Fundraising has always been a big part of town and church life for hundreds of years, yet what causes has a town like Dorchester given to in the past?

We have delved into the history books to see where the people of Dorchester dished their money out to in the 17th century, from fires to plagues and everything in between.  

According to old municipal records, Dorchester gave money to Winchester, during a time when the population was suffering from the bubonic plague.

Records show that the county town donated £21 and 10 shillings on March 6, 1666. That's the rough equivalent of at least £3,762 in today's money.

A letter of thanks from the mayor and corporation of Winchester sent six months later, said: “Gentleman, your transcendent charity to the poor people of this city of Winchester, in the time of the late heavy visitation of the plague, and in their great extremity of necessity, received by the diligent hands of the bearer, Mr Philip Jones, has obliged us by him herewith to return, on their behalf, our thankful acknowledgements of the receipt thereof.

“With hearty prayers to the throne of grace for your prosperity and wellbeing.”

This is not the first time that the town took on charitable causes away from Dorset.

On May 10, 1658, there are records for the collection of monies from several parishes within the Dorchester borough for Protestant churches driven out of Poland, as well as for 20 Protestant families who were driven out of the confines of Bohemia. The boroughs raised more than £78 and 19 shillings for this venture.

More locally, on July 9 1652, three churches within the borough raised £15 and 19 shillings for St Andrews Church in Milborne St Andrew, which was burnt sometime during the week.

In 1654, more funds were raised following a fire, this time in Piddletrenthide. A total of £5 was raised immediately for villagers for supply of necessities. In total, the village received £18 and 19 shillings in collection.

Money was also collected following fires in Martinstown, Monkton, Hinton Mary, Winfrith, Broadmayne, Wimborne and Dorchester between 1655 to 1658. Around £20 was also given to Glasgow following a fire in Scotland during the same period.