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:
Disc barrow 715m west of Bayard FarmRound barrow 1/4 mile (400m) N of Ridge HillGroup of round barrows near Eweleaze BarnOval barrow and three bowl barrows 250m and 330m south of Whitcombe BarnDorchester Roman wallsGroup of four round barrows in Cripton WoodCulliford Tree long barrow and group of round barrowsPoundbury Camp, associated monuments and section of Roman aqueduct.Round barrow N of RidgewayHerringston round barrowsBowl barrow on Wood Hill 310m north east of CowdenRound barrow in Grimstone ClumpsRoman road in Kingston ParkFour bowl barrows immediately north west of Maiden CastleTwo round barrows S of Ashton FarmTwo barrows at RewFour bowl barrows on Hog Hill, west and north west of Maiden CastleBowl barrow 500m north east of Clandon FarmBell barrow 70m west of Fidler's GreenRound barrow N of Forston BarnOuter defences of Roman town, W of St Genevieve's ConventTwo round barrows at Down WoodTwo round barrows N of Bincombe BarnRound barrows on Four Barrow HillTwo bowl barrows 320m south west of Laycock Dairy FarmGroup of round barrows on and to E of Great HillTwo barrows W of Little Piddle DownRound barrow E of Bayard's BarnBowl barrow 380m west of Whitfield FarmTwo round barrows on North HillMedieval settlement remains at WhitcombeBell barrow in Highfield Plantation and two bowl barrows immediately north west of Forty Acre PlantationTwo round barrows on RidgewayTwo round barrows N of Came FarmTwo barrows 600yds (550m) N of Halls FarmMedieval settlement of Little PiddleGroup of three round barrows NE of Jackman's CrossBowl barrow on Whitcombe Hill, 600m west of Stafford FarmMedieval settlement 850m north of St Mary's ChurchPreston Roman villaThe Clandon Barrow, 450m west of Clandon FarmLong barrow immediately north west of Maiden CastleFriar Waddon Hill round barrowsRound barrow on Ridgeway HillThree barrows S of Hart Hill PlantationTwo bowl barrows 720m south east of Friar Waddon HouseGroup of barrows on West HillRound barrow cemetery immediately south east of Maiden CastleBowl barrow 600m south of Whitcombe FarmDiscontinuous surviving sections of Roman aqueductGroup of round barrows on Shorn Hill and Bronkham HillRound barrow SW of Wolfeton ClumpColliton Park Roman houseBowl barrow 780m north east of Hampton FarmPart of Roman, Saxon, and medieval town in grounds of Wollaston HouseGroup of barrows on the golf course, Came DownSix round barrows W of Came DownLong barrow 400yds (360m) NW of Hill BarnMaiden CastleGeorge III, chalk-cut hill side figureGroup of round barrows W of Ridgeway HillRound barrow on Shorn HillMedieval settlement of North LouvardGroup of barrows E of Northdown BarnRound barrows on Grove HillGroup of barrows in Seven Barrow PlantationRound barrow on Rew HillRound barrow on Magiston HillRound barrow on Stratton DownCross in St Mary's churchyardMayne stone circle (at Little Mayne Farm)Bowl barrow on Little Puddle Hill, 920m north west of Fidler's Green FarmTwo round barrows on RidgewayRound barrow NE of Friar WaddonMedieval settlement of Winterborne Farringdon and associated remainsHenge Enclosure, Conquer Barrow and Barrow CemeteryBarrows in Came WoodTwo bowl barrows immediately south of Bayard DairyBowl barrow 360m south west of Clandon FarmTwo bowl barrows on Conygar HillLong barrow and four bowl barrows 500m north west of Whitfield FarmThree bowl barrows 530m and 350m north east of Whitcombe BarnBowl barrow1050m WNW of Manor FarmBowl barrow on Whitcombe Hill 500m north of Whitcombe FarmBarrow S of Three-Cornered PlantationRound barrow NW of Jackman's CrossBarrow 200yds (180m) N of the White HorseMulti-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 fieldsRound barrow NE of Hog Hill BarnLong barrow NW of Red BarnGroup of round barrows on North Bincombe Hill, S of Came WoodGroup of round barrows on RidgewayMulti-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 FarmSix round barrows on Bincombe DownFour bowl barrows at the eastern end of Waterston Ridge, 490m south west and 500m south east of Ridge FarmBowl barrow 75m south east of Laycock Dairy FarmRound barrow N of Ashton CottagesEarthwork N of Hampton PlantationsSettlement remains N of Maiden CastleBarrow E of Red BarnLong barrow, three bell barrows, fancy barrow and a linear earthwork 800m north of Maiden CastleTwo barrows on Little Puddle HillHenge, Romano-British amphitheatre and Civil War fieldworks known collectively as Maumbury RingsBarrow on parish boundaryRound barrow SW of Ashton CottagesSix barrows on Ridgeway HillBarrow S of Wolfeton ClumpThree bowl barrows at the western end of Waterston Ridge, 360m north west of Fidler's Green FarmCross-ridge dyke on WindsbatchThree barrows N of Penn HillGroup of barrows S of Goldsmith's PlantationRound barrows on RidgewayRound barrow N of Heave CoppiceRound barrow E of Forston FarmBowl barrow185m WSW of Higher Skippet FarmGroup of round barrows on Bincombe 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) |
