120-665: The Dorset Museum (also known as the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery ) is located in Dorchester, Dorset , England . It was known as the Dorset County Museum until 2021. Founded in 1846, the museum covers the county of Dorset 's history and environment. The current building was built in 1881 on the former site of the George Inn. The building was designed specifically to house the museum's collection and
240-419: A Brythonic name incorporating durn , "fist", loosely interpreted as 'place with fist-sized pebbles'. It appears to have taken part of its name from the local Durotriges tribe who inhabited the area. Durnovaria was recorded in the 4th-century Antonine Itinerary and became a market centre for the surrounding countryside, an important road junction and staging post, and subsequently one of the twin capitals of
360-419: A maltster ; in 1725, begun in a brewhouse; and in 1775, caused by a soap boiler. The 1613 fire was the most devastating, resulting in the destruction of 300 houses and two churches ( All Saints and Holy Trinity). Only a few of the town's early buildings have survived to the present day, including Judge Jeffreys ' lodgings and a Tudor almshouse . Among the replacement Georgian buildings are many, such as
480-544: A Roman station. This name evolved over time to Dorncester/Dornceaster and Dorchester. At the time of the Norman conquest , Dorchester was not a place of great significance; the Normans did build a castle but it has not survived. A priory was also founded, in 1364, though this also has since disappeared. In the later medieval period the town prospered; it became a thriving commercial and political centre for south Dorset, with
600-422: A castle but it has not survived. A priory was also founded, in 1364, though this also has since disappeared. In the later medieval period the town prospered; it became a thriving commercial and political centre for south Dorset, with a textile trading and manufacturing industry which continued until the 17th century. In the time of Edward III (1312–1377), the town was governed by bailiffs and burgesses , with
720-555: A few men and sped to meet them thinking that they were merchants from another country. When he arrived at their location, he admonished them and instructed that they should be brought to the royal town. The Vikings then slaughtered him and his men. By 864, the area around Durnovaria was dominated by the Saxons who referred to themselves as Dorsaetas , 'People of the Dor' – Durnovaria. The original local name would have been Dorn-gweir giving
840-551: A gold ring, a bronze figure of the Roman god Mercury and large areas of tessellated pavement . The Dorset Museum contains many Roman artefacts. The Romans built an aqueduct to supply the town with water. It was rediscovered in 1900 as the remains of a channel cut into the chalk and contouring round the hills. The source is believed to be the River Frome at Notton , about 12 miles (19 km) upstream from Dorchester. Near
960-541: A museum on the site. Dorchester remained a compact town within the boundaries of the old town walls until the latter part of the 19th century because all land immediately adjacent to the west, south and east was owned by the Duchy of Cornwall . The land composed the Manor of Fordington . The developments that had encroached onto it were Marabout Barracks, to the north of Bridport Road, in 1794, Dorchester Union Workhouse , to
1080-422: A number of notable people have been associated with the town. It was for many years the home and inspiration of the author Thomas Hardy , whose novel The Mayor of Casterbridge uses a fictionalised Dorchester as its setting. In the 2011 census , the population of Dorchester was 19,060. It is a centre for employment, education, retail, leisure and healthcare for the surrounding area, with six industrial estates,
1200-521: A population of about 6,000. Charles was involved with the development's design. Dorchester became Dorset's first Official Transition Initiative in 2008 as part of the Transition Towns concept. Transition Town Dorchester is a community response to the challenges and opportunities of peak oil and climate change . Dorchester is represented by two tiers of government, Dorchester Town Council and Dorset Council , both of which are based within
1320-834: A previous structure that had fallen into disrepair. A tablet commemorates the sentencing of the Tolpuddle Martyrs here in 1834. The building housed the Crown Court until 1955; Thomas Hardy was a magistrate here and his experience provided inspiration for his writing. The building has changed little since the 19th century, and in 2014 planning permission was granted to transform it into a heritage centre and tourist attraction, to open in 2017. Dorchester has thirteen first schools, three middle schools: St Osmund's Church of England Middle School , St Mary's Church of England Middle School, Puddletown and Dorchester Middle School and an upper school; The Thomas Hardye School which
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#17327646964121440-707: A previous structure that had fallen into disrepair. A tablet commemorates the sentencing of the Tolpuddle Martyrs here in 1834. The building housed the Crown Court until 1955; Thomas Hardy was a magistrate here and his experience provided inspiration for his writing. The building has changed little since the 19th century, and in 2014 planning permission was granted to transform it into a heritage centre and tourist attraction, to open in 2017. Dorchester has thirteen first schools, three middle schools: St Osmund's Church of England Middle School , St Mary's Church of England Middle School, Puddletown and Dorchester Middle School and an upper school; The Thomas Hardye School which
1560-476: A scattered arrangement which shows that permission for the armorial bearings was given before 1405, after which date the rights were varied by King Henry VI . The inscription 'Sigillum Bailivorum Dorcestre' translates as 'Seal of the Bailiffs of Dorchester'. The mayor has a similar seal of office, but this has the inscription Dorcestriensis Sig: Maioris . In 2011, Dorchester was one of more than 20 towns across
1680-459: A second term. The catchment population for major food retail outlets in Dorchester is 38,500 (2001 estimate) and extends eight miles west, north and east of the town, and two miles south. The Brewery Square redevelopment project now includes retail outlets, residential units, bars, restaurants, hotel and cultural facilities. The regeneration of Dorchester South railway station will make it
1800-400: A second term. The catchment population for major food retail outlets in Dorchester is 38,500 (2001 estimate) and extends eight miles west, north and east of the town, and two miles south. The Brewery Square redevelopment project now includes retail outlets, residential units, bars, restaurants, hotel and cultural facilities. The regeneration of Dorchester South railway station will make it
1920-588: A square inside modern Dorchester known as ' The Walks '. A small segment of the original wall remains near the Top 'o Town roundabout. Other Roman remains include part of the town walls and the foundations of a town house near the county hall . Modern building works within the walls have unearthed Roman finds; in 1936 a cache of 22,000 3rd-century Roman coins was discovered in South Street. Other Roman finds include silver and copper coins known as Dorn pennies ,
2040-452: A textile trading and manufacturing industry which continued until the 17th century. In the time of Edward III (1312–1377), the town was governed by bailiffs and burgesses , with the number of burgesses increasing to fifteen by the reign of James I (1566–1625). In the 17th and 18th centuries Dorchester suffered several serious fires: in 1613, caused by a tallow chandler's cauldron getting too hot and setting alight; in 1622, started by
2160-499: Is a community response to the challenges and opportunities of peak oil and climate change . Dorchester is represented by two tiers of government, Dorchester Town Council and Dorset Council , both of which are based within the town. Dorchester elects five councillors to Dorset Council from three wards ( Dorchester East , Dorchester Poundbury and Dorchester West ) There are four electoral wards for Dorchester Town Council (North, South, East and West). Historically, Dorchester
2280-524: Is commemorated with a plaque erected by the Dorchester Heritage Committee, but giving the date of his residence as 1936. Dorchester Arts, based in a former school building, runs a seasonal programme of music, dance and theatre events, participatory arts projects for socially excluded groups and the biannual Dorchester Festival. Dorchester Arts is an Arts Council 'National Portfolio organisation'. Dorchester Arts has been resident at
2400-440: Is commemorated with a plaque erected by the Dorchester Heritage Committee, but giving the date of his residence as 1936. Dorchester Arts, based in a former school building, runs a seasonal programme of music, dance and theatre events, participatory arts projects for socially excluded groups and the biannual Dorchester Festival. Dorchester Arts is an Arts Council 'National Portfolio organisation'. Dorchester Arts has been resident at
2520-525: Is in the West Dorset constituency . Historically it was in Dorchester constituency from 1295 to 1868, and then South Dorset constituency until 1918. The town's coat of arms depicts the old castle that used to stand on the site of the former prison. The royal purple background represents Dorchester's status as part of the monarch's private estate, a position held since before the Domesday Book
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#17327646964122640-521: Is in the neo-Gothic style. The museum includes information and over 2 million artifacts associated with archaeology (e.g., Maiden Castle ), geology (e.g., the Jurassic Coast ), history , local writers (e.g. Thomas Hardy ) and natural science. There are video displays , activity carts for children, and an audio guide . The collections include fossilised dinosaur footprints, Roman mosaics and original Thomas Hardy manuscripts. The museum
2760-603: Is on the banks of the River Frome to the south of the Dorset Downs and north of the South Dorset Ridgeway that separates the area from Weymouth , 7 miles (11 km) to the south. The civil parish includes the experimental community of Poundbury and the suburb of Fordington . The area around the town was first settled in prehistoric times. The Romans established a garrison there after defeating
2880-460: The Battle of Antioch . The south aisle and the north part of the porch date from the 12th century. The Church of St Peter mostly dates from 1420 to 1421, with a 12th-century south doorway reset into it. There are many notable monuments , including two 14th-century effigies and a 14th-century tomb chest. Thomas Hardy contributed to the addition of the vestry and chancel in 1856–7. Max Gate
3000-408: The Battle of Antioch . The south aisle and the north part of the porch date from the 12th century. The Church of St Peter mostly dates from 1420 to 1421, with a 12th-century south doorway reset into it. There are many notable monuments , including two 14th-century effigies and a 14th-century tomb chest. Thomas Hardy contributed to the addition of the vestry and chancel in 1856–7. Max Gate
3120-533: The COVID-19 pandemic . The cost of the work came to £16.4 million. Thomas Hardy was one of the founders of the museum, and over seven thousand artefacts related to him are in the museum's collection, including an 1874 first edition copy of Far From The Madding Crowd . Other items in the Hardy archive include his handwritten manuscript for The Woodlanders , his sister's dress which is thought to be inspiration for
3240-510: The Celtic Durotriges tribe. The remains of the Roman walls that surrounded the town can still be seen. The majority have been replaced by pathways that form a square inside modern Dorchester known as ' The Walks '. A small segment of the original wall remains near the Top 'o Town roundabout. Other Roman remains include part of the town walls and the foundations of a town house near the county hall . Modern building works within
3360-549: The Coniacian , Santonian and Campanian ages of the Late Cretaceous epoch, overlain in places by more recent Quaternary drift deposits. The bedrock is chalk of various formations. The drift deposits comprise a cap of clay-with-flints on the western edge of the town around Poundbury , alluvium in the river's floodplain, and several narrow ribbons of poorly stratified head deposits , found particularly around
3480-495: The Dorset County Hospital , a weekly market, and a high school and further education college. The town has a football club and a rugby union club, several museums and the biannual Dorchester Festival. Dorchester's roots stem back to prehistoric times. The earliest settlements were about 2 miles (3.2 km) southwest of the modern town centre in the vicinity of Maiden Castle , a large Iron Age hill fort that
3600-526: The Durotriges tribe, calling the settlement that grew up nearby Durnovaria ; they built an aqueduct to supply water and an amphitheatre on an ancient British earthwork. During the medieval period Dorchester became an important commercial and political centre. It was the site of the " Bloody Assizes " presided over by Judge Jeffreys after the Monmouth Rebellion , and later the trial of
3720-536: The Manor of Fordington . The developments that had encroached onto it were Marabout Barracks, to the north of Bridport Road, in 1794, Dorchester Union Workhouse , to the north of Damer's Road, in 1835, the Southampton and Dorchester Railway and its station east of Weymouth Avenue, in 1847, the Great Western Railway and its station to the south of Damer's Road, in 1857, the waterworks , to
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3840-424: The River Frome to the south of the Dorset Downs and north of the South Dorset Ridgeway that separates the area from Weymouth , 7 miles (11 km) to the south. The civil parish includes the experimental community of Poundbury and the suburb of Fordington . The area around the town was first settled in prehistoric times. The Romans established a garrison there after defeating the Durotriges tribe, calling
3960-519: The Shire Hall , which are built in Portland stone . The municipal buildings , which incorporate the former corn exchange and the former town hall, were erected in 1848 on the site of an earlier town hall, which was built in 1791 and had a marketplace underneath. In the 17th century the town was at the centre of Puritan emigration to America , and the local rector , John White , organised
4080-439: The Tolpuddle Martyrs . As well as having many listed buildings , a number of notable people have been associated with the town. It was for many years the home and inspiration of the author Thomas Hardy , whose novel The Mayor of Casterbridge uses a fictionalised Dorchester as its setting. In the 2011 census , the population of Dorchester was 19,060. It is a centre for employment, education, retail, leisure and healthcare for
4200-494: The court where the Tolpuddle Martyrs were held and tried opened as a museum in 2018. The Durnovaria Silver Band is based in Fordington Methodist Church Hall. Within Dorchester parish there are 293 structures that are listed by Historic England for their historic or architectural interest, including five that are listed Grade I and sixteen that are Grade II*. The Grade I structures are
4320-407: The court where the Tolpuddle Martyrs were held and tried opened as a museum in 2018. The Durnovaria Silver Band is based in Fordington Methodist Church Hall. Within Dorchester parish there are 293 structures that are listed by Historic England for their historic or architectural interest, including five that are listed Grade I and sixteen that are Grade II*. The Grade I structures are
4440-571: The 9th century. The area remained in British hands until the mid-7th century and there was continuity of use of the Roman cemetery at nearby Poundbury . Dorchester has been suggested as the centre of a sub-kingdom of Dumnonia or other regional power base. One of the first raids of the Viking era may have taken place near Dorchester around 790. According to a chronicler, the King's reeve assembled
4560-607: The Antelope Hotel in Dorchester. In 1833, the Tolpuddle Martyrs founded the Friendly Society of Agricultural Labourers . Trade unions were legal but because the members swore an oath of allegiance , they were arrested and tried in the Shire Hall. Beneath the courtroom are cells where the prisoners were held while awaiting trial. Dorchester Prison was constructed in the town during the 19th century and
4680-601: The Bailiffs of Dorchester'. The mayor has a similar seal of office, but this has the inscription Dorcestriensis Sig: Maioris . In 2011, Dorchester was one of more than 20 towns across the country to apply for city status to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II , although in March 2012 it was revealed that Dorchester's bid had been unsuccessful. Dorchester town centre is sited about 55 to 80 metres (180 to 262 ft) above sea-level on gently sloping ground beside
4800-524: The Church of St George on Fordington High Street, the Church of St Peter on High West Street, Max Gate on Syward Road, the Roman town house on Northernhay, and Shire Hall on High West Street. The Church of St George has a late-11th-century south door that has a Caen stone tympanum with a realistic carved representation of St George surrounded by soldiers, said to depict the miracle of his appearance at
4920-419: The Church of St George on Fordington High Street, the Church of St Peter on High West Street, Max Gate on Syward Road, the Roman town house on Northernhay, and Shire Hall on High West Street. The Church of St George has a late-11th-century south door that has a Caen stone tympanum with a realistic carved representation of St George surrounded by soldiers, said to depict the miracle of his appearance at
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5040-544: The Dorchester area form the Dorchester Area Schools Partnership (DASP). There is also a private school, Sunninghill Prep School. Dorchester, Dorset Dorchester ( / ˈ d ɔːr tʃ ɛ s t ər / DOR -ches-tər ) is the county town of Dorset , England. It is situated between Poole and Bridport on the A35 trunk route. A historic market town , Dorchester is on the banks of
5160-544: The Dorset County Museum. No answer was given to one attendee’s question that: “Given that she [a British Museum curator] boasted the fact that the replicas they made were indistinguishable from the originals, surely it would make more sense to send the replica around the world and keep the original safe in Dorset?” As of 2021, it was not clear whether the complete mosaic or only a part of it would be displayed in
5280-661: The Dorset Museum. The Association for the Study and Preservation of Roman Mosaics has stated: “the mosaic possibly contains the only known representation of Christ in an ancient pavement, it is of unique importance not just in Britain but in the context of the Roman Empire as a whole, and merits being displayed in its entirety. It is insufficient to show the central roundel in isolation, however important. The full meaning of
5400-533: The Old English Dornwary . The town became known as Dornwaraceaster or Dornwaracester , combining the original name Dor/Dorn from the Latin and Celtic languages with cester , an Old English word for a Roman station. This name evolved over time to Dorncester/Dornceaster and Dorchester. At the time of the Norman conquest , Dorchester was not a place of great significance; the Normans did build
5520-479: The Southampton railway, east of Weymouth Avenue and north of Maumbury Rings. The Duchy land was farmed under the open field system until 1874 when it was enclosed – or consolidated – into three large farms by the landowners and residents. The enclosures were followed by a series of key developments for the town: the enclosing of Poundbury hillfort for public enjoyment in 1876, the 'Fair Field' (new site for
5640-567: The Top o' Town crossroads. John Cowper Powys 's novel Maiden Castle (1936) is set in Dorchester and Powys intended it to be "a Rival of the Mayor of Casterbridge . Powys had lived in Dorchester as a child, between May 1880 and Christmas 1885, when his father was a curate there. Then, after returning from America in June 1934, he had lived at 38 High East Street, Dorchester, from October 1934 until July 1935, when he moved to Wales . The building
5760-465: The Top o' Town crossroads. John Cowper Powys 's novel Maiden Castle (1936) is set in Dorchester and Powys intended it to be "a Rival of the Mayor of Casterbridge . Powys had lived in Dorchester as a child, between May 1880 and Christmas 1885, when his father was a curate there. Then, after returning from America in June 1934, he had lived at 38 High East Street, Dorchester, from October 1934 until July 1935, when he moved to Wales . The building
5880-553: The UK's first solar powered railway station. The Charles Street development has had a first phase completed that includes a library, adult education centre and offices for Dorset Council . Proposals for the development have included 23 shops, an underground car park, hotel and affordable housing. In the 2011 census Dorchester civil parish had 8,996 dwellings, 8,449 households and a population of 19,060, with 48.35% of residents being male and 51.65% being female. 17% of residents were under
6000-505: The UK's first solar powered railway station. The Charles Street development has had a first phase completed that includes a library, adult education centre and offices for Dorset Council . Proposals for the development have included 23 shops, an underground car park, hotel and affordable housing. In the 2011 census Dorchester civil parish had 8,996 dwellings, 8,449 households and a population of 19,060, with 48.35% of residents being male and 51.65% being female. 17% of residents were under
6120-486: The age of 16 (compared to 18.9% for England as a whole), and 22.4% of residents were age 65 or older (compared to 16.4% for England as a whole). Novelist and poet Thomas Hardy based the fictional town of Casterbridge on Dorchester, and his novel The Mayor of Casterbridge is set there. Hardy's childhood home is to the east of the town, and his town house, Max Gate , is owned by the National Trust and open to
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#17327646964126240-423: The age of 16 (compared to 18.9% for England as a whole), and 22.4% of residents were age 65 or older (compared to 16.4% for England as a whole). Novelist and poet Thomas Hardy based the fictional town of Casterbridge on Dorchester, and his novel The Mayor of Casterbridge is set there. Hardy's childhood home is to the east of the town, and his town house, Max Gate , is owned by the National Trust and open to
6360-428: The area are on view at the Dorset Museum in Dorchester. The geology of the town comprises bedrock formed in the Coniacian , Santonian and Campanian ages of the Late Cretaceous epoch, overlain in places by more recent Quaternary drift deposits. The bedrock is chalk of various formations. The drift deposits comprise a cap of clay-with-flints on the western edge of the town around Poundbury , alluvium in
6480-403: The area around Durnovaria was dominated by the Saxons who referred to themselves as Dorsaetas , 'People of the Dor' – Durnovaria. The original local name would have been Dorn-gweir giving the Old English Dornwary . The town became known as Dornwaraceaster or Dornwaracester , combining the original name Dor/Dorn from the Latin and Celtic languages with cester , an Old English word for
6600-467: The collection to be viewed. Without the extension, less than two per cent of the museum's collection was on display. Many items in the museum's collection had been stored at the nearby All Saints' Church . The Dorset County Museum closed in October 2018 to undergo refurbishment and the construction of the extension. It reopened as the Dorset Museum on 29 May 2021, after the re-opening was delayed due to
6720-889: The corn exchange since 2015. Dorchester museums include the Roman Town House, the Dinosaur Museum , the Terracotta Warriors Museum, the Dorset Teddy Bear Museum , the Keep Military Museum , Dorset Museum . and the Tutankhamun Exhibition . All of these museums took part in the "Museums at Night" event in May 2011 in which museums across the UK opened after hours. The Shire Hall which contains
6840-406: The corn exchange since 2015. Dorchester museums include the Roman Town House, the Dinosaur Museum , the Terracotta Warriors Museum, the Dorset Teddy Bear Museum , the Keep Military Museum , Dorset Museum . and the Tutankhamun Exhibition . All of these museums took part in the "Museums at Night" event in May 2011 in which museums across the UK opened after hours. The Shire Hall which contains
6960-621: The country to apply for city status to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II , although in March 2012 it was revealed that Dorchester's bid had been unsuccessful. Dorchester town centre is sited about 55 to 80 metres (180 to 262 ft) above sea-level on gently sloping ground beside the south bank of the River Frome . Measured directly, it is about 7 miles (11 km) north of Weymouth , 18 miles (29 km) SSE of Yeovil in Somerset , and 20 miles (32 km) west of Poole . The town's built-up area extends south, west and southeast of
7080-550: The decision, with 84% voting in favour at the February 2008 ballot. The BID is funded by a levy on the businesses in the town. The BID lasts initially for five years, and between 2013 and 2018 the projects being undertaken include business support, security projects, town promotion, the provision of green spaces and making the town more visually attractive. In June 2018 the Dorchester BID was successful in being voted in for
7200-430: The decision, with 84% voting in favour at the February 2008 ballot. The BID is funded by a levy on the businesses in the town. The BID lasts initially for five years, and between 2013 and 2018 the projects being undertaken include business support, security projects, town promotion, the provision of green spaces and making the town more visually attractive. In June 2018 the Dorchester BID was successful in being voted in for
7320-411: The destruction of 300 houses and two churches ( All Saints and Holy Trinity). Only a few of the town's early buildings have survived to the present day, including Judge Jeffreys ' lodgings and a Tudor almshouse . Among the replacement Georgian buildings are many, such as the Shire Hall , which are built in Portland stone . The municipal buildings , which incorporate the former corn exchange and
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#17327646964127440-520: The dress in Tess of the d'Urbervilles , and a reconstruction of Hardy's study. The Ancient Dorset Gallery was opened by Julian Richards in November 2015 and includes Viking historical artefacts from a nearby burial site. Other artefacts include pre-historic flint hand axes , a Roman glass bowl and an Iron Age bronze mirror. The British Museum loaned three neolithic jadeite axes and mace heads to
7560-399: The first raids of the Viking era may have taken place near Dorchester around 790. According to a chronicler, the King's reeve assembled a few men and sped to meet them thinking that they were merchants from another country. When he arrived at their location, he admonished them and instructed that they should be brought to the royal town. The Vikings then slaughtered him and his men. By 864,
7680-556: The fishing fleet when the vessels returned the next year, tried to be self-sufficient. The land was unsuitable, the colony failed and was moved to what is now Salem . In 1628, the enterprise received a Royal Charter and the Massachusetts Bay Company was formed with three hundred colonists arriving in America that year and more the following year. For his efforts on behalf of Puritan dissenters, White has been called
7800-585: The following year. For his efforts on behalf of Puritan dissenters, White has been called the unheralded founder of the Massachusetts Bay Colony . (Some observers have attributed the oversight to the fact that White, unlike John Winthrop , never went to America.) In 1642, just before the English Civil War , Hugh Green , a Catholic chaplain was executed here. After his execution, Puritans played football with his head. The town
7920-409: The former town hall, were erected in 1848 on the site of an earlier town hall, which was built in 1791 and had a marketplace underneath. In the 17th century the town was at the centre of Puritan emigration to America , and the local rector , John White , organised the settlement of Dorchester, Massachusetts . The first colonisation attempted was at Cape Ann , where fishermen who would rejoin
8040-554: The landowners and residents. The enclosures were followed by a series of key developments for the town: the enclosing of Poundbury hillfort for public enjoyment in 1876, the 'Fair Field' (new site for the market, off Weymouth Avenue) in 1877, the Recreation Ground (also off Weymouth Avenue) opening in 1880, and the Eldridge Pope Brewery of 1881, adjacent to the railway line to Southampton. Salisbury Field
8160-430: The local Durotriges tribe who inhabited the area. Durnovaria was recorded in the 4th-century Antonine Itinerary and became a market centre for the surrounding countryside, an important road junction and staging post, and subsequently one of the twin capitals of the Celtic Durotriges tribe. The remains of the Roman walls that surrounded the town can still be seen. The majority have been replaced by pathways that form
8280-426: The market, off Weymouth Avenue) in 1877, the Recreation Ground (also off Weymouth Avenue) opening in 1880, and the Eldridge Pope Brewery of 1881, adjacent to the railway line to Southampton. Salisbury Field was retained for public use in 1892 and land was purchased in 1895 for the formal Borough Gardens , between West Walks and Cornwall Road. The clock and bandstand were added in 1898. A permanent military presence
8400-471: The members swore an oath of allegiance , they were arrested and tried in the Shire Hall. Beneath the courtroom are cells where the prisoners were held while awaiting trial. Dorchester Prison was constructed in the town during the 19th century and was used for holding convicted and remanded inmates from the local courts until it closed in December 2013. Plans have since been made to erect 189 dwellings and
8520-549: The museum for four years in a row. In 2016, the museum unveiled plans for a £13 million extension which would include a learning centre, cafe, library and shop, allowing the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society's full collection to hold together in one building. Three quarters of the funding for the extension was to be put forward by the Heritage Lottery Fund , allowing much more of
8640-695: The museum from 10 February 2018 to the 7 May 2018. On 2 August 2019, Hinton St Mary villagers and the Chair of the Dorset Unitary Authority were told at a closed-door meeting with the British Museum that the Hinton St Mary Mosaic would be partially returned to the Dorset County Museum. However, the head of Christ would not be returned, as the original would be “loaned to museums worldwide”. A replica would be given to
8760-476: The museum to add to the display. In July 2016, the museum opened a gallery dedicated to the work of William Barnes , telling the story of his humble roots to his legacy in poetry, novels and music. The gallery was opened by Bonny Sartin, lead singer of The Yetties . In 2018 Dippy , a plaster-cast of a dinosaur which was usually housed in the Natural History Museum, London , was exhibited at
8880-401: The north of Bridport Road, in 1854, a cemetery, to the west of the new railway and east of Weymouth Avenue, in 1856, and a Dorset County Constabulary police station in 1860, west of the Southampton railway, east of Weymouth Avenue and north of Maumbury Rings. The Duchy land was farmed under the open field system until 1874 when it was enclosed – or consolidated – into three large farms by
9000-420: The north of Damer's Road, in 1835, the Southampton and Dorchester Railway and its station east of Weymouth Avenue, in 1847, the Great Western Railway and its station to the south of Damer's Road, in 1857, the waterworks , to the north of Bridport Road, in 1854, a cemetery, to the west of the new railway and east of Weymouth Avenue, in 1856, and a Dorset County Constabulary police station in 1860, west of
9120-404: The number of burgesses increasing to fifteen by the reign of James I (1566–1625). In the 17th and 18th centuries Dorchester suffered several serious fires: in 1613, caused by a tallow chandler's cauldron getting too hot and setting alight; in 1622, started by a maltster ; in 1725, begun in a brewhouse; and in 1775, caused by a soap boiler. The 1613 fire was the most devastating, resulting in
9240-488: The other metalwork in the aisled Victorian Hall were cast in Frome by Edward Cockey & Sons. On the first floor there is an oriel window in the corner, above carved squinches . The door is to the left of the bay, displaying three coats of arms above. The building was designated Grade II listed building status on 8 May 1975, as part of a group with the nearby Shire Hall , Holy Trinity Church and St. Peter's Church . To
9360-511: The pavement can be appreciated only if the whole of it is visible, including the accompanying heads and figure scenes”. In July 2022 the Blackmore Vale newspaper reported that "discussions are at an advanced stage with a view to bringing the important Roman artefact to the Dorset County Museum in Dorchester or another site." Dorset Museum is on High West Street in Dorchester, Dorset. Built from Portland stone in approximately 1881, it
9480-595: The public. Hardy is buried in Westminster Abbey , but his heart was removed and buried in Stinsford . William Barnes , the West Country dialect poet, was Rector of Winterborne Came , a hamlet near Dorchester, for 24 years until his death in 1886, and ran a school in the town. There is a statue of Hardy and one of Barnes in the town centre; Barnes outside St. Peter's Church, and Hardy's beside
9600-412: The public. Hardy is buried in Westminster Abbey , but his heart was removed and buried in Stinsford . William Barnes , the West Country dialect poet, was Rector of Winterborne Came , a hamlet near Dorchester, for 24 years until his death in 1886, and ran a school in the town. There is a statue of Hardy and one of Barnes in the town centre; Barnes outside St. Peter's Church, and Hardy's beside
9720-409: The rear of the building, the museum also owns John White 's rectory , where he resided whilst obtaining charters for the colonisation of Massachusetts . Dorchester, Dorset Dorchester ( / ˈ d ɔːr tʃ ɛ s t ər / DOR -ches-tər ) is the county town of Dorset , England. It is situated between Poole and Bridport on the A35 trunk route. A historic market town , Dorchester
9840-604: The river's floodplain, and several narrow ribbons of poorly stratified head deposits , found particularly around the town's northeastern and southwestern boundaries but also elsewhere. In 2012 there were 17,500 people working in Dorchester, 51% of whom were working full-time. 57% of jobs were in public administration, education and health, 18% were in professional and market services (including finance and ICT ), 17% were in distribution, accommodation and food, 4% were in production and 2% in construction. The unemployment rate in July 2014
9960-480: The service sector. Significant employers for residents in the town include AEA Technology , BAeSEMA Ltd, Dorset County Council , Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust , Goulds Ltd, Henry Ling Ltd, Kingston Maurward College , Tesco , and Winterbourne Hospital. In 2008 the Dorchester BID, a business improvement district , was set up to promote the town and improve the trading environment for town centre businesses. Local traders were overwhelmingly in favour of
10080-480: The service sector. Significant employers for residents in the town include AEA Technology , BAeSEMA Ltd, Dorset County Council , Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust , Goulds Ltd, Henry Ling Ltd, Kingston Maurward College , Tesco , and Winterbourne Hospital. In 2008 the Dorchester BID, a business improvement district , was set up to promote the town and improve the trading environment for town centre businesses. Local traders were overwhelmingly in favour of
10200-462: The settlement of Dorchester, Massachusetts . The first colonisation attempted was at Cape Ann , where fishermen who would rejoin the fishing fleet when the vessels returned the next year, tried to be self-sufficient. The land was unsuitable, the colony failed and was moved to what is now Salem . In 1628, the enterprise received a Royal Charter and the Massachusetts Bay Company was formed with three hundred colonists arriving in America that year and more
10320-436: The settlement that grew up nearby Durnovaria ; they built an aqueduct to supply water and an amphitheatre on an ancient British earthwork. During the medieval period Dorchester became an important commercial and political centre. It was the site of the " Bloody Assizes " presided over by Judge Jeffreys after the Monmouth Rebellion , and later the trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs . As well as having many listed buildings ,
10440-399: The site of the former prison. The royal purple background represents Dorchester's status as part of the monarch's private estate, a position held since before the Domesday Book was published. The shield is divided into quarters, two depicting lions and two fleur-de-lis , copied from the shields of the troops from Dorset who took part in the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. The fleur-de-lis have
10560-429: The south bank of the River Frome . Measured directly, it is about 7 miles (11 km) north of Weymouth , 18 miles (29 km) SSE of Yeovil in Somerset , and 20 miles (32 km) west of Poole . The town's built-up area extends south, west and southeast of the town centre; to the north and northeast growth is restricted by the floodplain and watermeadows of the river. The land immediately south and west of
10680-403: The surrounding area, with six industrial estates, the Dorset County Hospital , a weekly market, and a high school and further education college. The town has a football club and a rugby union club, several museums and the biannual Dorchester Festival. Dorchester's roots stem back to prehistoric times. The earliest settlements were about 2 miles (3.2 km) southwest of the modern town centre in
10800-462: The town centre is Maumbury Rings , an ancient British henge earthwork converted by the Romans for use as an amphitheatre , and to the north west is Poundbury Hill , another pre-Roman fortification. Little evidence exists to suggest continued occupation after the withdrawal of the Roman administration from Britain. The name Durnovaria survived into Old Welsh as Durngueir , recorded by Asser in
10920-702: The town centre; to the north and northeast growth is restricted by the floodplain and watermeadows of the river. The land immediately south and west of the town is part of the Dorset National Landscape area. It is traversed by the South Dorset Ridgeway , part of the South West Coast Path . There are over five hundred ancient monuments along the chalk hills that form the ridgeway, including barrows , stone circles and hillforts ; many archaeological finds from
11040-434: The town is part of the Dorset National Landscape area. It is traversed by the South Dorset Ridgeway , part of the South West Coast Path . There are over five hundred ancient monuments along the chalk hills that form the ridgeway, including barrows , stone circles and hillforts ; many archaeological finds from the area are on view at the Dorset Museum in Dorchester. The geology of the town comprises bedrock formed in
11160-438: The town's northeastern and southwestern boundaries but also elsewhere. In 2012 there were 17,500 people working in Dorchester, 51% of whom were working full-time. 57% of jobs were in public administration, education and health, 18% were in professional and market services (including finance and ICT ), 17% were in distribution, accommodation and food, 4% were in production and 2% in construction. The unemployment rate in July 2014
11280-438: The town, constructed since 1993 according to urban village principles on Duchy of Cornwall land owned by Charles III . Being developed over 25 years in four phases, it will eventually have 2,500 dwellings and a population of about 6,000. Charles was involved with the development's design. Dorchester became Dorset's first Official Transition Initiative in 2008 as part of the Transition Towns concept. Transition Town Dorchester
11400-450: The town. Dorchester elects five councillors to Dorset Council from three wards ( Dorchester East , Dorchester Poundbury and Dorchester West ) There are four electoral wards for Dorchester Town Council (North, South, East and West). Historically, Dorchester was a municipal borough from 1836 to 1974, and then part of West Dorset district from its creation in 1974 to its abolition in 2019. For elections to parliament , Dorchester
11520-479: The unheralded founder of the Massachusetts Bay Colony . (Some observers have attributed the oversight to the fact that White, unlike John Winthrop , never went to America.) In 1642, just before the English Civil War , Hugh Green , a Catholic chaplain was executed here. After his execution, Puritans played football with his head. The town was heavily defended against the Royalists in the civil war and Dorset
11640-466: The vicinity of Maiden Castle , a large Iron Age hill fort that was one of the most powerful settlements in pre- Roman Britain . Different tribes lived there from 4000 BC. The Durotriges were likely to have been there when the Romans arrived in Britain in 43 AD. The Romans defeated the local tribes by 70 AD and established a garrison that became the town the Romans named Durnovaria ,
11760-415: The walls have unearthed Roman finds; in 1936 a cache of 22,000 3rd-century Roman coins was discovered in South Street. Other Roman finds include silver and copper coins known as Dorn pennies , a gold ring, a bronze figure of the Roman god Mercury and large areas of tessellated pavement . The Dorset Museum contains many Roman artefacts. The Romans built an aqueduct to supply the town with water. It
11880-415: The withdrawal of the Roman administration from Britain. The name Durnovaria survived into Old Welsh as Durngueir , recorded by Asser in the 9th century. The area remained in British hands until the mid-7th century and there was continuity of use of the Roman cemetery at nearby Poundbury . Dorchester has been suggested as the centre of a sub-kingdom of Dumnonia or other regional power base. One of
12000-412: Was 0.9% of residents aged 16–64. Dorchester has six industrial estates: The Grove Trading Estate (7.1 ha or 18 acres), Poundbury Trading Estate (5 ha or 12 acres), Marabout Barracks (2 ha or 4.9 acres), Great Western Centre (1.4 ha or 3.5 acres), Railway Triangle (1.4 ha or 3.5 acres) and Casterbridge Industrial Estate (1.1 ha or 2.7 acres). The estates mostly house light industrial units, wholesalers and
12120-412: Was 0.9% of residents aged 16–64. Dorchester has six industrial estates: The Grove Trading Estate (7.1 ha or 18 acres), Poundbury Trading Estate (5 ha or 12 acres), Marabout Barracks (2 ha or 4.9 acres), Great Western Centre (1.4 ha or 3.5 acres), Railway Triangle (1.4 ha or 3.5 acres) and Casterbridge Industrial Estate (1.1 ha or 2.7 acres). The estates mostly house light industrial units, wholesalers and
12240-406: Was a municipal borough from 1836 to 1974, and then part of West Dorset district from its creation in 1974 to its abolition in 2019. For elections to parliament , Dorchester is in the West Dorset constituency . Historically it was in Dorchester constituency from 1295 to 1868, and then South Dorset constituency until 1918. The town's coat of arms depicts the old castle that used to stand on
12360-463: Was bought in 1896 and building began in 1897, Queen Victoria 's Diamond Jubilee year. The lime trees in Queen's Avenue were planted in February 1897. Poundbury is the western extension of the town, constructed since 1993 according to urban village principles on Duchy of Cornwall land owned by Charles III . Being developed over 25 years in four phases, it will eventually have 2,500 dwellings and
12480-540: Was designed by Thomas Hardy in the Queen Anne style, and was his home until his death in 1928. It was built in 1885. The remains of the Roman house north of county hall date from the early 4th century, with later 4th-century enlargements. It has a hypocaust heating system and mosaic pavements. It is the only visible Roman town house in Britain. The current Shire Hall building was designed by Thomas Hardwick and built in Portland stone ashlar in 1797. It replaced
12600-482: Was designed by Thomas Hardy in the Queen Anne style, and was his home until his death in 1928. It was built in 1885. The remains of the Roman house north of county hall date from the early 4th century, with later 4th-century enlargements. It has a hypocaust heating system and mosaic pavements. It is the only visible Roman town house in Britain. The current Shire Hall building was designed by Thomas Hardwick and built in Portland stone ashlar in 1797. It replaced
12720-428: Was designed by architects G. R. Crickmay and Son from Weymouth. The building is two storeys high with a slate roof, it has two stringcourses on the gently sloped walls , with hood moulds over the windows and a crenellated parapet . The frontage includes a 2-storey bay with 7 transom windows. At the top of the bay there is a trefoil -headed panel displaying the Dorchester coat of arms . The cast-iron columns and
12840-746: Was developed for housing outside the walls including the Cornwall Estate, between the Borough Gardens and the Great Western Railway from 1876 and the Prince of Wales Estate from 1880. Land for the Victoria Park Estate was bought in 1896 and building began in 1897, Queen Victoria 's Diamond Jubilee year. The lime trees in Queen's Avenue were planted in February 1897. Poundbury is the western extension of
12960-473: Was established in the town with the completion of the Depot Barracks in 1881. The High West Street drill hall was created, by converting a private house, around the same time. Land was developed for housing outside the walls including the Cornwall Estate, between the Borough Gardens and the Great Western Railway from 1876 and the Prince of Wales Estate from 1880. Land for the Victoria Park Estate
13080-611: Was eventually recaptured by the Puritans. In 1685 the Duke of Monmouth failed in his invasion attempt, the Monmouth Rebellion , and almost 300 of his men were condemned to death or transportation in the " Bloody Assizes " presided over by Judge Jeffreys in the Oak Room of the Antelope Hotel in Dorchester. In 1833, the Tolpuddle Martyrs founded the Friendly Society of Agricultural Labourers . Trade unions were legal but because
13200-427: Was founded in 1569 and endowed by Thomas Hardye, a merchant in 1579. A free school "one of the most striking achievements of puritan Dorchester" operated here in the 1600s. The Thomas Hardye School was expanded and reopened in 1888 and in February 2023 it had 2,103 pupils enrolled. The author Thomas Hardy, a distant relative, was a school governor here from 1909 until shortly before his death. The nineteen schools in
13320-427: Was founded in 1569 and endowed by Thomas Hardye, a merchant in 1579. A free school "one of the most striking achievements of puritan Dorchester" operated here in the 1600s. The Thomas Hardye School was expanded and reopened in 1888 and in February 2023 it had 2,103 pupils enrolled. The author Thomas Hardy, a distant relative, was a school governor here from 1909 until shortly before his death. The nineteen schools in
13440-470: Was founded in 1846, and includes two significant collections, the archive of Thomas Hardy 's works and fossils from the Jurassic Coast . The total collection extends to approximately four million items. The museum is owned by the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society. The museum was receiving approximately 45,000 visitors each year in 2014, which had increased to 47,000 visitors in 2016. TripAdvisor has awarded its Certificate of Excellence Award to
13560-401: Was heavily defended against the Royalists in the civil war and Dorset was known as "the southern capital of coat-turning", as the county gentry found it expedient to change allegiance and to swap the sides they supported on several occasions. In 1643, the town was attacked by 2,000 troops under Robert Dormer, 1st Earl of Carnarvon . Its defences proved inadequate and it quickly surrendered but
13680-454: Was known as "the southern capital of coat-turning", as the county gentry found it expedient to change allegiance and to swap the sides they supported on several occasions. In 1643, the town was attacked by 2,000 troops under Robert Dormer, 1st Earl of Carnarvon . Its defences proved inadequate and it quickly surrendered but was spared the plunder and punishment it might otherwise have received. It remained under Royalist control for some time, but
13800-497: Was one of the most powerful settlements in pre- Roman Britain . Different tribes lived there from 4000 BC. The Durotriges were likely to have been there when the Romans arrived in Britain in 43 AD. The Romans defeated the local tribes by 70 AD and established a garrison that became the town the Romans named Durnovaria , a Brythonic name incorporating durn , "fist", loosely interpreted as 'place with fist-sized pebbles'. It appears to have taken part of its name from
13920-451: Was published. The shield is divided into quarters, two depicting lions and two fleur-de-lis , copied from the shields of the troops from Dorset who took part in the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. The fleur-de-lis have a scattered arrangement which shows that permission for the armorial bearings was given before 1405, after which date the rights were varied by King Henry VI . The inscription 'Sigillum Bailivorum Dorcestre' translates as 'Seal of
14040-489: Was rediscovered in 1900 as the remains of a channel cut into the chalk and contouring round the hills. The source is believed to be the River Frome at Notton , about 12 miles (19 km) upstream from Dorchester. Near the town centre is Maumbury Rings , an ancient British henge earthwork converted by the Romans for use as an amphitheatre , and to the north west is Poundbury Hill , another pre-Roman fortification. Little evidence exists to suggest continued occupation after
14160-406: Was retained for public use in 1892 and land was purchased in 1895 for the formal Borough Gardens , between West Walks and Cornwall Road. The clock and bandstand were added in 1898. A permanent military presence was established in the town with the completion of the Depot Barracks in 1881. The High West Street drill hall was created, by converting a private house, around the same time. Land
14280-409: Was spared the plunder and punishment it might otherwise have received. It remained under Royalist control for some time, but was eventually recaptured by the Puritans. In 1685 the Duke of Monmouth failed in his invasion attempt, the Monmouth Rebellion , and almost 300 of his men were condemned to death or transportation in the " Bloody Assizes " presided over by Judge Jeffreys in the Oak Room of
14400-430: Was used for holding convicted and remanded inmates from the local courts until it closed in December 2013. Plans have since been made to erect 189 dwellings and a museum on the site. Dorchester remained a compact town within the boundaries of the old town walls until the latter part of the 19th century because all land immediately adjacent to the west, south and east was owned by the Duchy of Cornwall . The land composed
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