The main street of the town climbs westwards up from the river Frome. The buildings are of grey Portland stone and
comparatively recent, the town having been ravaged by a series of fires in the 17th and 18th centuries. They were
rebuilt without either the uniformity or inspiration of Blandford Forum, most of which was
destroyed in the Great Fire of 1731.
Dorchester serves as a market town for the surrounding rural area and there is a livestock market and a farmers'
shopping centre in the town. There is also a big brewery and other light industries.
The posthumous fame of Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) who spent his last years at Max Gate on
the wareham Road, at the eastern outskirts of the town has been eagerly cultivated.
The display rooms tell the story of local wildlife, rocks and fossils, archaeology, and Dorset writers including Thomas Hardy. In the atmospheric Victorian gallery you can see the story of Maiden Castle and walk on Roman mosaics.
Open: Monday-Saturday 10.00-5.00 and 7 days a week from May to October. Admission: Adults �3.50, Children �1.70, Family �8.70, Senior citizens/concessions �2.35
High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset fax: 01305 257180 tel: 01305 262753 web-site: www.dorsetcountymuseum.org
Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park
Edwardian Gardens, amongst 35 acres of classical 18th century parkland with a 5 acre lake from the from the Georgian house built for George Pitt in 1720, include a croquet lawn, rose garden, herbaceous borders and a large display of tender perennials including the National Collections of Penstemons and Salvias. The Elizabethan walled demonstration garden is planted with a superb collection of hedges and plants suitable for growing in Dorset. One mile long nature trail. Animal Park. Old Coach House Restaurant.
Gardens open 10-5.30 daily
Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park, Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 8PY fax: 01305 215001 tel: 01305 215003
Old Crown Court & Cells
Located within the offices of West Dorset District Council, the Old Crown Court is famous for the trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs and Judge Jeffreys Bloody Assize. Experience four centuries of gruesome crime and punishment in a setting little changed over the years. Stand in the dock and sit in the dimly-lit cells where prisoners waited for their appearance before the judge.
A visit to Teddy bear House is in fact a visit to the home of Mr Edward Bear and his large family of human-size teddy bears! Here in a quaint old house in Antelope walk, in the picturesque town of Dorchester, these unique bears live and work and would love you to come and visit their charming house.
Open 7 days a week in Summer - Winter hours may vary, please phone
Acclaimed as one of Britains top hands-on attractions, the Dinosaur Museum is unique. The incredible world of dinosaurs comes alive in a new way that visitors of all ages will love and enjoy. Actual fossils, skeletons and life-size reconstructions combine with audiovisual and hands-on displays to inform and entertain. A visit to this great award winning museum is a total experience, fun for all the family. Theres lots to do and see.
All year daily, including Sundays, from 9.30am to 5.30pm (10.00am to 4.30pm from November to March) Closed 24-26 December inclusive Adult �5.50, Senior �4.75, Student �4.75, Child �3.95 Family (2ad+2ch) �15.95 Under fours free
This modern military museum has computers and creative displays to tell stories of courage, humour, tradition and sacrifice of those who served in the Devon and Dorset regiments for over 300 years. Spectacular views from the battlements.
Open: Mon-Sat 9.30-5.00 Apr-Sep Sun (Jul & Aug) 10.00-4.00 Tues-Sat 9.30-5.00 Oct-Mar. Last admission 1 hour before closing. Admission: Adults �3.00 Children �2.00 Family �9.00 (2 + 3) Senior Citizens �2.00 Concessions �2.00
This internationally acclaimed exhibition spans time itself. Extensively featured on television throughout the world. Full school service plus specialist Egyptian shop including books.
Open all year, daily, 9.30am - 5.30pm (November-March Weekdays 9.30am - 5.00pm Weekends 10.00am - 5.00pm) Closed 24-26 December
The Normans built a castle here and a friary. The castle is thought to have been one of King John's many residences. Both
castle and friary have vanished. medieval Dorchester was a cloth town, also famous for its ales.
The town became very Puritanical in the 17th century and a colony of its inhabitants emigrated to find religious
freedom by founding New Dorchester in New England c.1628. Needless to say, the town supported Parliament
in the civil War.
This time-line has been generated for this page from our general time-line which you can view by clicking here or on the dates in the left-hand column.
Trial of the 6 Tolpuddle Martyrs at the old Shire Hall, Dorchester for attempting to start the first trade union Sentenced to transportation to Australia, they were pardoned two years later
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