Earliest records indicate a homestead in 1285, when it was known as Upringstede, the Doomsday Book recorded a population of nineteen. Today not much has changed; 19 people still live here. Upton Farm comprises of a traditional Aisled Barn and a Cow House. Built in the early 17 th century, using local stone and ships timbers.
Smuggling was a way of life around Ringstead between 1750 & 1820. Upton Farm was regularly raided by the Excise man. On a number of occasions, the owners found themselves at Dorchester Assizes, however the happy ending was, the Judge was sympathetic to their cause, releasing them after a few days. Between 1840 and 1928, the novelist Thomas Hardy was associated with Upton Farm; the immediate area is featured in many novels such as “The Trumpet Major”
