HISTORY

Dorchester is a market town in southern central Dorset, on the River Frome and has been the County Town since 1305.

Dorchester’s roots stem back to prehistoric times. Settlements were first based around Maiden Castle, a large Iron Age hill fort that was one of the most powerful settlements in pre-Roman Britain, with varying tribes having existed there since 4000BC. The Durotriges were likely to have been there at the arrival of the Romans in AD43.

Weymouth, Lyme Regis, Swanage, Bournemouth, Yeovil and the Jurassic Coast are all close by.

The Romans walled the town and the remains can still be seen today. The walls were largely replaced with walks that form a square inside modern Dorchester. Known as ‘The Walks‘ a small segment of the original Roman wall still exists today near the Top ‘o Town roundabout.

For those into Literature, Dorchester features as ‘Casterbridge‘ in many of the novels of Thomas Hardy who’s cottage is now a local tourist attraction.

Military enthusiasts will enjoy the Military Museum, whilst the Tutankhamun Exhibition, a Dinosaur Museum and the Teddy Bear House Exhibition offer plenty for everyone.
The surrounding area offers a wealth of activities and attractions. These include:
o Maiden Castle
o Thomas Hardy’s cottage
o A Roman Townhouse
o The Dinosaur Museum
o The Tutankhamun exhibition
…and so much more besides.

Wednesday is market day, just a few steps from Dorchester West station, this Historic Market is well worth a visit.

The Dorset countryside offer beautiful walks, fishing, riding and golf very close to the hotel.