This week we’re taking a look at the town of Beaminster and how its businesses have changed over the years.

Some are still the same, such as the Knapp Inn and The Red Lion pub, but many have changed throughout the years.

The town is left without a bank, but before then there was the Midland Bank, which later became HSBC and closed in 2012, and the Lloyds Bank was situated in 1 The Square, with ‘bank’ still visible above the door.

The White Hart Hotel in Hogshill Street was closed by J C and R H Palmer in 2003, with the vision of converting it into eight homes and two shops. At the time of this happening, it was reported that a coaching inn had stood on that site in Hogshill Street since 1636. It is a Grade II listed building but is now home to Marshwood Lettings and Property Management and Weldmar Hospicecare Trust charity Shop.

White Hart Yard still remains between the two premises in the building, with Humpits situated through the alley.

Pickwicks Inn was situated on The Square but closed in 2008 and is now the home of Brassica Restaurant. It was formerly The Kings Arms and dates back to the 16th century, with it believed to be the second oldest building in The Square. It has been a coaching inn, hardware store, clock shop, antiques shop, booksellers’, tea shop and a pub.

Frampton and Son butchers took the premises which now houses Nick Tett Butchers, and next to it Vanity Fayre Hair Stylists, which is now Mayfair estate agents.

Jenny Wren’s Tea Shop of Hogshill Street is now a home with the Village Bakery next door to it still operating today. The other side of the tea shop is where The Trading Post operates today.

The Red Lion still operates as a pub of the same name, owned by Palmers Brewery. The pub was used during the Second World War by the Anti-Tank Company, when American soldiers were stationed in Beaminster in the lead up to D-Day.

The Bridge House Hotel, now named The Ollerod, still has the same façade.

Please do get in touch if you are able to date any of these photos.