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Dorchester, the historic county town of Dorset
The county town of Dorchester has much to offer the visitor, with its bustling shopping precincts, elegant 18th century houses and vital cultural life.
Dorchester's history can be traced back to the Iron Age at Maiden Castle, when the Romans captured the site, they founded the town of Dorchester. Further evidence of Roman occupation can be found south of the town at Maumbury Rings, where the Romans built an amphitheatre capable of seating 10,000 people.
It was in Dorchester in 1685, Judge Jeffreys presided over the Bloody Assize, following Monmouth's defeat at Sedgemoor and in 1834, six agricultural workers now known as the Tolpuddle martyrs, were transported from Dorchester to Australia for their part in forming a trade union.
Today, Dorchester boasts many museums and at the Dorchester County Museum, you can see a reconstruction of the study of the local author Thomas Hardy, together with a collection of his manuscripts.
Thomas Hardy made Dorset his own, reviving ancient Wessex in a series of powerful contemporary novels. He was born in 1840 at Higher Brockhampton, near Dorchester. Later, after living for a while in London, he settled in Weymouth, working as architect and author. Eventually he moved to Max Gate, a house which he designed himself; and lived in Dorchester until his death in 1928. Today you can visit his cottage birthplace at Higher Brockhampton, and Max Gate in the town. Many of Thomas Hardy's works have been filmed in Dorchester, and the surrounding countryside of his beloved West Dorset.
YouTube videos provide a fascinating insight into the region and its attractions. Some videos of the area can be viewed here.
Attractions in Dorset
Set amongst the woodland of Dorset lays 65 acres of sanctuary for over 240 primates from 15 different species.
Lulworth castle, built in the early 17th Century as a hunting lodge, became a country house at the heart of a large estate.
We bring the history of tanks and tank crew to life…Supported by the world’s best collection of tanks & action packed live displays.
A unique mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, prepare to come face to face with sharks, otters, seals, penguins, turtles and so much more.
Attractions in Dorchester
Fossils, skeletons, life-size dinosaur reconstructions plus hands-on and multimedia displays provide great family fun at the award winning Dinosaur Museum.
The world¹s greatest discovery of Ancient Treasure Tutankhamun¹s tomb, treasures and mummy are superbly recreated in this internationally renowned exhibition.
The formal gardens consist of a matrix of small gardens each with its own theme,lakeside walks and a delightful walled garden.
This small but inspiring exhibition on the Terracotta Warriors of the First Emperor of China's famous Terracotta Army brings together all the wonder of the discovery of these amazing treasures of ancient China.
Town Factfile
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Population |
17,000 |
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Nearest Airports |
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Distance From London |
126 Miles, 2 hours 45 mintues by train |
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More Information |
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