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 FarmHerringston round barrowsBowl barrow 360m south west of Clandon FarmCulliford Tree long barrow and group of round barrowsTwo round barrows on RidgewayRound barrow on Rew HillFour bowl barrows at the eastern end of Waterston Ridge, 490m south west and 500m south east of Ridge FarmSix round barrows on Bincombe DownHenge, Romano-British amphitheatre and Civil War fieldworks known collectively as Maumbury RingsRound barrow NE of Hog Hill BarnRound barrow SW of Ashton CottagesFriar Waddon Hill round barrowsTwo round barrows N of Bincombe BarnLong barrow, three bell barrows, fancy barrow and a linear earthwork 800m north of Maiden CastleCross in St Mary's churchyardPoundbury Camp, associated monuments and section of Roman aqueduct.Group of round barrows near Eweleaze BarnRound barrows on Four Barrow HillLong barrow and four bowl barrows 500m north west of Whitfield FarmTwo bowl barrows immediately south of Bayard DairyPart of Roman, Saxon, and medieval town in grounds of Wollaston HouseRound barrow N of Forston BarnTwo round barrows S of Ashton FarmRound barrow E of Bayard's BarnMedieval settlement of Little PiddleGeorge III, chalk-cut hill side figureTwo barrows on Little Puddle HillMaiden CastleMayne stone circle (at Little Mayne Farm)Round barrow 1/4 mile (400m) N of Ridge HillBowl barrow on Whitcombe Hill 500m north of Whitcombe FarmBell barrow in Highfield Plantation and two bowl barrows immediately north west of Forty Acre PlantationGroup of round barrows on Shorn Hill and Bronkham HillGroup of round barrows on North Bincombe Hill, S of Came WoodSettlement remains N of Maiden CastleRound barrow NW of Jackman's CrossRound barrow NE of Friar WaddonRound barrow N of RidgewayOval barrow and three bowl barrows 250m and 330m south of Whitcombe BarnBell barrow 70m west of Fidler's GreenMulti-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 E of Northdown BarnGroup of barrows S of Goldsmith's PlantationTwo bowl barrows on Conygar HillTwo barrows 600yds (550m) N of Halls FarmMulti-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 FarmHenge Enclosure, Conquer Barrow and Barrow CemeteryGroup of round barrows on RidgewayOuter defences of Roman town, W of St Genevieve's ConventRound barrow N of Heave CoppiceFour bowl barrows immediately north west of Maiden CastleBarrow S of Three-Cornered PlantationThree bowl barrows at the western end of Waterston Ridge, 360m north west of Fidler's Green FarmBowl barrow 75m south east of Laycock Dairy FarmDorchester Roman wallsGroup of round barrows W of Ridgeway HillTwo round barrows on RidgewayThe Clandon Barrow, 450m west of Clandon FarmSix barrows on Ridgeway HillDiscontinuous surviving sections of Roman aqueductRound barrow on Ridgeway HillTwo barrows W of Little Piddle DownThree barrows S of Hart Hill PlantationColliton Park Roman houseCross-ridge dyke on WindsbatchRound barrow N of Ashton CottagesGroup of four round barrows in Cripton WoodTwo barrows at RewTwo round barrows at Down WoodFour bowl barrows on Hog Hill, west and north west of Maiden CastleBarrow E of Red BarnMedieval settlement of North LouvardBowl barrow on Whitcombe Hill, 600m west of Stafford FarmRound barrow in Grimstone ClumpsTwo bowl barrows 720m south east of Friar Waddon HouseRound barrows on RidgewayRoman road in Kingston ParkRound barrow on Magiston HillBowl barrow1050m WNW of Manor FarmGroup of barrows in Seven Barrow PlantationBarrows in Came WoodMedieval settlement remains at WhitcombeBarrow 200yds (180m) N of the White HorseRound barrows on Grove HillBowl barrow 500m north east of Clandon FarmMedieval settlement 850m north of St Mary's ChurchGroup of barrows on West HillBowl barrow on Little Puddle Hill, 920m north west of Fidler's Green FarmMedieval settlement of Winterborne Farringdon and associated remainsRound barrow cemetery immediately south east of Maiden CastleDisc barrow 715m west of Bayard FarmRound barrow SW of Wolfeton ClumpBarrow on parish boundaryThree bowl barrows 530m and 350m north east of Whitcombe BarnGroup of three round barrows NE of Jackman's CrossGroup of round barrows on Bincombe HillBarrow S of Wolfeton ClumpBowl barrow 380m west of Whitfield FarmTwo round barrows N of Came FarmLong barrow 400yds (360m) NW of Hill BarnBowl barrow 600m south of Whitcombe FarmThree barrows N of Penn HillLong barrow NW of Red BarnGroup of round barrows on and to E of Great HillBowl barrow 780m north east of Hampton FarmRound barrow on Shorn HillRound barrow E of Forston FarmPreston Roman villaTwo round barrows on North HillBowl barrow185m WSW of Higher Skippet FarmLong barrow immediately north west of Maiden CastleEarthwork N of Hampton PlantationsRound barrow on Stratton DownBowl barrow on Wood Hill 310m north east of CowdenSix round barrows W of Came DownGroup of barrows on the golf course, Came 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) |
