23/12/2024
Blandford Forum, a charming market town nestled in the Dorset countryside, owes its distinctive Georgian character to a catastrophic event and the remarkable vision of two local brothers. In 1731, a devastating fire swept through the town, destroying approximately 90% of its structures. What followed was not despair, but a phoenix-like regeneration, masterfully orchestrated by architects and builders William and John B'stard, whose surname, often misspelt as 'Bastard', belies their significant contribution to the town's architectural heritage.
A Town Shaped by Fire and Ingenuity
The history of Blandford Forum is deeply intertwined with its relationship with fire. While earlier blazes had impacted the prosperous medieval town, the Great Fire of 1731 proved to be a turning point. Originating from a tallow chandler's workshop on a warm June afternoon, the fire, fanned by a strong wind, spread with alarming speed. Within an hour, the heart of the town was in ruins, leaving over four hundred families homeless. Miraculously, only twelve lives were lost, though the destruction of church registers makes precise figures impossible to ascertain. The fire's intensity was such that only properties with tile roofs, like those on East Street and the seventeenth-century Ryves Almshouses, along with the isolated 'Old House' (also known as the German House due to its likely construction by German refugees), managed to survive.
The scale of the disaster was recognised nationally, partly due to the influence of local landowners with London connections. King George II, Queen Caroline, and the Prince of Wales donated £1300 towards the rebuilding efforts. Further support came from charity events, including performances at the Drury Lane Theatre, and a nationwide 'brief' encouraging parish churches to collect funds. These efforts raised approximately 30% of the total losses. In 1732, an Act of Parliament formalised the rebuilding process, mandating that Blandford Forum be reconstructed using brick and tile. Local gentlemen were appointed as commissioners to oversee the works, with property owners required to rebuild within four years or risk forfeiture. Crucially, the commissioners appointed John and William B'stard to compile a schedule of losses, marking the beginning of their pivotal role in the town's reconstruction.
The B'stard Brothers: Architects of a New Era
The Great Fire claimed not only buildings but also individuals. Thomas B'stard, the head of a successful family business, succumbed a month after the fire, potentially due to the trauma and subsequent 'methods taken to drown their sorrows'. His sons, William and John, inherited the business, and despite their own workshop being destroyed, they quickly re-established themselves, buoyed by the prospect of extensive rebuilding work. While it's unclear if they were designers before the fire, they certainly embraced the role of architects and builders in the post-fire era. It's probable they collaborated with established architects for key public buildings and employed local designers for larger residences. Their true strength lay in their ability to assemble a substantial workforce, enabling them to tackle the immense rebuilding task efficiently.
Key Buildings and Architectural Legacy
The B'stard brothers' legacy is most visibly apparent in the Market Place, which they were instrumental in reshaping according to the 1732 Act of Parliament. This involved clearing buildings, relocating the Town Hall to the north side, and widening streets like Salisbury Street and East Street. Their most significant architectural contributions include:
The Church of St Peter and St Paul: The original parish church, which had served as a refuge during the fire, was ultimately consumed by flames. The B'stard brothers designed and built the new church between 1732 and 1739. Originally intended to have a spire, the project ran out of funds, and the iconic cupola was added in 1758. This Grade 1 listed building is considered one of the finest examples of classical Georgian church architecture outside of London. The rebuilding also saw the enlargement of the churchyard.
The Town Hall, Shambles, and Corn Exchange: This Grade 1 listed building, a centrepiece of the Market Place, was built by the B'stards for £197. Its design features classical columns, cornices, and pediments. The open portico on the ground floor once served as a market, and today, regular markets are held within the building. The first floor houses rooms that display portraits of the B'stards and served as the old corn exchange, a testament to the town's commercial history.
The Greyhound Inn: A substantial inn, costing £785 to build, it reflects the quality of the B'stards' work and contributed to the town's hospitality infrastructure.
The B'stards' House: Located opposite the church at the end of the Market Place, this building, originally three houses, was leased and then acquired by the brothers. It showcases their architectural style, a blend of classical elegance with hints of Baroque. Neither brother married, and they resided here together.
Lime Tree House: Situated near the Market Place, this well-proportioned Georgian house was later acquired to house the Blandford Fashion Museum, a testament to the enduring architectural quality of the B'stards' construction.
Memorials to Resilience
Beyond the bricks and mortar, Blandford Forum commemorates the B'stard brothers' efforts through various memorials. The Grade 1 Listed Fire Memorial, erected by John B'stard beside the parish church, is constructed from Purbeck Stone and features four Roman Doric columns supporting a stone canopy, showcasing their more severe classical style. Originally housing a pump, it was later converted into a fountain in 1897. More recently, a Purbeck paving stone was placed in front of the Town Hall, inscribed with a witty "Recipe for regeneration: take one careless tallow chandler and two ingenious Bastards." This memorial, while celebrating the town's rebirth, unfortunately perpetuates the common misspelling of the brothers' surname.
The Town Museum, housed in the Coach House behind the B'stards' former residence, offers a wealth of information about the Great Fire and the town's history, further cementing the B'stard brothers' significant contribution to Blandford Forum's identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When was Blandford Forum rebuilt after the Great Fire? | The rebuilding efforts began shortly after the Great Fire of 1731, formalised by an Act of Parliament in 1732, with significant construction taking place over the subsequent years. |
| Who were the main architects and builders of the rebuilt Blandford Forum? | The rebuilding was primarily carried out by local architects and builders William and John B'stard. |
| What caused the Great Fire of Blandford Forum in 1731? | The fire started in the workshop of a tallow chandler due to an apprentice boiling soap and building too large a fire, which ignited stored furzes. |
| What materials were mandated for the rebuilding? | The Act of Parliament stipulated that the town be rebuilt in brick and tile. |
| What is the significance of the B'stard brothers' surname? | Their surname is often misspelt as 'Bastard', but their correct and intended spelling was B'stard. This misspelling is perpetuated in some modern memorials. |
Blandford Forum stands today as a testament to the resilience of its community and the architectural prowess of the B'stard brothers, a town reborn from ashes into a showcase of Georgian elegance.
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