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 barrows W of Little Piddle DownBell barrow in Highfield Plantation and two bowl barrows immediately north west of Forty Acre PlantationBarrow S of Wolfeton ClumpDorchester Roman wallsColliton Park Roman houseTwo bowl barrows 720m south east of Friar Waddon HouseBowl barrow on Wood Hill 310m north east of CowdenMulti-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 FarmGroup of round barrows on Bincombe HillHerringston round barrowsCulliford Tree long barrow and group of round barrowsGroup of barrows on West HillMedieval settlement remains at WhitcombeRound barrow cemetery immediately south east of Maiden CastleRound barrow N of Heave CoppiceCross in St Mary's churchyardThree bowl barrows at the western end of Waterston Ridge, 360m north west of Fidler's Green FarmRound barrow SW of Wolfeton ClumpBowl barrow 380m west of Whitfield FarmTwo bowl barrows on Conygar HillGroup of barrows S of Goldsmith's PlantationBarrow on parish boundaryDisc barrow 715m west of Bayard FarmSix round barrows W of Came DownHenge, Romano-British amphitheatre and Civil War fieldworks known collectively as Maumbury RingsBowl barrow on Whitcombe Hill 500m north of Whitcombe FarmBarrow 200yds (180m) N of the White HorsePreston Roman villaBarrow S of Three-Cornered PlantationGroup of round barrows on RidgewayRound barrow on Shorn HillMedieval settlement of Little PiddleFour bowl barrows on Hog Hill, west and north west of Maiden CastleTwo round barrows S of Ashton FarmFour bowl barrows immediately north west of Maiden CastleLong barrow 400yds (360m) NW of Hill BarnRound barrow E of Forston FarmTwo barrows at RewRound barrow N of Forston BarnLong barrow and four bowl barrows 500m north west of Whitfield FarmFriar Waddon Hill round barrowsGroup of round barrows W of Ridgeway HillBowl barrow 360m south west of Clandon FarmPoundbury Camp, associated monuments and section of Roman aqueduct.Henge Enclosure, Conquer Barrow and Barrow CemeteryCross-ridge dyke on WindsbatchSettlement remains N of Maiden CastleRound barrow N of RidgewayTwo bowl barrows 320m south west of Laycock Dairy FarmTwo round barrows N of Came FarmRound barrow NE of Friar WaddonBowl barrow 75m south east of Laycock Dairy FarmRound barrow on Stratton DownMayne stone circle (at Little Mayne Farm)Three bowl barrows 530m and 350m north east of Whitcombe BarnThree barrows S of Hart Hill PlantationThree barrows N of Penn HillBowl barrow 600m south of Whitcombe FarmBowl barrow185m WSW of Higher Skippet FarmGroup of barrows E of Northdown BarnBowl barrow on Whitcombe Hill, 600m west of Stafford FarmGeorge III, chalk-cut hill side figureMulti-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 fieldsTwo round barrows on RidgewaySix round barrows on Bincombe DownGroup of barrows in Seven Barrow PlantationRound barrows on RidgewayBowl barrow on Little Puddle Hill, 920m north west of Fidler's Green FarmTwo round barrows at Down WoodGroup of round barrows on and to E of Great HillEarthwork N of Hampton PlantationsRound barrow N of Ashton CottagesMedieval settlement 850m north of St Mary's ChurchRound barrow on Magiston HillRound barrows on Grove HillThe Clandon Barrow, 450m west of Clandon FarmSix barrows on Ridgeway HillTwo barrows on Little Puddle HillTwo round barrows on RidgewayBarrow E of Red BarnBowl barrow 500m north east of Clandon FarmDiscontinuous surviving sections of Roman aqueductRound barrow E of Bayard's BarnGroup of three round barrows NE of Jackman's CrossRound barrows on Four Barrow HillTwo bowl barrows immediately south of Bayard DairyRound barrow on Ridgeway HillBell barrow 70m west of Fidler's GreenBowl barrow 780m north east of Hampton FarmFour bowl barrows at the eastern end of Waterston Ridge, 490m south west and 500m south east of Ridge FarmTwo round barrows N of Bincombe BarnTwo round barrows on North HillOval barrow and three bowl barrows 250m and 330m south of Whitcombe BarnOuter defences of Roman town, W of St Genevieve's ConventRoman road in Kingston ParkGroup of round barrows on Shorn Hill and Bronkham HillGroup of round barrows on North Bincombe Hill, S of Came WoodBarrows in Came WoodRound barrow SW of Ashton CottagesPart of Roman, Saxon, and medieval town in grounds of Wollaston HouseRound barrow NW of Jackman's CrossBowl barrow1050m WNW of Manor FarmRound barrow 1/4 mile (400m) N of Ridge HillRound barrow NE of Hog Hill BarnMaiden CastleRound barrow in Grimstone ClumpsTwo barrows 600yds (550m) N of Halls FarmLong barrow, three bell barrows, fancy barrow and a linear earthwork 800m north of Maiden CastleGroup of four round barrows in Cripton WoodLong barrow NW of Red BarnMedieval settlement of Winterborne Farringdon and associated remainsGroup of barrows on the golf course, Came DownLong barrow immediately north west of Maiden CastleRound barrow on Rew HillGroup of round barrows near Eweleaze BarnMedieval settlement of North Louvard.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) |
