefore convict-royalty.’ (Ria Bleathman, company director, Melbourne, Australia.)
Richard Hann (1830-1904) was Constable No. 1 of the Dorset Police . He served at Blandford’s newly opened Police Station, located at the corner of Edward Street and Salisbury Road, from 1865-1867. Among his cases were: Isaac Newton of Blandford was brought up before the Court, in custody of PC Hann, summoned with leaving his wife and family chargeable to Blandford Workhouse. The prisoner was committed for one calendar month with hard labour . (Dorset County Chronicle 13 th July 1865) George Paul of Blandford was summoned by PC Hann for allowing his horse to stray on the highway at Pimperne on the 13 th August last. The case was adjourned till the next Court sitting. Later, George Paul was fined five shillings (25p) for allowing cattle to stray on the highway. (Dorset County Chronicle Thursday 7 th September 1865) Edward Foster appeared to a summons charged with being drunk and riotous in the public street. Although he pleaded not guilty the case was proven by Constables ...