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: 25 May 2024
Dorchester
Local History around Dorchester
There are some historic monuments around including:
Round barrow N of Heave CoppiceOval barrow and three bowl barrows 250m and 330m south of Whitcombe BarnGroup of round barrows on Bincombe HillRound barrow in Grimstone ClumpsGroup of barrows in Seven Barrow PlantationThree barrows S of Hart Hill PlantationThree bowl barrows at the western end of Waterston Ridge, 360m north west of Fidler's Green FarmRound barrow on Shorn HillLong barrow 400yds (360m) NW of Hill BarnBowl barrow 360m south west of Clandon FarmOuter defences of Roman town, W of St Genevieve's ConventRound barrow SW of Wolfeton ClumpColliton Park Roman houseRound barrow on Rew HillSettlement remains N of Maiden CastleRound barrow N of RidgewayMayne stone circle (at Little Mayne Farm)Round barrows on Four Barrow HillBowl barrow on Whitcombe Hill 500m north of Whitcombe FarmGroup of round barrows near Eweleaze BarnTwo bowl barrows on Conygar HillRound barrow E of Bayard's BarnBarrows in Came WoodFriar Waddon Hill round barrowsRound barrow NE of Hog Hill BarnBowl barrow 600m south of Whitcombe FarmMedieval settlement of Little PiddleGroup of barrows on West HillTwo round barrows S of Ashton FarmTwo bowl barrows 320m south west of Laycock Dairy FarmHenge, Romano-British amphitheatre and Civil War fieldworks known collectively as Maumbury RingsPreston Roman villaSix barrows on Ridgeway HillPart of Roman, Saxon, and medieval town in grounds of Wollaston HouseGroup of four round barrows in Cripton WoodTwo round barrows at Down WoodGroup of barrows on the golf course, Came DownHenge Enclosure, Conquer Barrow and Barrow CemeteryMulti-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 780m north east of Hampton FarmBowl barrow on Little Puddle Hill, 920m north west of Fidler's Green FarmBowl barrow on Whitcombe Hill, 600m west of Stafford FarmSix round barrows W of Came DownCulliford Tree long barrow and group of round barrowsLong barrow, three bell barrows, fancy barrow and a linear earthwork 800m north of Maiden CastleTwo round barrows on RidgewaySix round barrows on Bincombe DownLong barrow immediately north west of Maiden CastleBowl barrow 500m north east of Clandon FarmThree bowl barrows 530m and 350m north east of Whitcombe BarnBarrow on parish boundaryGeorge III, chalk-cut hill side figureDorchester Roman wallsRoman road in Kingston ParkBarrow S of Three-Cornered PlantationMulti-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 on North Bincombe Hill, S of Came WoodBowl barrow1050m WNW of Manor FarmThree barrows N of Penn HillBell barrow in Highfield Plantation and two bowl barrows immediately north west of Forty Acre PlantationHerringston round barrowsRound barrow on Stratton DownMedieval settlement of North LouvardBowl barrow 380m west of Whitfield FarmTwo barrows W of Little Piddle DownRound barrows on RidgewayCross in St Mary's churchyardBarrow E of Red BarnMedieval settlement 850m north of St Mary's ChurchTwo round barrows on RidgewayDiscontinuous surviving sections of Roman aqueductFour bowl barrows at the eastern end of Waterston Ridge, 490m south west and 500m south east of Ridge FarmTwo bowl barrows 720m south east of Friar Waddon HouseGroup of round barrows on RidgewayLong barrow NW of Red BarnEarthwork N of Hampton PlantationsBarrow 200yds (180m) N of the White HorseTwo round barrows N of Came FarmFour bowl barrows on Hog Hill, west and north west of Maiden CastleRound barrow N of Forston BarnRound barrow 1/4 mile (400m) N of Ridge HillGroup of round barrows on Shorn Hill and Bronkham HillTwo barrows at RewPoundbury Camp, associated monuments and section of Roman aqueduct.Group of round barrows on and to E of Great HillMedieval settlement of Winterborne Farringdon and associated remainsRound barrow NE of Friar WaddonFour bowl barrows immediately north west of Maiden CastleGroup of barrows S of Goldsmith's PlantationBowl barrow 75m south east of Laycock Dairy FarmRound barrow on Magiston HillBowl barrow on Wood Hill 310m north east of CowdenMedieval settlement remains at WhitcombeCross-ridge dyke on WindsbatchRound barrow on Ridgeway HillLong barrow and four bowl barrows 500m north west of Whitfield FarmRound barrow NW of Jackman's CrossRound barrow SW of Ashton CottagesThe Clandon Barrow, 450m west of Clandon FarmGroup of round barrows W of Ridgeway HillRound barrow cemetery immediately south east of Maiden CastleBarrow S of Wolfeton ClumpBell barrow 70m west of Fidler's GreenRound barrow E of Forston FarmMaiden CastleRound barrows on Grove HillTwo bowl barrows immediately south of Bayard DairyGroup of three round barrows NE of Jackman's CrossGroup of barrows E of Northdown BarnDisc barrow 715m west of Bayard FarmTwo barrows 600yds (550m) N of Halls FarmTwo round barrows N of Bincombe BarnBowl barrow185m WSW of Higher Skippet FarmRound barrow N of Ashton CottagesTwo round barrows on North HillTwo barrows on Little Puddle Hill.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) |
