A play centered on the life of 19th-century poet William Barnes is being revived as part of a fundraising effort aimed at cataloging his extensive archive. The Dorset dialect poet, who co-founded the county museum in 1846, left behind a rich collection of writings, woodcuts, and engravings. These materials are currently housed at the Dorset History Centre.
The William Barnes Society has launched a campaign to raise £35,000 to ensure that this archive is properly cataloged and made accessible to people around the world. Among the planned fundraising events is the revival of The Year Clock, a play written by the society’s vice president, Tim Laycock.
The initiative is being supported by the Dorset Archives Trust, the charitable arm of the Dorset History Centre, as well as Dorset Museum. Claire Dixon, director of Dorset Museum, emphasized the significance of Barnes to both the museum and the county’s history. She highlighted that cataloging the collection would allow more people to connect with Barnes’ life and work.
William Barnes, born in Bagber in 1801, was not only a poet and writer but also served as the rector of Winterborne Came parish until his death in 1886. His contributions to the community are commemorated with a bronze statue outside St Peter’s Church in High West Street, near the museum he helped establish.
Brian Caddy, chairman of the William Barnes Society, expressed hope that the project would secure a lasting legacy for the beloved Dorset poet, ensuring that his works remain accessible for all to appreciate and enjoy.