Dorchester, Dorset

Dorchester is a typical English market town with all the usual high street retailers, plus a regular market. Dorchester has been Dorset’s county town since 1305 and its origins actually date back as far as pre-historic times.

The Roman invaders named the then settlement “Durnovaria” and walled the whole town, the remains of which can be seen still today. The Dorset County Museum houses Roman artefacts which visitors to the museum can enjoy learning more about.

Dorchester is well connected with two railway stations offering routes to London, Bournemouth and Southampton.

Not far from the town centre the prison can be found; this was originally built in the 19th century in Victorian style and is still in use today, housing male prisoners.

The town offers numerous excellent hotels and other types of accommodation for both short and long stays. Together with a good selection of restaurants and pubs depending upon your taste and pocket.

One such restaurant is Judge Jeffreys; The “Bloody Assizes” were held in the Oak Room of the original Antelope Hotel in Dorchester and were presided over by Judge Jeffreys, later to become “the Hanging Judge”. Please see photo of the restaurant giving more detailed information.

Other famous individuals associated with the town include William Barnes, a local dialect poet and Rector of Winterborne Came; a hamlet located not far from Dorchester town. Although, arguably the most well-known is Thomas Hardy the famous English author and poet. It is understood that Hardy based the fictional town of Casterbridge on Dorchester. His former home Max Gate is now in the care of the National Trust and is open to the public. Statues of both of these famous men stand in the town centre of Dorchester, with Barnes outside St.Peters Church.

Dorchester has numerous places of interest close by; one being Maiden Castle, the largest hill fort in England. The site covers a staggering 45 acres and is situated 2 miles south of Dorchester town centre. The site is maintained by English Heritage, is open all year round and is free to enter. Artefacts from the site are displayed in the Dorset County Museum.

A Roman townhouse was unearthed in the 1930’s in the grounds of the County Hall; remains of the once impressive mosaic floor can still be seen today with the County Museum helping to fill in the historical gaps with plenty of information offered on the Roman townhouse to its visitors. The Borough Gardens also play host to numerous summer outdoor events – weather permitting!