Dorchester's Henge

The beginnings of a new Waitrose supermarket in 1980 were to change the course of the history of Dorchester without warning. The excavations revealed what was once the site of an enormous henge, running from the town’s centre right to its outskirts – and covering a far greater area than Stonehenge.

A large henge monument would have stood in what is now Dorchester town centre, stretching to the south walks and across the river. Guided tours can be taken to follow the routes, and post holes have been found throughout Dorchester since.

Roman Town House

Excavations unearthed a fascinating piece of Dorchester history, a Roman Town House. Described by Tony Robinson as the only fully preserved Roman Town House in the country, this site dates back to the early 4 century.

The Town House is believed to have been home to a Romano-British family who probably had connections to the governing council of Durnovaria (Dorchester). The Town House is occasionally open to the public, and it’s well worth visiting.

Image courtesy of John Lowe

Tolpuddle Martyrs

The Old Crown Court and Cells found within the West Dorset District Council Offices are famous for the trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. Not only will you experience 200 years of dark Dorchester history on a visit to the court, but also the sad tale of the Tolpuddle Martyrs.

These six farm workers from Dorset fought for decent wages to support their families, and were punished with penal servitude in Australia.

The room in which they were tries, and cells in which they waited to hear of their fate can still be visited today.

Thomas Hardy

Thomas Hardy was born just 3 miles outside of Dorchester in Higher Bockhampton in 1840. He started at the town’s local school in 1856 and went on to work as an architect in South Street.

After moving to London for several years, Hardy returned to Dorset at the age of 31 and published his first of many novels – ‘Desperate Remedies’. By 1873, he was a full time writer and husband to Emma Gifford. Dorchester honours its most famous son with a statue erected in 1931.

The Jurassic Era

The Jurassic coastline of Dorset is so vital that it’s been awarded World Heritage Status to recognise its geological importance, and it’s a crucial section of Dorchester history.

The area’s scenery still echoes its Triassic, Jurassic and Creaceous origins – and dinosaur fossils have been found on the nearby coast since Mary Anning first stumbled across one in 1811. The Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester town centre tells visitors all they need to know about the influence of the Jurassic period on the town, even today.