South Ground Plantation

Wood, Forest in Dorset

England

South Ground Plantation

Direction Sign â Signpost Located between Frampton and Grimstone on an island in the centre of the junction of the A37 Dorchester Road and a minor road to Langford Farm, Stratton parish. The annulus &amp; bar finial and pillar remain but the arms of the fingerpost have gone. See also <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1785108" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1785108">Link</a>.

Milestone Society National ID: DO_SY6394 — Direction Sign â Signpost Credit: C Payne

South Ground Plantation is a historic estate located in Dorset, a county in the southwestern part of England. Situated within a dense woodland, the plantation covers a vast area of approximately 500 acres. The estate is renowned for its picturesque and idyllic setting, surrounded by towering trees and lush greenery.

The history of South Ground Plantation dates back to the 18th century when it was established as a working plantation. It played a significant role in the local economy during this period, primarily focusing on the cultivation of various crops such as tobacco, cotton, and indigo. The plantation also housed a number of slaves who lived and worked on the estate.

Today, South Ground Plantation stands as a testament to the region's rich history and heritage. The main house, a stunning Georgian-style mansion, serves as the centerpiece of the estate. The house features elegant architecture, with grand columns and expansive windows that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding woodland.

The plantation also includes several outbuildings, including a barn, stables, and a carriage house, which have been preserved and restored to their original splendor. These buildings provide visitors with a glimpse into the daily life and activities that took place on the estate.

In addition to its historical significance, South Ground Plantation is also a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. The woodland surrounding the estate offers an abundance of trails for hiking and exploring, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.

Overall, South Ground Plantation is a captivating historic estate that showcases the rich history, architectural beauty, and natural splendor of Dorset, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

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South Ground Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.766527/-2.5065909 or Grid Reference SY6496. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Direction Sign â Signpost

Located between Frampton and Grimstone on an island in the centre of the junction of the A37 Dorchester Road and a minor road to Langford Farm, Stratton parish. The annulus & bar finial and pillar remain but the arms of the fingerpost have gone. See also Link. Milestone Society National ID: DO_SY6394

C Payne

Old Milestone by the A356, Frampton

Carved stone post by the A356, in parish of FRAMPTON (WEST DORSET District), Frampton Road, 'Milestone', No. 4., Part of the wall, on North side of road. Dorset 3 (limestone), erected by the Maiden Newton turnpike trust in the 19th century. Inscription reads:- 3 Maiden Newton 5 Dorchester Milestone Society National ID: DO_MNDO03.

Sheron Vowden

Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (32)

- Pillbox (type FW3/22): DoB ID: S0000072 Frampton - Tunnel House - Site of Type 22 Pillbox. According to records almost 20 years ago there was a pillbox here that even at that time was only in 'fair' condition. The site is on farm land on an escarpment just to the northeast of the village, and overlooks the railway tunnel entrance. Nothing survives today other than fragments of the concrete roof, and the odd brick, the remainder lies buried under a soil heap covered by brambles. With thanks to Tunnel House for access. SY6394 : Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (33)

Mike Searle

Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (33)

- Pillbox (type FW3/22): DoB ID: S0000071 Frampton - Frampton Park (Peacock Plantation) - Type 22 Pillbox. The first of three such pillboxes all built practically within sight of each other in the Park (there were once four!). Quite why so many in such a comparatively small area is unknown. This one is of standard construction of brick and concrete having 5 main embrasures, and a small pistol port at the entrance. Its location is in woodland in Frampton Park, close to the main A356 on the south edge of Peacock Plantation. It is assumed they were built to cover the open ground between the A356 road to the north, and the River Frome to the south. Of the four, three survive, the fourth was demolished during modern improvements to the A356/A37 road junction. SY6394 : Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (34)

Mike Searle

Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (34)

- Pillbox (type FW3/22): DoB ID: S0000071 Frampton - Frampton Park (Peacock Plantation) - Type 22 Pillbox. A view of the opposite side of the pillbox in Frampton Park that lies close to the A356 in woodland on the south edge of Peacock Plantation. SY6394 : Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (35)

Mike Searle

Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (35)

- Pillbox (type FW3/22): DoB ID: S0000071 Frampton - Frampton Park (Peacock Plantation) - Type 22 Pillbox. Interior view of the pillbox near the A356 in Frampton Park, looking in from the outside through an embrasure. The T plan blast wall is evident here in the immediate foreground. SY6394 : Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (36)

Mike Searle

Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (42)

Grimstone Railway Viaduct. At a strategic crossing point of both road and rail, the viaduct was on the Stop Line, and probably manned in 1940 with a road block under the central arch. According to local legend, the viaduct would have been blown up by auxiliaries in the event of a landing by invasion forces. SY6394 : Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (43)

Mike Searle

Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (43)

- Anti-tank Block: DoB ID: S0000060 Grimstone Railway Viaduct - Cube: definitely an anti-tank cube, but what sort of vehicle this was designed to stop is uncertain - presumably a fairly small one! It's under the southern arch of the three railway arches, whose central arch presumably had a road block of some kind, whilst flowing under the northern arch is the natural obstacle of Sydling Water. It has been said, and it's entirely possible, that this cube was part of a line that once extended across the entire road to form a permanent road block. Which would have inconvenienced the residents of Sydling St Nicholas somewhat! SY6394 : Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (44)

Mike Searle

Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (44)

- Anti-tank Block: DoB ID: S0000060 Grimstone Railway Viaduct - Cube. A close-up of the anti-tank cube under the southern arch of the Grimstone railway viaduct. SY7290 : Defending Dorset in 1940: the Maiden Newton - Poole Harbour Stop Line (45)

Mike Searle

Farmland in the Sydling Valley

Looking westwards.

Becky Williamson

Footpath up Magiston Hill

Becky Williamson

A356 Dorchester Road towards Maiden Newton

Ian S

A356 at Frampton

Ian S

Original foundation of Jackman's Cross, Stratton

This is all that is left of the original cross, described in Alfred Pope's book, 'The Old Stone Crosses of Dorset': "On Grimstone Down, which is in the parish of Stratton although part of the ancient manor of Grimstone, to the north of the Crossways leading to Cerne Abbas and Charminster, known as ‘Jackman's Cross, is the socket of a cross of Portland and Ridgway stone two feet two inches square by twelve deep, with a mortise eleven inches by eight inches, into which formerly fitted a cross of wood. The upper hed [sic] of the socket is bevelled round the edge, and on one side is a cup-shaped cavity which might have been for the reception of alms. There is a tradition that a man named Jackman was hanged on this cross early in the eighteenth century for sheep-stealing, but the writer has searched through the Court Rolls which are in his possession as lord of the manor, and date back to 1640, and is unable to find any confirmation of this tradition. In 1645 the manor belonged to the Prebend of Salisbury, and in earlier times to the Abbots of Milton." A new cross has been erected, see SY6495 : Jackman's Cross, Stratton Down. There is an Ordnance Survey rivet benchmark on this foundation, see SY6495 : Rivet on foundation of Jackman's Cross, Stratton Down.

Becky Williamson