Blandford Forum by TravelPics from Getty Images
Blandford Forum
Blandford Forum, often simply referred to as Blandford, is a picturesque market town situated in Dorset, England. Nestled on the banks of the River Stour, it is renowned for its Georgian architecture, a legacy of a devastating fire in 1731 that led to the town being meticulously rebuilt. The rebuilding efforts were led by local architects John and William Bastard, whose work has given Blandford its distinctive and charming architectural uniformity, characterized by elegant red-brick and stone buildings.
One of the town’s most notable features is the Market Place, which serves as the vibrant heart of Blandford. The Market Place is surrounded by impressive Georgian buildings and hosts a weekly market that draws both locals and visitors. The Corn Exchange, the Town Hall, and various shops and cafés create a lively atmosphere, making it a pleasant place to explore and experience the local culture. Blandford also boasts several historic inns and pubs, reflecting its long-standing tradition as a hub for travelers and traders.
Blandford Forum is not just about its architectural beauty; it also offers a rich tapestry of history and culture. The town is home to the Blandford Fashion Museum, which houses an extensive collection of fashion and textiles spanning several centuries. Additionally, the Blandford Museum provides insights into the town’s history, from its prehistoric roots to its development through the ages. The annual Blandford Georgian Fayre is a testament to the town’s historical significance, celebrating its Georgian heritage with period costumes, performances, and traditional crafts.
Surrounded by the picturesque Dorset countryside, Blandford Forum is a gateway to numerous outdoor activities. The nearby Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers stunning landscapes for walking, cycling, and wildlife watching. The River Stour adds to the town’s scenic charm, providing opportunities for fishing and riverside strolls. The blend of natural beauty and historical richness makes Blandford Forum a delightful destination for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Overall, Blandford Forum stands as a quintessential English market town that seamlessly blends historical charm with natural beauty. Its Georgian architecture, cultural offerings, and idyllic setting make it a unique and inviting place to visit. Whether exploring its historic streets, enjoying the vibrant market, or venturing into the surrounding countryside, visitors to Blandford Forum are sure to find a wealth of experiences that reflect the town’s enduring appeal and rich heritage.
Created: 25 May 2024 Edited: 10 June 2024
Blandford Forum
Local History around Blandford Forum
There are some historic monuments around including:
Bowl barrow 150m north east of DunburyRowbarrow, 500m north west of Hedge End FarmEarthworks in Ditchey CoppiceBowl barrow 900m north west of Pond Down BuildingsCausewayed camp on Hambledon HillEnclosure S of Pimperne DownHarbin's Park, a medieval deer park paleMedieval cross base 150m south of Holy Rood ChurchSt Leonard's ChapelMoated site 130m west of Bere Marsh FarmCombe Ditch, linear dykeMedieval standing cross 30m south of the Church of St PaulDeserted medieval village at West FarmBowl barrow 550m north of North Down BarnTwo bowl barrows 320m south east of East Down HouseMilton Park boundary bankField system in Old ParkHambledon Hill campMedieval standing cross 50m east of St Peter's ChurchHod Hill camp and Lydsbury RingsBowl barrow 560m NNE of North Down BarnTwo bowl barrows west of Bonsley Common, 900m NNE of Turnworth HouseBowl barrow 650m south west of Gorcombe FarmMilling House, West FarmCross dyke on Okeford Hill 1km south west of Broughton HouseBowl barrow 25m south of Whitechurch Hill BarnTwo bowl barrows 360m south east of East Down HouseBowl barrow 775m south east of Charisworth CottagesBowl barrow 1020m south east of Charisworth CottagesLazerton Farm causewayed roadBowl barrow 350m south of Gorcombe FarmEarthworks on site of manor houseRoman villa 300yds (270m) W of Park House Farm buildingsBowl barrow and pillow mound on Earl's Hill, 650m and 780m north east of Furzey Down FarmBowl barrow 500m south west of Gorcombe Farm.Wildlife in and Around Blandford Forum
Mammals found in Blandford Forum
There have been 40 species of mammals recorded in the blandford-forum area.
| 45 Khz Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) |
| American Mink (Neovison vison) |
| Bank Vole (Myodes glareolus) |
| Bechstein's Bat (Myotis bechsteinii) |
| Brown Long-Eared Bat (Plecotus auritus) |
| 55 Khz Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) |
| Badger (Meles meles) |
| Barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus) |
| Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus) |
| Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus) |
Tap here for more mammals found in and around Blandford Forum
Birds found in Blandford Forum
There have been 124 species of birds recorded in the blandford-forum area.
| Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) |
| Black-Headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) |
| Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) |
| Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla) |
| Buzzard (Buteo buteo) |
| Barn Owl (Tyto alba) |
| Blackbird (Turdus merula) |
| Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) |
| Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) |
| Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) |
