Boldre residents celebrate tricentenary of birth of the Rev William Gilpin

VILLAGERS came together to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of a pioneering educationalist.

Boldre residents attended special services marking the tricentenary of the birth of the Rev William Gilpin at his namesake school, St John’s Church and the village war memorial hall.

Nationally renowned during his time, the priest was famed as a philanthropist and pioneering educationalist, as well as an artist and writer.

He was born on 31st May 1724 and died on 4th June 1804.

A spokesperson for the events’ organisers said: “The children at William Gilpin School played a big part in the research for the events, producing an excellent video to describe the parish as it might have been in Gilpin’s day, and a trail to follow.

“They played an important role in reading lessons at the small service at St John’s, and then placing flowers on his grave.”

Music from Gilpin’s period was performed at the main church service by the Milford West Gallery Quire, and continued in the afternoon where they were able to add detail to the experience with readings describing typical village life in the 18th century.

Colourful talks on Gilpin were also given by the Rev Andrew Neaum and historian Peter Goodchild.

The anniversary events were supported by St Barbe Museum, Culture in Common and Spencers Property, as well as the community.