Old Photos of Dorchester

It is always interesting to look back at how things used to be. Viewing old photos of Dorchester allows us to see how the previous inhabitants of the town used to live and how the architecture has largely remained unchanged.

Whether it’s seeing a proud shop keeper outside his establishment in the town centre or viewing our predecessors strolling through Borough Gardens, looking back at how life used to be provides a fascinating insight into yesteryear.

The bobby on the beat looking on at the barrow boy and horse and cart turning into Cornhill is one of our favourites. The many awnings over the shops and many hanging lanterns make you wish you could step back in time to experience this for yourself.

Still plenty of hairdressers left in Dorchester today but not too many advertising wig making like this shop in South Street.

The main difference that stands out from this photo compared to today is the lack of road markings and cars. Most of the buildings are now as they used to be here.

The horse and cart coming down South Street looks fantastic. We wondered if the clock above Nappers Mite was working when this photo was taken!

The Judge Jeffery’s building used as Groves – The County Clothing & Outfitting Stores. There is a lot of stock on display in the windows.

Very little has changed since this photo was taken on South Walks.

High West Street used to be busy with the sound of horse’s hoofs and cart wheels rather than the vehicle noises and pedestrian crossing beeps that echo along the road now.

A residential scene of Fordinton Hill. There appears to be a few people out walking down the hill on this day.

A couple taking a stroll through Borough Gardens in Victorian times. Is that the Monkey Puzzle tree planted there as a young sapling? It is now a very mature and established tree.

• Share on Facebook.
• Share on Twitter.
• Share on LinkedIn