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Archive for December, 2009

History of Judge Jeffreys

Thursday, December 17th, 2009
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Judge Jeffreys

Judge Jeffreys

Dorchester is a beautiful English market town with a rich and varied past. Its history is inextricably linked with one of England’s most notorious judges, the “hanging judge” George Jeffreys, and the scene of his many trials can still be experienced by visitors today.

Judge George Jeffreys was born in 1648 on the family estate of Acton Hall, Wrexham in North Wales, he was the sixth son of John and Margaret Jeffreys. Educated at Cambridge, he was appointed Solicitor General to the Duke of York, and was knighted in 1677.  He became recorder of London in 1678, and at age 33, he became Lord Chief Justice of England and a privy counsellor, later becoming Lord Chancellor. In 1683, he became Baron Jeffreys of Wem.

In 1685, Judge Jeffreys came to Dorchester and stayed at 6 High West Street Dorchester, (now the Prezzo Restaurant, Judge Jeffreys).  It was built in the early 17th century, and is one of the few timber-framed buildings to survive Dorchester’s disastrous town fires. Here he sat in trial of the supporters of the Duke of Monmouth and their failed rebellion against King James II.  The Bloody Assizes were held in the Oak Room (now a Tea Room) of the Antelope Hotel on the 5th day of September 1685 (an assize were courts originally initiated by King Henry II (1154-1189), where he would send judges all over the country to preside over local cases). Judge Jeffreys is said to have had a secret passage from his lodgings to the Oak Room.  Jeffreys didn’t believe in half measures and hanged, transported, whipped and fined hundreds of the unfortunate accused.

Judge Jeffreys headed up the investigative team and became known as the Hanging Judge because of the punishments he had given to the supporters of the Duke.  In Dorset a total of seventy-four people were condemned to be hung, drawn and quartered, the heads of some being displayed on spikes outside St. Peters church in Dorchester, opposite the Judges lodgings.  One hundred and seventy five of Monmouth’s supporters were transported abroad and only twenty nine were pardoned. Executions were also carried out in towns and villages close to Dorchester. Monmouth himself was beheaded on Tower Hill in London on 15 July 1685.

Following the Glorious Revolution in 1688, James II the Catholic King left for France. Jeffreys was the only high legal authority in James’s abandoned kingdom left to perform the political duties. When the armies of William were approaching London, Jeffreys attempted to flee the country disguised as a sailor. He was captured in a public house and was recognized by a surviving judicial victim. Jeffreys was sent to the Tower of London “for his own safety”, where he died on April 18, 1689 aged 44, as the result of kidney disease. The painful kidney disease may well have affected his unbridled temper and added to this reputation. He was originally buried in the Chapel Royal of Saint Peter ad Vincula, Tower of London. In 1692 his body was moved to St Mary Aldermanbury, which was destroyed along with all traces of Jeffreys’ grave in a 1941 German air raid.

Judge Jeffreys Prezzo Restaurant in Dorchester

Judge Jeffreys Prezzo Restaurant in Dorchester

Judge Jeffreys attended many of the hangings in person, and his ghost is said to haunt several West Country locations as well as his own home at Walton on Thames.

Why not visit Dorchester and follow the historic story of Judge Jeffreys for yourself. With lots of great hotel accommodation in Dorchester and B&Bs in Dorchester it is the perfect place to base your stay and explore the beautiful Dorset countryside.

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Accommodation in Dorchester

Friday, December 11th, 2009
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Staying in Dorchester

Dorchester, the historic county town of Dorset is packed with interest and history. It has a varied selection of approved hotel, bed and breakfast and guest house accommodation. Choosing accommodation in Dorchester is the perfect way to enjoy a stay in this delightful market town puts you right at the heart of beautiful rural Dorset, and gives easy access to the stunning Jurassic Coast.

Within the town there is the County Museum, the recently renovated Roman Town House museum, several visitor attractions and plenty of fine shops, tea rooms, pubs and restaurants. Just outside the main town is Maiden Castle, one of the best preserved Iron Age hill forts in Europe.

Dorchester offers accommodation for a every budget ranging in price from £22 to £125 pp per night. Venues include comfortable and welcoming three star B&B’s, a variety of excellent guesthouses and a luxurious five star hotel. Many venues now provide Wi-Fi access to the Internet and most are open throughout the year and take bookings online. It is advisable to check availability and book early if you plan to spend Christmas in Dorchester.

Hotels in Dorchester

Looking for  Hotels in Dorchester ? Well, you will be spoilt for choice.

The five star Casterbridge Hotel, located on High East Street, is noted for its luxury and has been receiving guests since the 1930’s. The Georgian residence, with its concealed courtyard annexe provides a comfortable and relaxed haven close to the vibrant street scene of this pleasant and historic county town. Listings include the Good Hotel Guide, WHICH Hotel Guide, Michelin, and The Lonely Planet.

The Best Western Kings Arms Hotel is a renowned local landmark in the very centre of Dorchester. The AA *** hotel, built in 1720, retains many interesting and classical Georgian features and is conveniently placed for both business and leisure guests.

On High West St in the heart of Dorchester you will find The Old Ship Inn, Wessex Royale Hotel and Westwood House.

The Old Ship Inn built in the year 1600 has the proud title of the oldest pub in Dorchester. In its central location, the Old Ship has weathered many turbulent years through fires, plague and wars yet still remains at the centre of a thriving community.

The Wessex Royale Hotel, a delightful Georgian Hotel built in 1756, is set in the very centre of the pretty historic market town of Dorchester. There is FREE parking available on site and the hotel has Wireless Broadband Internet connectivity throughout.

Westwood House is an attractive seven bedroom Georgian property built in 1815 by Lord Ilchester for his Coachmen.  Converted to a guest house and personally run by resident owners Tom & Demelza Stevens, the accommodation offers a comfortable, informal environment for the business or leisure visitor during their stay in Dorchester.

Bed and Breakfast in Dorchester

There are plenty of accommodation providers offering quality Bed and Breakfast in Dorchester which are ideal for either business trips or short stays.

Located on Maiden Castle Road the Acquila Heights Guest House is a lovely Georgian Style Town House and is ideally located for visiting Maiden Castle, one of Dorchester‘s top visitor attractions.

Bay Tree House is a late 19th Century building in Athelstan Road, ideally situated in a quiet residential area, but just a few minutes walk away from the centre of town. This guesthouse offers **** Silver award accommodation.

There are also great choices for those preferring accommodation located away from the central town area.

B&B Poundbury is a beautiful detached house rated AA ***** and is situated in the heart of Poundbury, a thriving new development on the outskirts of Dorchester designed by the Prince of Wales.

Bramlies B&B is on Bridport Road, 10 – 15 minutes walk from the shops and attractions of Dorchester and less than 5 minutes walk to the Hospital.

Sunrise Guest House located on London Road and is noted for its comfortable rooms, excellent breakfast and friendly hosts.

Tarkaville is an attractive, well appointed, modern house on the outskirts of Dorchester, yet close to all amenities, bus routes and railway stations. Tarkaville is situated in a quiet residential area and there is ample parking on the premises.

The White House is situated in a quite tree lined avenue on the south side of Dorchester. It is close to both Dorchester South and Dorchester West railway stations.

The Dorchester Tourist Information Centre has an experienced and helpful team who will assist you in making your visit to Dorchester an enjoyable one, whether you are planning to stay in Dorchester for a weekend, a few days, or longer. They can also provide a copy of “The Visitor Guide” that details the most popular attractions Dorchester has to offer, with maps and pictures of this great and historic County town.  An electronic version of the Official Visit Dorchester, Visitor Guide is also available online.

Whether you are staying in a Dorchester Bed & Breakfast, Dorchester Hotel, or Guest House accommodation, we hope you have an enjoyable stay. See also Tripadvisor (www.tripadvisor.co.uk) to read visitor reviews on the above establishments.

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Dorchester Pay by Phone Parking Scheme

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009
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The launch of Dorchester’s Pay by Phone Parking Scheme is well underway but we managed to get our award-winning town crier, Alistair Chisholm to help ring the changes in.

With his on inevitable style Alistair stopped traffic in the Dorchester Top-of-Town Car Park to cry about the new Parking Scheme.

Phil Gordon was on hand to cover the event and capture it on film . . .

Dorchester Pay by Phone Parking Cry

Here’s a transcript of Alistair’s cry:-

  • Dorchester’s a slow town – we’ve time for people here,
  • If you’re visiting, you’re welcome – come join us, share a beer.
  • There’s much to see and more to do than many people think
  • With Roman bits and Princely bits and Hardy’s river brink.
  • Indoors and outdoors, up the hill and down,
  • Make the most of Dorchester, fare well in our county town.
  • Dorchester’s a slow town – we’ve time for people here
  • So much to see so much to do; and parking’s not a fear.
  • Just pay by phone and worry not about how long you stay,
  • For if you need more parking time, we’ll text you right away!
  • And just by phone you’ll buy more time – no parking worries here,
  • Technology’s won through again, why don’t you have that beer?
  • Extend your stay throughout the day as often as you like,
  • Make the most of Dorchester – maybe next time stay the night!

Pay by Phone Parking in Dorchester

The new technology means that shopping in Dorchester couldn’t be easier. Before parking up, drivers using the scheme can call a local number, type a four-digit number, select how long to park and then leave their car.

There is no longer a need to clock watch as motorists will later be sent a text message asking them if they wish to top up their parking just before their time is due to expire.

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