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Posts Tagged ‘thomas hardy’

Norrie Woodhall

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011
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Norrie with the New Hardy Players

Norrie with the New Hardy Players

We were sad to hear the news last week that Norrie Woodhall, one of the most recognised and popular people in Dorchester, had passed away. What an incredible life she led – born in December 1905, she lived through almost the entirety of the 20th century, and her longevity meant that she was the last surviving person to know Thomas Hardy personally.

Hardy was already a living legend when in 1924 he chose Norrie for the part of Liza Lu in the stage version of Tess of the d’Ubervilles. She was 18 at the time, while he was 84 and in the last years of his life. She always spoke fondly of her time with Hardy, remembering him as a kind and modest man.

The Telegraph has put together a fantastic obituary, with some fascinating insights about Hardy and Norrie, and his controversial relationship with her older sister Gertrude. It’s well worth a read and is testament to Norrie’s remarkable life that her death has created such interest among the public and press alike.

One of her greatest achievements came in 2005 when she re-instituted the Hardy Players, the group she was originally a member of back in 1924. She also worked tirelessly to raise funds for the Dorset County Museum, and helped to ensure valuable Thomas Hardy memorabilia including scripts and notes stayed in the public domain rather than being sold to America.

She was a truly remarkable lady and a great ambassador for Dorchester who will be sorely missed.

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Step into the World of Thomas Hardy

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011
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Thomas Hardy

Thomas Hardy has been popping up in the media quite a bit lately, and this week his 1914 love poem Under the Waterfall appeared in the Guardian for their Poem of the Week feature.

There seems to have been a real resurgence in interest in Dorchester’s most famous son this year, possibly helped by the fact that 2011 marks the 120th anniversary of the publication of Hardy’s most famous novel Tess of the d’Ubervilles.

With interest so high, we’re hoping plenty of extra visitors from both the UK and overseas will be heading to Hardy country this summer to visit his home and see the locations that inspired the beautiful pastoral world he described so vividly in his novels.

Hardy’s Cottage

Hardys Cottage

Hardy Cottage is located in Bockhampton, 3 miles from Dorchester. It was built by Thomas Hardy’s grandfather, and as well as being the novelist’s birthplace it is also where he wrote one of his most successful novels, Far from the Madding Crowd.

The beautiful cob and thatched house is maintained by the National Trust, and is open to visitors on selected days from March to October.

Max Gate

Max Gate

Max Gate, the imposing red brick town house on the outskirts of Dorchester, was designed by Thomas Hardy himself and was his home for 40 years until his death in 1928. It has recently been opened to the public, and is now open from Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm.

Hardy fans will find it fascinating, as it was from here that Hardy wrote many famous works, including Tess of the D’ubervilles. Here’s a recent article from The Telegraph about the history of Max Gate.

Dorset County Museum

Thomas Hardy Study

Sadly Max Gate today has retained very little of its interior decor from Hardy’s time in residence. To see Hardy’s study as it would have looked then, you need to visit the Dorset County Museum on Dorchester High Street.

The museum houses a replica of Hardy’s study as it appeared in his final years, featuring his desk, pens, and his boyhood violin, along with a calendar stopped on the day of his death.

The museum is also home to the world’s largest collection of Hardy memorabilia, including manuscripts, books, diaries, photographs, notebooks and paintings which were gifted to the museum by his second wife Florence Hardy

Visiting Dorchester from Abroad

We know Thomas Hardy is enormously popular in America, and given the close proximity to other historic areas in the UK like London and Bath, we would encourage anyone visiting from overseas with an interest in Hardy to spend a couple of days down here in Dorset taking in Thomas Hardy country and visiting the important places in his life.

Dorchester Hardy Country

Dorchester is just a couple of hours from London by train, and is easy to get to by road. Train information can be found at South West Trains.

Many people in the UK already know about the beauty and rich history of Hardy’s Dorset, but we’d like the message to spread further and gain the international recognition we think it deserves.

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Making the Most of the Sunshine in Dorchester

Friday, April 8th, 2011
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What a beautiful week it’s been here in Dorchester! So much for April showers – the sun has been shining every day and we’ve seen throngs of people walking about the town in shorts and sunglasses.

Dorchester is a town which really comes into its own when the good weather arrives, as there are so many places to go and things to do in the town on a sunny day. Here are some of our recommendations for how to make the most of the generous early helping of summer we’re currently being granted!

Maiden Castle

Arial view of Maiden Castle

Arial view of Maiden Castle

Maiden Castle is the largest Iron Age hill fort in the UK, stretching over 45 acres and sitting just 2 miles from Dorchester town centre. It’s a fantastic place to go for walks, offering a genuine sense that you are stepping back in time to Dorchester’s ancient past.

We suggest you make a day of it – bring a picnic and drinks with you, and make your way leisurely up to the summit of the castle. On a clear day, once you reach the top you will be greeted with superb panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the towns of Dorchester and Poundbury.

Thomas Hardy Trail

Hardy's Cottage

Hardy's Cottage

Thomas Hardy was one of Britain’s greatest ever novelists. He lived most of his life in Dorchester and took much of the inspiration for his novels from the local area.

Hardy’s birthplace lies 3 miles from Dorchester in Higher Bockhampton. He was born in the house known as ‘Hardy’s Cottage’ in 1840, and also wrote Far from the Madding Crowd there. The rustic country cottage is owned by the National Trust and is open for the public to come in and view.

You can also visit Hardy’s final home, Max Gate, in which he died in 1928. The house is situated on the outskirts of Dorchester and was designed to Hardy’s own specifications.

These historic homes are a real treat for literature fans, and visiting them is a great way to spend a day!

Borough Gardens

Borough Gardens Bandstand

Borough Gardens Bandstand

The Borough Gardens are just minutes away from the town centre. It’s the perfect place to go on a sunny day, with tennis courts, a bowling green, a children’s play area, and many beautiful flower beds, and not forgetting the colourful clock tower.

So bring some sandwiches, find a shady bench and sit back and unwind in the pleasant surroundings of the gardens, while the kids run riot over in the large play area!

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10 Facts about Dorchester

Friday, August 6th, 2010
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St Peters Church & The Corn Exchange

St Peters Church & The Corn Exchange

Dorchester is a popular welcoming UK tourist destination and attracts a large number of visitors every year drawn to its historical sites, beautiful scenery and close proximity to the Jurassic Coast.

Dorchester is a historical market town in southern central Dorset, England, just a 2.5 hours drive or train ride from London.

It has an amazing and ancient past and we hope you enjoy reading our 10 facts about this delightful town.

  1. Dorchester has been the county town of Dorset since 1305 and celebrated the 700th anniversary of its Royal Charter in 2005.  Dorchester has a population of 18,070 (2008 mid year estimate) and 8,650 dwellings. Poundbury is an experimental new town on the outskirts of Dorchester and the traditional style houses are built on land owned by Prince Charles.
  2. Maiden Castle, just two miles south of Dorchester town centre, is the largest Iron Age hill fort in Britain and, by some definitions, the largest in Europe. Maiden Castle originally constructed around 600 BC is one of several ancient hill forts in the area, although many are either too small to be clearly seen or have been destroyed over time.
  3. Maumbury Rings is the site of a giant Henge monument constructed at least 4500 years ago, probably by the inhabitants of Maiden Castle. Later the Romans adapted the same site creating an amphitheatre capable of holding 10,000 people. Maumbury Rings is still used today as the Romans intended, with occasional outdoor performances and historical re-enactments.
  4. Dorchester was founded by the Romans around 70D (when it was called Durnovaria). Evidence of Roman settlement and influence in the area can be seen at the Roman Town House at Colliton Park, Dorchester, one of the best preserved examples of a Roman Town House in England. The Roman Town House in Dorchester was discovered, almost by chance, in 1937 during an archaeological dig and the earliest part of the Town House dates from the first part of 4th Century.
  5. In the early years Dorchester’s main industry was farming and during the 16th and 17th centuries it had a successful wool industry but in the 18th century it died out due to competition with northern towns. However in the 18th century Dorchester became known for its brewing industry. Much of the town was destroyed by fire in the 17th and 18th centuries and most of the buildings visible today date from Georgian times.
  6. Every town has its villain and Dorchester is famed for its ‘Hanging Judge’. In 1685 a rebellion broke out in South-western England led by the Duke of Monmouth. In 1685, Judge Jeffreys came to Dorchester and he sat in trial of the supporters of the Duke of Monmouth and their failed rebellion against King James II.  The Bloody Assizes (court trial) were held in the Oak Room (now a Tea Room) of the Antelope Hotel on the 5th day of September 1685. Jeffreys didn’t believe in half measures and became known as the Hanging Judge because of the punishments he had given to the supporters of the Duke.
  7. The famous author and poet Thomas Hardy was born at Higher Bockhampton located three miles northeast of Dorchester on the 2nd June 1840. While in Dorchester ‘Casterbridge’ you can retrace the route of the ‘Mellstock Quire’ characters from his novel ‘Under the Greenwood Tree’ and climb to ‘Rainbarrow’ as Eustacia Vye in ‘Return of the Native’. The Hardy Society has published tours and trails of the individual novels and poems with biographical detail.
  8. The Crown Court in Dorchester was the setting for the 1834 trial of the “Tolpuddle Martyrs,” a group of 6 brave men from the nearby village of Tolpuddle who protested against pay cuts by wealthy landowners. Their bravery marked a milestone in British trade unionism and workers rights. The farm workers who went on to become local heroes were found guilty and transported to Australia – after public protest they were pardoned after 2 years. The court room and cells still remain and are preserved as they were at the time.
  9. Dorchester’s award winning family friendly County Museum is the perfect starting point for an exploration of the history of town and the surrounding area. The Dorset County Museum houses a fantastic array of fascinating galleries, dealing with a wide range of subjects including archaeology, art, and history and contains the largest Thomas Hardy memorabilia collection in the world, the bulk of which was bequeathed to the Museum by his second wife Florence Hardy.For a small town Dorchester also has a marvellous collection of specialist museums to delight and educate visitors of all ages.  The Dinosaur Museum, Mummies Museum, Dorset County Museum, The Keep Military Museum, Terracotta Warriors Museum and Teddy Bear Museum are highly recommended.
  10. There is no longer a cattle market in the town, however, you can still sample the lively market day atmosphere every Wednesday. At Dorchester market you can enjoy sampling local farm produce and find stalls filled with crafts, antiques and clothes. On the first Saturday of every month a Farmer’s Market is held at Prince Charles’ internationally renowned Poundbury.

The “Discover Dorchester Secrets” route is the perfect way to take in great views, enjoy the inviting ambiance of the town, and visit a host of notable attractions along the way. http://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2005/04/20/dorchester_walk.shtml

If you would like to add you own facts about Dorchester why not add them in the comments box below.

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Thomas Hardy Festival

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
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Thomas Hardy Statue

Thomas Hardy Statue

The county town of Dorchester will host the Nineteenth International Thomas Hardy Conference and Festival from 24th July to 1st August 2010, marking the 170th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Hardy. The popular literary event is organised by The Thomas Hardy Society and attracts Hardy fans from countries including Russia, Japan, Italy and America. The Thomas Hardy Festival brings together academics and enthusiasts who enjoy Hardy’s books and celebrates the enduring global recognition of a man who was very much a local Dorset novelist and poet.

Conference & Festival Programme

The Thomas Hardy society, established in 1968, organises a full schedule of Thomas Hardy events giving both the academic and devotee an opportunity to experience Hardy’s large volume of work through a series of lectures, seminars, musical entertainment, exhibitions, new writings from Wessex, competitions, drama, film, guided walks, coach tours and poetry.

All lectures will take place in the United Church in South Street, Dorchester; other event locations are indicated in the festival programme. The Conference will open at 7pm on 24th July with a Reception at the Thomas Hardye School, Coburg Road, Dorchester. Sir Andrew Motion former Poet Laureate and knighted for his services to literature in 2009 will give a reading of his latest collection of poems, The Cinder Path, as well as references to Hardy’s work. Tickets for the Sir Andrew Motion readings are £10 with £4 concessions for students.

A programme full with varied events to suite everyone

The academic lectures and seminars will be given by renowned scholars who will cover the many different aspects of Hardy’s life and works. There will be ample opportunity to join in discussions with morning lectures and afternoon seminars. Highlights of the festival programme include:

The New Hardy Players – 8pm Sunday 25 July at the United Church

The New Hardy Players will be performing ‘The Mayor of Casterbridge’ one of Thomas Hardy’s most famous books.

Poet Brian Patten – 8pm Monday 26 July at the United Church

Brian has written numerous adult and children’s poetry collections and is known for his ability to write and perform a mix of serious and humorous work.  He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

‘Wessex Voices’ – 8pm Tuesday 27 July at the United Church

Entertainment presented by Alan Chedzoy & Jane Chedzoy. Dr Alan Chedzoy is well know in Dorset and beyond for his performances of the writings of Thomas Hardy and recordings of Thomas Hardy poems.

Art Exhibition – 11am – 6pm, 26th – 31st July at Corn Exchange

For art lovers, local artist David Brackston will exhibit paintings, drawings and engravings of places, people and scenes in Hardy’s works in the Magistrates’ Room at the Corn Exchange in Dorchester.  

Walks and tours – Sunday 25th to Friday 30th July

You can enjoy guided walks around the local sites that influenced Thomas Hardy’s work and also coach trips to visit Boscastle in Cornwall, Sherborne and Swanage. Full details on costs and times can be found in the festival schedule.

Society secretary Mike Nixon said in a recent Dorset Echo article “It is truly an international festival. It will also help the local economy. The festival brings people into the town, who stay in hotels and use restaurants, cafes, bars and shops.”

Tickets

Tickets for individual events are available from the Thomas Hardy office, or on the door, or at the Box Office at the United Church (during conference & festival week). Unless otherwise indicated, tickets for lectures are £8, or £15 for 2 lectures. Ticket prices for the main evening events are listed in the festival programme. Free festival programmes are available in the Dorset Echo office in Antelope Walk, Dorchester. Full Conference members are eligible to attend all lectures and entertainments. The Conference Secretary can be contacted on info@hardysociety.org for more details.

We hope you enjoy the magnificent Thomas Hardy Conference and Festival which has been made possible through sponsorship and support from various local organisations including Dorset Echo, Dorchester Town Council, Dorset County Council and ourselves Dorchester BID.

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Explore Thomas Hardy this Easter

Friday, April 2nd, 2010
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Thomas Hardy promoted the beautiful countryside and unspoilt landscape of his native county of Dorset through his books and poetry. If you have enjoyed reading Thomas Hardy’s books and poems or viewed the TV adaptations of his books, you will find many of the places he writes about within a short drive, walk or cycle of the county town of Dorchester. We are very fortunate that Thomas Hardy’s literature has been saved and this Easter why not visit the birthplace of this region’s most famous author.

Hardy’s Cottage

Thomas Hardy Cottage

Thomas Hardy Cottage

The son of a local stonemason, Thomas Hardy was born at Higher Bockhampton located three miles northeast of Dorchester on the 2nd June 1840. He was educated locally at the village school and later in Dorchester. He trained first as an architect in London, before returning to Dorset to write his first novel. His grandfather built ‘Hardy’s Cottage’, and the cob and thatched house is now looked after by the National Trust, allowing visitors to explore the home of his upbringing and to view the room where he wrote ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’. This same cottage becomes Hardy’s inspiration for Tranter Dewy’s House in his novel ‘Under the Greenwood Tree’.

Thomas Hardy’s Cottage and grounds are open daily from 14th Mar–28th October (except Fridays and Saturdays).  The admission Price is £3.50 and whilst there you can enjoy a walk through the garden and woods or beyond into Puddletown Forest.

Max Gate the home of Thomas Hardy

In 1885 Thomas Hardy and his wife Emma moved into Max Gate, located 1 mile east of Dorchester. the Victorian home that he himself designed and which his brother built.

Max Gate was Hardy’s home for forty years, until he died in 1928 and whilst there he wrote some of his most famous works, The Mayor of Casterbridge, The Woodlanders, Tess of the d’Urbervilles, Jude the Obscure, The Dynasts as well as numerous poems and short stories.

Thomas Hardy’s last home Max Gate offers a revealing look into Hardy’s personal life by offering a catalogue of the books that were in Hardy’s library.

The hall, dining and drawing rooms and garden are open to the public. Admission price is £3.00 per adult, £1.50 per children and private visits, tours and seminars for schools, colleges and literary societies are by appointment.

Thomas Hardy Trail

When in Dorset, you can retrace the route of the ‘Mellstock Quire’ characters from his novel ‘Under the Greenwood Tree’ and climb to ‘Rainbarrow’ as did Eustacia Vye in ‘Return of the Native’. The Hardy Society has published tours and trails based around the individual novels and poems, each with biographical detail.

Memorabilia Collection at Dorset County Museum

Thomas Hardy Statue

Thomas Hardy Statue

While in Dorchester town why not visit the Dorset County Museum which houses the main collection of Thomas Hardy memorabilia. The dedicated Thomas Hardy gallery houses a comprehensive collection of manuscripts, books, diaries, photographs, notebooks and paintings – he was a prolific writer. At the centre of the Gallery is the reconstruction of Hardy’s study at Max Gate, with all his books and furniture, including his desk and pens. The Dorset Country Museum contains the largest Hardy memorabilia collection in the world, the bulk of which was bequeathed to the Museum by his second wife Florence Hardy.

A bronze statue of Hardy by Eric Kennington is located a short walk from the museum at the Top O’ Town.

The Thomas Hardy Society 19th International Conference and Festival

The Thomas Hardy Society’s 19th International Conference & Festival will be held in Dorchester, Dorset on 24th July to 1st August 2010. The programme contains an exciting mix of lectures, seminars, talks, poetry readings, excursions, walks and entertainments.

Have a great Easter!

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Thomas Hardy Collection Comes Home

Thursday, April 1st, 2010
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104-year-old Norrie Woodhall

104-year-old Norrie Woodhall

Campaigners celebrated the news yesterday that the famous Thomas Hardy collection is returning to Dorchester.

The unique collection of scripts, play scripts and stage set models created by Hardy himself were saved from leaving the country and spending the rest of their days in the United States.

The literary lovers raised an incredible £58,750 to keep the historic Hardy items in Dorset and they will go on show at Dorset County Museum in Dorchester.

Norrie Woodhall

One campaigner added her own little piece of history – 104-year old Norrie Woodhall is the last person alive to have known Hardy, having been in the Hardy players as a girl and the only one of the originals still around. She added her own style and passion to the fundraining.

Norrie performed as a member of the New Hardy Players during an evening of fundraising at the museum which raised £2,500.

Norrie said:

“I’m thrilled that we’ve got them. The manuscripts are now back where they should be and where they belong.”

With the date looming for the manuscripts to leave for America, the Culture Minister Margaret Hodge placed a temporary export ban on the manuscripts to give a UK organisation time to secure it.

The Dorset County Museum, Exeter University, Dorset History Centre, The New Hardy Players and the Thomas Hardy Society worked together to ensure there was a happy ending to this story and the manuscripts remained in Dorset.

Andy Worth, of the New Hardy Players, said:

“We’re delighted and excited to have acquired these interesting manuscripts.

“We’ll be able to use the scripts as guidance for when we perform Tess in 2011. We can’t wait to see them and make use of them. People will come from all over the world.”

It is hoped that the historic collection – currently held in a London bookshop – will arrive in Dorchester by the end of April and will be enjoyed by local visitors.

Thomas Hardy Manuscript Celebrations.

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Dorset County Museum Spotlight

Friday, January 22nd, 2010
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Dorset’s award winning County Museum which is centrally located on High West Street, Dorchester is the perfect starting point for an exploration of the history of Dorchester and the surrounding area. It also makes a unique venue if you are planning a special event.

The Dorset County Museum is a family friendly Museum has a fantastic array of fascinating galleries, dealing with a wide range of subjects including archaeology, farming history, Dorset wildlife, art, history and literature with special emphasis on the history of Thomas Hardy and the Jurassic Coast.

Thomas Hardy

Thomas Hardy's Study at The Dorset County Museum

Thomas Hardy's Study at The Dorset County Museum

Thomas Hardy promoted the beautiful countryside and unspoilt landscape of his native county of Dorset. Hardy is well known for his beautiful but often harsh portrayal of rural England set in and around his beloved Wessex. The son of a local stonemason, he was born at Higher Bockhampton located three miles northeast of Dorchester on the 2nd June 1840.

If you have been inspired by the work of Thomas Hardy either through his novels and poems or the many TV adaptations of his books, you will enjoy the Thomas Hardy gallery with its comprehensive collection, including manuscripts, books, diaries, photographs, notebooks and paintings. At the centre of the Gallery is the reconstruction of Hardy’s study at Max Gate, with all his books and furniture, including his desk and pens. The Dorset County Museum contains the largest Hardy memorabilia collection in the world, the bulk of which was bequeathed to the Museum by his second wife Florence Hardy.

Jurassic Coast

The Interior of The Dorset County Museum

The Interior of The Dorset County Museum

Dorset County Museum opened its new state-of-the-art, 185 million year ‘walk through time’ Jurassic Coast Gallery in summer 2006. The original Geology gallery was transformed using a £336,500 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Jurassic coastline of Dorset is a fossil hunting haven for both novice and experienced fossil collectors. The 150km (95 mile) stretch of coastline covering Dorset and East Devon spans 185 million years of geological history and has been granted World Heritage Status.

Visitors to the Gallery will learn how the coast was formed millions of years ago, what you can see along the coastline today, and why its exposed geology is of international importance.

All ages and abilities can experience the Jurassic Coast geological story through touch, sound, text, and interactive displays. Children can follow the dinosaur tracks to measure themselves against a Megalosaurus or ‘giant lizard’, work on activities such as the fossil discovery table and the two flying Pterosaurs are also sure to be the centre of much attention!

Visitors can also find out more details about the enormous Pliosaur that was recently discovered on a local beach. 25 large pieces of a fossil collected by Mr Sheehan, a local amateur fossil collector, were identified by palaeontologists as a Pliosaur. Only one fragment was missing from the front of the jaw. This marine reptile, measuring somewhere between 10-16 meters, lived about 140 million years ago and was believed to have been so powerful it could have bitten a car in half. The extremely rare find, in almost pristine condition, has been purchased by Dorset County Council for £20,000 with money from the Heritage Lottery Fund and is being prepared for permanent display in the Dorset County Museum. The discovery of the Pliosaur has captured people’s imagination and inspired many to discover the joys of fossil hunting along our Dorset coast.

The Dorset County Museum has some great offers – two children are admitted for free with every adult.

And there is plenty to keep them occupied with interactive workstations throughout the Museum. You can also make learning fun by picking up one of four Museum Trails at reception to follow while they explore the Museum. In addition there are activity carts in the Victorian Gallery and in the Archaeology Gallery to keep children amused with puzzles, quizzes, dressing up and drawing activities based around the Museum collections.

The Dorset County Museum Club

Children aged between 7 and 14 years can join the Museum Club. There is a £10 annual membership fee and the club meets one Saturday per month 10.30am – 12.30pm. For 2010, new Museum Club Members will receive a special joining pack. Children above 14 years can join the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society with annual membership from only £24.

Corporate Events at the Dorset County Museum

The Dorset County Museum also makes an ideal novel venue for corporate entertaining and evening receptions, offering facilities for both a seated buffet supper or a cocktail party. Guests will be transfixed by the ambience within the Victorian Hall with its fine cast ironwork arches framing an array of museum displays, curios, furniture and oil paintings.  

Opening Times

Virtual Tour of the Museum

Virtual Tour of the Museum

During the peak summer season July to September, Dorchester Museum is open seven days a week 10am to 5pm, and outside these months it is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. Admission charges are £6.50 per adult and £4.50 for seniors / concessions.  Two children up to the age of 15 are admitted free with every adult.

Whether you live locally or are planning a visit to our historic town, make sure Dorset County Museum is on your must see list. Why not try a visit to the new Virtual Dorchester pages and get a spectacular inside virtual view of teh Museum before you visit.

Also look out for a programme of exhibitions in The Temporary Exhibition Gallery; these change at regular intervals and cover a variety of fascinating topics, from art and photography to literature and the Natural Sciences.

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Walking in Dorchester

Friday, November 20th, 2009
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One of the many Walks in Dorchester

One of the many Walks in Dorchester

Dorchester, the beautiful county town of Dorset is not only a great town for shopping, but also has an amazing and ancient past! It celebrated the 700th anniversary of its Royal Charter in 2005.

If you want to find an alternative to shopping in Dorchester why not try the delightful local walks and explore the historical landmarks within Dorchester Town.

Discover Historical Dorchester

The “Discover Dorchester” route is the perfect way to take in great views, enjoy the inviting ambiance of the town, and visit a host of notable attractions along the way.

The route, which can be completed in about an hour, takes you along footpaths around the town centre and is accessible by wheelchair and buggies. On the way you will visit a Roman amphitheatre, find the last part of the ancient Roman Town Wall and learn about Dorset’s 4,000 years of history.

Maumbury Rings

A good starting point for this historical walk is the Top of Town car park. Stroll down Cornwall Road until you reach the site of Maumbury Rings. This is the site of a giant Henge monument constructed at least 4500 years ago, probably by the inhabitants of Maiden Castle. Later the Romans adapted the same site creating an amphitheatre capable of holding 10,000 people. Maumbury Rings is still used today as the Romans intended, with occasional outdoor performances and historical re-enactments.

Head back toward the town centre along Weymouth Avenue and you will pass the old Thomas Hardy Brewery consisting of fine Victorian brick buildings that have been the home of Eldridge Pope since 1880.  Beer is no longer brewed in this famous Dorset institution but the site, now known as Brewery Square, has been recently redeveloped to include a hotel, retail shops, restaurants and apartments. Opposite, on your left, is Fairfield Market home to Dorchester’s famous historic Wednesday market since the 19th century.

Head down Trinity Street and just after the Junction Pub, turn left along the ‘Walks’. The Roman Town of Durnovaria’s original walls no longer exist, though tree-lined ‘Walks’ trace their route around the town. Turn right and walk through the Borough Gardens where people relax outdoors and children play on the playground. Features of interest include the delightful bandstand and Victorian clock tower.

Leave the Gardens and walk towards Princes Street and here you will see the only remaining fragment of Dorchester’s Roman walls which once stood three metres high. Walk down Princes Street and you’ll pass an artistic sculpture commemorating the Roman aquaduct which brought water to the town, and the old hospital Victorian buildings. Cross to the Dorchester Tourist Information Centre and walk through Antelope Walk with its many tempting shops.

Turn left and cross the main road and past the old Corn Exchange toward Friary Hill. Join the River Frome and turn left along the riverside path. You can see the walls of Dorchester prison and it was here that people would gather to watch public executions. Continue walking along the riverside and you will come to the thatched ‘Hangman’s Cottage’.  Turn right past Hangman’s Cottage and walk up the hill. You can now see Dorchester’s Roman Townhouse behind County Hall.  It was discovered in the 1930s and is one of the best examples of Roman remains in the country. Walk behind the Roman Townhouse towards the crossroads.

Dorchester Top of Town & Thomas Hardy

You are now back to your starting point at the Top of Town where there is a bronze statue of Thomas Hardy by Eric Kennington. Thomas Hardy wrote about the beautiful countryside and unspoilt landscape of his native county of Dorset. You’ll find many of the places he writes about within a short drive, walk or cycle of the county town of Dorchester.

The Hardy Society has published tours and trails of the individual novels and poems with biographical detail. Why not visit the Dorset County Museum to learn more about Dorchester’s 4,000 years of history and see the main collection of Thomas Hardy memorabilia.

Dorchester’s Ratty’s Trail

A scenic alternative to the “Discover Dorchester” route, is Ratty’s Trail; a circular countryside route within the Frome Valley corridor. It was created in 2005 to encourage local people and visitors to explore some of Dorset’s beautiful countryside. Based around the county town of Dorchester, it highlights the importance of the River Frome as a habitat for a wide range of wildlife, most particularly the water vole. The trail is 1.5 miles around easy grass farm track and takes 1 hour to complete. The nearest car park is Top of Town.

Finish your walk with a pub lunch or with a sandwich at one of the many places to eat in Dorchester.

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