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:
Group of barrows on the golf course, Came DownRound barrow on Shorn HillMedieval settlement of Winterborne Farringdon and associated remainsPreston Roman villaRound barrow on Ridgeway HillGroup of four round barrows in Cripton WoodGroup of three round barrows NE of Jackman's CrossTwo bowl barrows on Conygar HillBarrow S of Wolfeton ClumpDisc barrow 715m west of Bayard FarmMedieval settlement of Little PiddleRound barrow N of Heave CoppiceRound barrow SW of Ashton CottagesLong barrow 400yds (360m) NW of Hill BarnBowl barrow on Little Puddle Hill, 920m north west of Fidler's Green FarmBowl barrow 780m north east of Hampton FarmGroup of barrows S of Goldsmith's PlantationPart of Roman, Saxon, and medieval town in grounds of Wollaston HouseBowl barrow185m WSW of Higher Skippet FarmGroup of round barrows on Bincombe HillMulti-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 FarmOval barrow and three bowl barrows 250m and 330m south of Whitcombe BarnMedieval settlement of North LouvardRound barrow on Magiston HillBarrows in Came WoodRound barrow E of Bayard's BarnHenge Enclosure, Conquer Barrow and Barrow CemeteryLong barrow and four bowl barrows 500m north west of Whitfield FarmTwo round barrows N of Came FarmRound barrow N of RidgewayGroup of barrows on West HillRoman road in Kingston ParkGroup of round barrows on Shorn Hill and Bronkham HillLong barrow, three bell barrows, fancy barrow and a linear earthwork 800m north of Maiden CastleTwo bowl barrows immediately south of Bayard DairyBowl barrow1050m WNW of Manor FarmRound barrow NE of Hog Hill BarnLong barrow immediately north west of Maiden CastleTwo bowl barrows 720m south east of Friar Waddon HouseFour bowl barrows on Hog Hill, west and north west of Maiden CastleTwo round barrows on North HillRound barrow SW of Wolfeton ClumpTwo round barrows S of Ashton FarmTwo barrows 600yds (550m) N of Halls FarmTwo barrows on Little Puddle HillTwo round barrows N of Bincombe BarnCross in St Mary's churchyardSettlement remains N of Maiden CastleHenge, Romano-British amphitheatre and Civil War fieldworks known collectively as Maumbury RingsGeorge III, chalk-cut hill side figureRound barrow N of Ashton CottagesRound barrows on RidgewayGroup of round barrows near Eweleaze BarnTwo bowl barrows 320m south west of Laycock Dairy FarmTwo round barrows on RidgewayRound barrow on Stratton DownRound barrow on Rew HillSix barrows on Ridgeway HillRound barrow in Grimstone ClumpsDiscontinuous surviving sections of Roman aqueductMedieval settlement remains at WhitcombeMayne stone circle (at Little Mayne Farm)Six round barrows on Bincombe DownGroup of round barrows on North Bincombe Hill, S of Came WoodThree barrows S of Hart Hill PlantationBowl barrow on Whitcombe Hill 500m north of Whitcombe 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 fieldsBowl barrow on Wood Hill 310m north east of CowdenThree barrows N of Penn HillBarrow 200yds (180m) N of the White HorseThe Clandon Barrow, 450m west of Clandon FarmMaiden CastleRound barrow NE of Friar WaddonBowl barrow 75m south east of Laycock Dairy FarmGroup of round barrows on RidgewayTwo round barrows at Down WoodRound barrow N of Forston BarnRound barrow NW of Jackman's CrossRound barrow E of Forston FarmRound barrows on Four Barrow HillTwo barrows at RewHerringston round barrowsEarthwork N of Hampton PlantationsBarrow on parish boundaryFriar Waddon Hill round barrowsCross-ridge dyke on WindsbatchOuter defences of Roman town, W of St Genevieve's ConventMedieval settlement 850m north of St Mary's ChurchBowl barrow 600m south of Whitcombe FarmSix round barrows W of Came DownBell barrow in Highfield Plantation and two bowl barrows immediately north west of Forty Acre PlantationGroup of round barrows W of Ridgeway HillTwo barrows W of Little Piddle DownThree bowl barrows at the western end of Waterston Ridge, 360m north west of Fidler's Green FarmBell barrow 70m west of Fidler's GreenTwo round barrows on RidgewayRound barrows on Grove HillGroup of round barrows on and to E of Great HillBowl barrow 380m west of Whitfield FarmRound barrow cemetery immediately south east of Maiden CastleDorchester Roman wallsGroup of barrows E of Northdown BarnFour bowl barrows at the eastern end of Waterston Ridge, 490m south west and 500m south east of Ridge FarmFour bowl barrows immediately north west of Maiden CastleBarrow S of Three-Cornered PlantationThree bowl barrows 530m and 350m north east of Whitcombe BarnBowl barrow 360m south west of Clandon FarmRound barrow 1/4 mile (400m) N of Ridge HillGroup of barrows in Seven Barrow PlantationBowl barrow 500m north east of Clandon FarmColliton Park Roman houseBarrow E of Red BarnCulliford Tree long barrow and group of round barrowsBowl barrow on Whitcombe Hill, 600m west of Stafford FarmLong barrow NW of Red BarnPoundbury Camp, associated monuments and section of Roman aqueduct..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) |
