Introduction
193km (120 miles) SW of London; 43km (27 miles) W of Bournemouth
In his 1886 novel, The Mayor of Casterbridge, Thomas Hardy gave Dorchester literary fame. Actually, Dorchester was notable even in Roman times, when Maumbury Rings, the best Roman amphitheater in Britain, was filled with the sounds of 12,000 spectators screaming for the blood of the gladiators. Today, it's a sleepy market town that seems to go to bed right after dinner.
more local info
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Athelhampton House & Gardens
This is one of England's great medieval houses and the most beautiful and historic in the south, lying a mile east of Puddletown. Thomas Hardy...
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- Landmarks
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Dorset County Museum
This museum has a gallery devoted to memorabilia of Thomas Hardy's life. In addition, you'll find an archaeological gallery with displays and finds...
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- Museums
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Hardy's Cottage
Thomas Hardy was born in 1840 at Higher Bockhampton. His home, now a National Trust property, may be visited. Approach the cottage on foot -- it's...
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