Blandford

Blandford, a town in Dorsetshire, on the right bank of the Stour, 10 miles NW. of Wimborne. It lies in a fine tract of pasture-land, famed for its multitude of cows. It suffered much in 1579, 1677, 1713, and 1731, from fire, only twenty-six houses escaping on the last occasion. It is built of brick, and is neat and regular; its chief charm is Bryanston Park, Lord Portman's seat. It was formerly famed for its manufactures of bandstrings and lace, the point-lace bringing £30 a yard. Shirt-buttons are made here. Pop. (1851) 3912; (1891) 3924.