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:
Round barrow NE of Hog Hill BarnMedieval settlement 850m north of St Mary's ChurchTwo bowl barrows 720m south east of Friar Waddon HouseGroup of round barrows near Eweleaze BarnRound barrow on Magiston HillSettlement remains N of Maiden CastleTwo round barrows on North HillGroup of barrows on the golf course, Came DownFour bowl barrows at the eastern end of Waterston Ridge, 490m south west and 500m south east of Ridge FarmRound barrow on Shorn HillMaiden CastleLong barrow immediately north west of Maiden CastlePoundbury Camp, associated monuments and section of Roman aqueduct.Round barrow N of Heave CoppiceRound barrow N of RidgewayCulliford Tree long barrow and group of round barrowsSix round barrows W of Came DownBarrows in Came WoodRound barrows on Grove HillBowl barrow 75m south east of Laycock Dairy FarmBarrow on parish boundarySix barrows on Ridgeway HillBowl barrow on Wood Hill 310m north east of CowdenMedieval settlement remains at WhitcombeGroup of round barrows on North Bincombe Hill, S of Came WoodBarrow 200yds (180m) N of the White HorseEarthwork N of Hampton PlantationsThree barrows N of Penn HillRound barrow 1/4 mile (400m) N of Ridge HillHenge, Romano-British amphitheatre and Civil War fieldworks known collectively as Maumbury RingsRound barrow on Rew HillTwo bowl barrows immediately south of Bayard DairyGroup of round barrows on Bincombe HillRound barrow on Stratton DownPreston Roman villaGroup of round barrows on and to E of Great HillFour bowl barrows immediately north west of Maiden CastleTwo barrows at RewRoman road in Kingston ParkBowl barrow 500m north east of Clandon FarmCross-ridge dyke on WindsbatchLong barrow and four bowl barrows 500m north west of Whitfield FarmBowl barrow185m WSW of Higher Skippet FarmThree bowl barrows 530m and 350m north east of Whitcombe BarnTwo round barrows N of Came FarmGroup of barrows in Seven Barrow PlantationTwo barrows 600yds (550m) N of Halls FarmGroup of barrows S of Goldsmith's PlantationGroup of barrows on West HillGroup of four round barrows in Cripton WoodGroup of barrows E of Northdown BarnLong barrow 400yds (360m) NW of Hill BarnMedieval settlement of Little PiddleCross in St Mary's churchyardRound barrow N of Ashton CottagesRound barrows on Four Barrow HillTwo barrows on Little Puddle HillRound barrow in Grimstone ClumpsBarrow S of Three-Cornered PlantationRound barrow E of Forston FarmBarrow S of Wolfeton ClumpGroup of three round barrows NE of Jackman's CrossRound barrow NE of Friar WaddonOval barrow and three bowl barrows 250m and 330m south of Whitcombe BarnBowl barrow on Whitcombe Hill, 600m west of Stafford FarmFriar Waddon Hill round barrowsMedieval settlement of Winterborne Farringdon and associated remainsGroup of round barrows W of Ridgeway HillBell barrow 70m west of Fidler's GreenTwo round barrows N of Bincombe BarnBowl barrow 600m south of Whitcombe FarmLong barrow NW of Red BarnGeorge III, chalk-cut hill side figureGroup of round barrows on RidgewayRound barrow on Ridgeway HillRound barrow N of Forston BarnBell barrow in Highfield Plantation and two bowl barrows immediately north west of Forty Acre PlantationBowl barrow on Little Puddle Hill, 920m north west of Fidler's Green 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 fieldsMedieval settlement of North LouvardThe Clandon Barrow, 450m west of Clandon FarmTwo bowl barrows on Conygar HillTwo round barrows on RidgewayTwo barrows W of Little Piddle DownColliton Park Roman houseBowl barrow1050m WNW of Manor FarmTwo round barrows at Down WoodMayne stone circle (at Little Mayne Farm)Outer defences of Roman town, W of St Genevieve's ConventRound barrow NW of Jackman's CrossGroup of round barrows on Shorn Hill and Bronkham HillRound barrow SW of Ashton CottagesLong barrow, three bell barrows, fancy barrow and a linear earthwork 800m north of Maiden CastleHerringston round barrowsDisc barrow 715m west of Bayard FarmThree barrows S of Hart Hill PlantationHenge Enclosure, Conquer Barrow and Barrow CemeteryRound barrows on RidgewayBowl barrow on Whitcombe Hill 500m north of Whitcombe FarmDorchester Roman wallsRound barrow E of Bayard's BarnRound barrow cemetery immediately south east of Maiden CastleBowl barrow 780m north east of Hampton FarmRound barrow SW of Wolfeton ClumpPart of Roman, Saxon, and medieval town in grounds of Wollaston HouseTwo bowl barrows 320m south west of Laycock Dairy FarmDiscontinuous surviving sections of Roman aqueductBowl barrow 380m west of Whitfield FarmFour bowl barrows on Hog Hill, west and north west of Maiden CastleMulti-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 FarmTwo round barrows on RidgewayThree bowl barrows at the western end of Waterston Ridge, 360m north west of Fidler's Green FarmTwo round barrows S of Ashton FarmBarrow E of Red BarnBowl barrow 360m south west of Clandon FarmSix round barrows on Bincombe Down.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) |
