Take a Walk through Dorchester’s History

Monday, July 18th, 2011

This summer there is a unique opportunity to explore Dorchester’s long and colourful history and heritage. The Dorchester BID, together with the Chamber of Commerce, are funding a series of free history walks around the town, of between 30 and 40 minutes in duration.

The walks are being led by Alistair Chisholm, Dorchester’s award-winning town crier and experienced Blue Badge Guide. His relaxed and gregarious style will ensure that each walk is both an entertaining experience and an opportunity to enrich your understanding of the town and its history.

The walks will aim to highlight what makes the town such a special and unique place – after all, where else can you see fantastically preserved roman ruins alongside wonderful examples of Victorian architecture and garden landscaping?

As you make your way through Dorchester’s streets, Alistair Chisholm will vividly bring to life Dorchester’s fascinating and sometimes dark past, shedding light on notorious historical episodes such as Judge Jeffreys’ Bloody Assizes. He will also give readings from the works of Thomas Hardy who found worldwide fame with novels and poems inspired by the town and countryside around him.

Local Walks Every Wednesday

The walks will be taking place every Wednesday for the next nine weeks (13th July-14th September), with the first and second walks of the day taking place at 11am and 12.30pm respectively outside Panini’s on Brewery Square (opposite the Wednesday market).

The third and final walk will depart from the town pump in South Street at 2pm. Each of the three walks will cover a different iconic part of the town, including Maumbury Rings, the Borough Gardens, and the Roman Wall.

Remember, these entertaining and highly informative walks are completely free! Either turn up on the day or pre-book by phone on 07773 286197. Don’t miss out on the chance to discover the rich and varied history of Dorchester – “the small town with a big story!”

Here’s a taster of Alistair’s storytelling abilities…