About the Society
Founded in 1983, the society exists to enable its members to share fellowship and pleasure in the life and work of William Barnes.
Its membership includes scholars and laymen, those chiefly interested in poetry and others who drawn by his connection with Dorset history and dialect.
The Society organises readings, lectures and walks in William Barnes country.
See also
Dorset Dialect
"Coltsvoot"
Plant: Coltsfoot, Tusssilago farfara
Society events

On 14/02/2026
14:30 till 15:30
'My Hwomeward Road' The Family Life of the Dorset Poet | Rebecca Danicic
14:30 till 15:30
'My Hwomeward Road' The Family Life of the Dorset Poet | Rebecca Danicic

On 19/02/2026
Starts 12:30
From the Stacks: Highlights from the William Barnes Archive
Starts 12:30
From the Stacks: Highlights from the William Barnes Archive

From 22/02/2026 until 22/02/2027
Starts 09:00
ONLINE | Barnes Night: A Celebration of the Life and Work of William Barnes
Starts 09:00
ONLINE | Barnes Night: A Celebration of the Life and Work of William Barnes

On 22/02/2026
Starts 15:00
Tea with William Barnes
Starts 15:00
Tea with William Barnes

From 20/03/2026 until 20/03/2027
Starts 09:00
ONLINE | A Dorset Spring through the Poetry of William Barnes
Starts 09:00
ONLINE | A Dorset Spring through the Poetry of William Barnes