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:
Two bowl barrows 320m south west of Laycock Dairy FarmCulliford Tree long barrow and group of round barrowsRound barrows on Four Barrow HillPoundbury Camp, associated monuments and section of Roman aqueduct.Two barrows 600yds (550m) N of Halls FarmThree bowl barrows 530m and 350m north east of Whitcombe BarnFour bowl barrows at the eastern end of Waterston Ridge, 490m south west and 500m south east of Ridge FarmTwo round barrows N of Bincombe BarnGroup of three round barrows NE of Jackman's CrossLong barrow and four bowl barrows 500m north west of Whitfield FarmRound barrow SW of Wolfeton ClumpDorchester Roman wallsGroup of round barrows W of Ridgeway HillBowl barrow185m WSW of Higher Skippet FarmGroup of barrows in Seven Barrow PlantationTwo bowl barrows 720m south east of Friar Waddon HousePart of Roman, Saxon, and medieval town in grounds of Wollaston HouseBell barrow 70m west of Fidler's GreenRoman road in Kingston ParkRound barrow SW of Ashton CottagesBarrow on parish boundaryGroup of round barrows on RidgewayCross-ridge dyke on WindsbatchGroup of round barrows on Shorn Hill and Bronkham HillBarrow S of Three-Cornered PlantationGroup of barrows on the golf course, Came DownBarrow E of Red BarnBarrow S of Wolfeton ClumpRound barrow on Shorn HillMedieval settlement remains at WhitcombeHenge Enclosure, Conquer Barrow and Barrow CemeteryRound barrow on Rew HillGroup of round barrows on Bincombe HillTwo round barrows on RidgewayThe Clandon Barrow, 450m west of Clandon FarmSix barrows on Ridgeway HillPreston Roman villaHerringston round barrowsRound barrow on Ridgeway HillTwo bowl barrows immediately south of Bayard DairyEarthwork N of Hampton PlantationsBowl barrow 600m south of Whitcombe FarmOuter defences of Roman town, W of St Genevieve's ConventThree bowl barrows at the western end of Waterston Ridge, 360m north west of Fidler's Green FarmRound barrow on Magiston HillRound barrow N of Heave CoppiceMedieval settlement of Winterborne Farringdon and associated remainsBowl barrow 360m south west of Clandon FarmTwo round barrows N of Came FarmFriar Waddon Hill round barrowsGroup of four round barrows in Cripton WoodGeorge III, chalk-cut hill side figureCross in St Mary's churchyardBowl barrow1050m WNW of Manor FarmGroup of round barrows on and to E of Great HillBarrows in Came WoodBowl barrow 500m north east of Clandon FarmBarrow 200yds (180m) N of the White HorseTwo round barrows S of Ashton FarmGroup of barrows E of Northdown BarnLong barrow NW of Red BarnBowl barrow 780m north east of Hampton FarmSix round barrows W of Came DownFour bowl barrows immediately north west of Maiden CastleRound barrow NW of Jackman's CrossFour bowl barrows on Hog Hill, west and north west of Maiden CastleMedieval settlement 850m north of St Mary's ChurchColliton Park Roman houseRound barrow N of RidgewayThree barrows S of Hart Hill PlantationGroup of barrows on West HillBowl barrow on Little Puddle Hill, 920m north west of Fidler's Green FarmMedieval settlement of Little PiddleMulti-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 barrows S of Goldsmith's PlantationThree barrows N of Penn HillRound barrow NE of Friar WaddonDiscontinuous surviving sections of Roman aqueductGroup of round barrows on North Bincombe Hill, S of Came WoodLong barrow 400yds (360m) NW of Hill BarnTwo round barrows at Down WoodMedieval settlement of North LouvardRound barrow E of Forston FarmRound barrow 1/4 mile (400m) N of Ridge HillRound barrow N of Ashton CottagesRound barrow cemetery immediately south east of Maiden CastleRound barrows on Grove HillTwo round barrows on North HillRound barrow N of Forston BarnBowl barrow 75m south east of Laycock Dairy FarmRound barrow on Stratton DownMulti-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 FarmMayne stone circle (at Little Mayne Farm)Two barrows W of Little Piddle DownHenge, Romano-British amphitheatre and Civil War fieldworks known collectively as Maumbury RingsGroup of round barrows near Eweleaze BarnMaiden CastleTwo barrows on Little Puddle HillBowl barrow on Whitcombe Hill, 600m west of Stafford FarmDisc barrow 715m west of Bayard FarmBowl barrow on Whitcombe Hill 500m north of Whitcombe FarmOval barrow and three bowl barrows 250m and 330m south of Whitcombe BarnBowl barrow on Wood Hill 310m north east of CowdenTwo round barrows on RidgewaySettlement remains N of Maiden CastleLong barrow, three bell barrows, fancy barrow and a linear earthwork 800m north of Maiden CastleRound barrow E of Bayard's BarnRound barrows on RidgewayBell barrow in Highfield Plantation and two bowl barrows immediately north west of Forty Acre PlantationBowl barrow 380m west of Whitfield FarmLong barrow immediately north west of Maiden CastleSix round barrows on Bincombe DownRound barrow in Grimstone ClumpsTwo barrows at RewTwo bowl barrows on Conygar HillRound 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) |
