Dorchester by stevegeer from Getty Images Signature
Dorchester
Dorchester is a town steeped in history and rich in cultural heritage, located in Dorset, England. Known as the county town, it is an area that boasts a blend of ancient and modern elements, making it a fascinating place to explore. The town’s origins date back to the Iron Age, and it was significantly developed during the Roman period, when it was known as Durnovaria. Evidence of its Roman past can still be seen today, including the remains of the Roman walls and the well-preserved Roman townhouse, which provides a unique glimpse into the domestic life of that era.
One of the most notable aspects of Dorchester is its connection to the famous novelist Thomas Hardy. Hardy was born in a small hamlet near Dorchester and spent much of his life in the area. Many of his novels are set in a fictionalized version of Dorchester, which he called Casterbridge. Visitors can explore various sites related to Hardy’s life, such as his birthplace, Hardy’s Cottage, and Max Gate, the house he designed and lived in later in life. These sites are now managed by the National Trust and offer an intimate look at the writer’s life and inspirations.
Dorchester also hosts a range of cultural and community events that reflect its vibrant local culture. The Dorset County Museum, located in the town, showcases extensive collections that cover the natural, historical, and cultural heritage of Dorset. The museum’s exhibits include artifacts from the prehistoric, Roman, and medieval periods, as well as significant literary collections related to Thomas Hardy. The town also features the Keep Military Museum, which delves into the military history of the county, particularly focusing on the regiments of Devon and Dorset.
In addition to its historical and cultural offerings, Dorchester is known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. The town is surrounded by picturesque countryside, including the rolling hills of the Dorset Downs and the scenic landscapes of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These areas provide ample opportunities for hiking, fossil hunting, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. The River Frome, which runs through Dorchester, adds to the town’s charm and offers pleasant riverside walks.
Overall, Dorchester presents a unique blend of historical depth, literary significance, and natural beauty. Its well-preserved historical sites, connections to Thomas Hardy, and vibrant community make it a destination worth exploring for anyone interested in England’s rich heritage and cultural landscapes. Whether visiting its museums, walking its ancient streets, or enjoying its natural surroundings, Dorchester offers a captivating experience that reflects the essence of Dorset.
Created: 25 May 2024 Edited: 17 September 2024
Dorchester
Local History around Dorchester
There are some historic monuments around including:
Round barrow N of Ashton CottagesGroup of four round barrows in Cripton WoodLong barrow immediately north west of Maiden CastleBowl barrow 75m south east of Laycock Dairy FarmLong barrow NW of Red BarnMedieval settlement 850m north of St Mary's ChurchGroup of barrows on West HillLong barrow and four bowl barrows 500m north west of Whitfield FarmGroup of round barrows on and to E of Great HillTwo bowl barrows 720m south east of Friar Waddon HouseColliton Park Roman houseThree bowl barrows at the western end of Waterston Ridge, 360m north west of Fidler's Green FarmBarrow 200yds (180m) N of the White HorseRound barrow on Stratton DownMedieval settlement remains at WhitcombeTwo barrows at RewTwo round barrows on North HillThe Clandon Barrow, 450m west of Clandon FarmFour bowl barrows on Hog Hill, west and north west of Maiden CastleRound barrow in Grimstone ClumpsBowl barrow 600m south of Whitcombe FarmRound barrow cemetery immediately south east of Maiden CastleBowl barrow185m WSW of Higher Skippet FarmBowl barrow 380m west of Whitfield FarmSix round barrows on Bincombe DownThree barrows S of Hart Hill PlantationHerringston round barrowsLong barrow, three bell barrows, fancy barrow and a linear earthwork 800m north of Maiden CastleGroup of round barrows on North Bincombe Hill, S of Came WoodGroup of round barrows near Eweleaze BarnMayne stone circle (at Little Mayne Farm)Round barrow on Rew HillBarrow S of Wolfeton ClumpRound barrow SW of Wolfeton ClumpEarthwork N of Hampton PlantationsPart of Roman, Saxon, and medieval town in grounds of Wollaston HouseDiscontinuous surviving sections of Roman aqueductRound barrow N of Heave CoppiceRound barrow E of Forston FarmHenge Enclosure, Conquer Barrow and Barrow CemeteryFour bowl barrows at the eastern end of Waterston Ridge, 490m south west and 500m south east of Ridge FarmMulti-period archaeological landscape centred on and including a slight univallate hillfort called Chalbury, two bowl barrows, part of a Bronze Age urnfield and a series of medieval strip fieldsGroup of round barrows W of Ridgeway HillRound barrow E of Bayard's BarnFriar Waddon Hill round barrowsTwo round barrows N of Bincombe BarnBell barrow 70m west of Fidler's GreenMedieval settlement of Winterborne Farringdon and associated remainsRound barrow on Shorn HillGroup of round barrows on Shorn Hill and Bronkham HillThree bowl barrows 530m and 350m north east of Whitcombe BarnPreston Roman villaGroup of three round barrows NE of Jackman's CrossGroup of barrows E of Northdown BarnCross in St Mary's churchyardTwo bowl barrows on Conygar HillTwo bowl barrows immediately south of Bayard DairyTwo round barrows on RidgewayRound barrows on RidgewayRound barrow SW of Ashton CottagesMulti-period landscape including an Iron Age or Romano British settlement, part of an associated field system, six bowl barrows and an enclosure 600m south east of Langford FarmBowl barrow 500m north east of Clandon FarmBowl barrow on Little Puddle Hill, 920m north west of Fidler's Green FarmPoundbury Camp, associated monuments and section of Roman aqueduct.Two round barrows on RidgewayBarrow E of Red BarnThree barrows N of Penn HillGroup of barrows on the golf course, Came DownBarrows in Came WoodSix barrows on Ridgeway HillGroup of barrows in Seven Barrow PlantationTwo round barrows N of Came FarmSix round barrows W of Came DownRound barrow N of RidgewayTwo barrows 600yds (550m) N of Halls FarmRound barrow on Magiston HillOuter defences of Roman town, W of St Genevieve's ConventDorchester Roman wallsGroup of round barrows on Bincombe HillBowl barrow on Whitcombe Hill, 600m west of Stafford FarmMedieval settlement of North LouvardRound barrows on Grove HillLong barrow 400yds (360m) NW of Hill BarnCulliford Tree long barrow and group of round barrowsDisc barrow 715m west of Bayard FarmTwo round barrows at Down WoodGroup of round barrows on RidgewayTwo round barrows S of Ashton FarmTwo bowl barrows 320m south west of Laycock Dairy FarmRound barrow NW of Jackman's CrossBowl barrow 780m north east of Hampton FarmRound barrow 1/4 mile (400m) N of Ridge HillBell barrow in Highfield Plantation and two bowl barrows immediately north west of Forty Acre PlantationGroup of barrows S of Goldsmith's PlantationRound barrows on Four Barrow HillMaiden CastleCross-ridge dyke on WindsbatchMedieval settlement of Little PiddleRound barrow on Ridgeway HillTwo barrows on Little Puddle HillRound barrow NE of Friar WaddonRoman road in Kingston ParkTwo barrows W of Little Piddle DownGeorge III, chalk-cut hill side figureBowl barrow 360m south west of Clandon FarmBowl barrow on Whitcombe Hill 500m north of Whitcombe FarmRound barrow N of Forston BarnBarrow on parish boundaryBowl barrow on Wood Hill 310m north east of CowdenBarrow S of Three-Cornered PlantationBowl barrow1050m WNW of Manor FarmFour bowl barrows immediately north west of Maiden CastleSettlement remains N of Maiden CastleHenge, Romano-British amphitheatre and Civil War fieldworks known collectively as Maumbury RingsOval barrow and three bowl barrows 250m and 330m south of Whitcombe BarnRound barrow NE of Hog Hill Barn.Wildlife in and Around Dorchester
Mammals found in Dorchester
There have been 33 species of mammals recorded in the dorchester area.
| 45 Khz Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) |
| American Mink (Neovison vison) |
| Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus) |
| Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus) |
| Common Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) |
| 55 Khz Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) |
| Badger (Meles meles) |
| Brown Long-Eared Bat (Plecotus auritus) |
| Chinese Barking Deer (Muntiacus reevesi) |
| Common Shrew (Sorex araneus) |
Tap here for more mammals found in and around Dorchester
Birds found in Dorchester
There have been 176 species of birds recorded in the dorchester area.
| Barn Owl (Tyto alba) |
| Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) |
| Black-Necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) |
| Blackbird (Turdus merula) |
| Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) |
| Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) |
| Black-Headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) |
| Black-Tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) |
| Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) |
| Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) |
