18/04/2026
Another piece of the Quiet Woman jigsaw has fallen into place. Credit goes to Heather Ivers, from the U.S, who visited and stayed here recently. We have previously posted photographs supplied by Sarah Worner of Sidney Worner, the landlord of The Quiet Woman from 1911 until 1939.
Heather has been very kind and has gifted a copy of A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, to The Quiet Woman. Inside the cover is the name Dorothy Worner, the eldest daughter of Sidney. Dorothy signed the book on the 5th of December 1900. Dorothy attended Halstock school at that time.
The photograph of the young woman outside The Quiet Woman is of Olive Worner. We understand from Heather that the photograph was taken in 1907. Olive was the third daughter of Sidney, and again Heather tells us Olive worked here at The Quiet Woman with her father and mother, Lydia. As previously noted, Sidney died in 1944. We understand the family still has a connection to Dogwell Farm, which is situated between Halstock and Corscombe. (See note in comments by Sarah.) I'm sure if any of the facts are incorrect, either Heather or Sarah will correct me in the comments! Again, many thanks to Heather; it was a pleasure to meet you and your friend Cindi.
