Shillingstone Removals

Removals Made Easy

Your move should be hassle free and tailored to your needs, that’s why our friendly team create bespoke solutions for every relocation. All our packages include;

Removal Coordinator
A Removal Coordinator will be assigned to your move.
Mileage
Your quote will include mileage to ensure there are no hidden costs.
Cover for Goods in Transit
We offer restricted liability as standard, further options are available.
Carbon Footprint Offsetting
We’re planting over 2,000 trees to offset our carbon emissions.
Trained, Uniformed Staff
All Armishaws’ crew members are background checked and carry photo ID.
Recycled Materials
Our crews use recycled and recyclable materials wherever possible.
Covers & Blankets
White goods and furniture are protected with slot-on, padded covers.
Carpet Runners
Full floor protection is also available at both locations (fees may apply).
Used Box Recycling Service
Flat, used boxes can be collected (location dependent, fees may apply).
Robe Cartons
Your clothes will travel in style with specialist boxes for hanging garments.
Storage Options
Short and long term storage, with collection and delivery also available (fees may apply).
Biodegradable Mattress Bags
These sealable bags are only used once, then recycled.

Gone Roman
The earliest signs of settlement around Shillingstone show Roman occupation, finds include pottery, a bucket and a coin from the time of Emperor Augustus. The Saxons then lived in the village until the Norman invasion when the Ascelin family became lords of the manor (it is believed this is where the modern name comes from Ascelin-ton, the settlement of Ascelin). The Domesday Book recorded Shillingstone contained 15 villagers, 26 smallerholders, 5 slaves, 183 acres of meadow, a mill and was valued at 19 pounds.
Civil War
The South West became a staunch battleground during the English Civil War with a number of battles. One fight took place just outside the village and there are accounts that villagers gathered to watch the fight. It’s also claimed (though there are no records) some local men took up arms (they would have been untrained and likely to have had basic tools) on behalf of King Charles I which was the losing side that day. In 1888 excavations in the churchyard for new foundations unearthed a row of bodies which could possibly belong to villagers killed in the fighting.
Clubmen
One thing Shillingstone did have during the Civil War were ‘Clubmen’. Towns and villages would often suffer as bands of ill-disciplined soldiers (from both sides) who had little rations, would help themselves to livestock and food from undefended settlements. As a result, ‘clubmen’ started defending their communities, these were local men, often armed with clubs who would band together and attack any light-fingered soldiers found near their homes. One sign posted around the time read “If you offer to plunder or take our cattel, Be assured we will bid you battel”.
Bravest Little Village
During WWI The Times ran a competition to find the “Bravest Little Village in Britain”. The rector of Shillingstone informed the paper that 66 villagers out of a total population of 565 had signed up. Shillingstone was awarded second place behind Knowlton in Kent (11 locals from 6 houses and a population of 39). The rector complained, stating that Knowlton was a hamlet not a village. After months of legal arguments, three visits to The Times legal offices and securing help from well-connected individuals, the rector won his battle and Shillingstone was awarded the title and 25 guineas. However, Knowlton had already been awarded a ‘beautiful silver cross’ which they refused to give up. Which to be fair, was also pretty brave of them.
More Scrapping!
Shillingstone also provided men at arms for Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. During both reigns men were required to sign muster rolls of those that possessed arms and were capable of using them. Some of the muster rolls for Shillingstone are still in existence.
Cheery
Now it might seem that Shillingstone has only ever been celebrated for its ability to put up a fight. But it could also put up a May pole. It once had the tallest May pole in England (26 metres), which lasted until 1890 when it was blown down in a storm. The village also continued its May Day celebrations long after most villages had lost the tradition, presumably until the May pole blew over. And there is one last claim to fame, during the Jacobean period when Puritans disapproved of pretty much everything, the men of the area were noted as “terribly addicted to beer”. Another rebellious feather in the cap for what today is actually a charming and genteel village.

Local Info

Schools – There are 9 schools in total within a 3-mile radius of Shillingstone. Families can view Ofsted scores here.

Population – The village had a population of 1,170 at the time of the 2011 census.

Transport – 12 minutes from Blandford Forum, Shillingstone lays a few miles to the west of the A350 which runs from Poole to Chippenham. The nearest train station is 29 miles away in Sherborne.

News – Shillingstone news is covered by Blackmore Vale Magazine. There is also a Parish website full of useful info and details.

About Shillingstone

A casual glance of this delightful village is unlikely to give any hint of the curious history hidden here. Bravery awards (for the entire village!), civil war, Romans, May poles and beer, Shillingstone has celebrated them all and today still enjoys being a little bit unique. The village sits within Blackmore Vale, a stunning area of the West Country that is rich in independent producers of all kinds of artful and tasty treats. The village has a close community and access to miles of unspoilt scenery.

Leisure

Railway enthusiasts can enjoy a day or even volunteer time at the North Dorset Railway located in the village. There are several societies and clubs covering a wide range of interests, sewing, yoga, gardening, beekeeping, crafts, bell-ringing, tai chi, plus a village hall, community orchard and the WI. There are also play areas and playing fields for younger residents.

Transport

A short distance from the A350 that connects Chippenham to the north and Poole to the south, Shillingstone is a 12-minute drive from Blandford Forum. Commuters will find the closest train station 29 miles away in Sherborne.

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