History of Dorchester, Dorset, England

1563 - Dorchester is struck by plague
During this period Dorchester remained a small market town. In 1500 it was said to have 260 houses, which probably gave it a population of around 1,000. Dorchester grew slowly and may have had a population of 1,700 by the early 18th century. This was despite outbreaks of plague in 1563, 1579 and 1595.

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1579 - The plague returns

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1595 - Plague strikes Dorchester again

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1610 - Dorchester is given a charter
In 1610 Dorchester was given a charter (a document granting the townspeople certain rights and reforming local government). Dorchester was given another charter in 1630.

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1613 - Dorchester is badly damaged by fire
In 1613 Dorchester suffered a severe fire, which destroyed much of the town. There were other less serious fires in Dorchester in 1622, 1725, 1737 and in 1775. However in 1776 thatched roofs were banned in Dorchester to reduce the risk of fire.

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1625 - Trinity School is founded
There was a school in Dorchester in the Middle Ages but it was refounded as a grammar school in 1567. Trinity school was founded in 1625.

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1630 - The charter is renewed

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1643 - During the Civil War royalists capture Dorchester
In 1642 came civil war between king and parliament. Dorchester was a hotbed of Puritanism and so supported parliament. Attempts were made to fortify the town and Maumbury Rings were revamped as a fort. Nevertheless the royalists captured Dorchester in August 1643. The royalists then plundered Dorchester. The royalist soldiers moved on because they were needed elsewhere. They returned to Dorchester in July 1644 but this time they were fought off.
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1685 - Following a failed rebellion 312 people are tried in Dorchester and 13 are executed in the town.
In 1685 a rebellion broke out in South-western England led by the Duke of Monmouth. However the rebellion was crushed. 'Hanging Judge' Jeffreys then held a series of trials in Chichester. Altogether 312 people were tried in the town. Thirteen men were executed in Dorchester. The heads of some were impaled on spikes as a warning to others. People found a new use for the Maumbury Rings. As late as 1767 they were used for public executions or hanging fairs, which always attracted large crowds.
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1700 - Dorchester has a population of about 1,700. The old wool industry is in decline.
During the 16th and 17th centuries the old wool industry continued in Dorchester but in the 18th century it died out due to competition with northern towns. However in the 18th century Dorchester became known for its brewing industry.

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1895 - Dorchester
Dor/ chester (anc. Durnovaria, and Durinum; Saxon, Dornceaster, probably a corruption of Durini Castra, i.e., the "Station of Durinum"), a town of England, capital of Dorset, on the Frome, at a railway junction, 8 miles N. of Weymouth, and 140 miles by rail S.W. of London. It is surrounded by fine avenues, and handsomely built, the poorer edifices being confined to the adjoining village, Fordington. It has 3 churches (one of which—St. Peter's—is an ancient structure, containing some curious monuments), a grammar school, several ancient poor's hospitals, a county hospital, workhouse, a handsome town hall with market-house, shire hall, county jail and house of correction, barracks, theatre, banks, and several interesting Roman remains, including traces of the ancient walls. In the close vicinity of the town are two entrenched stations, and the amphitheatre of Maumbury, the most perfect in the kingdom. Dorchester has a flourishing retail trade, breweries, and large fairs for sheep and... Read MORE...

1916
Dorchester, a municipal borough of England, capital of Dorsetshire, on the Frome, 8 miles N. of Weymouth and 115 miles SW. of London. One of its churches, St. Peter's, is an ancient structure, containing some curious monuments. Other noteworthy buildings are the guild-hall and the corn exchange. Traces of the ancient walls still exist. In the close vicinity of the town are an immense ancient camp and the most perfect Roman amphitheatre in England. Pop. in 1891, 7946 ; in 1901, 9458.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Dorchester:
Dorset County Museum: Start your journey by exploring the rich history of the region at the Dorset County Museum. It houses an impressive collection of artifacts, including the Dorset Giant, an ancient Roman mosaic, and fascinating exhibits about Thomas Hardy, who lived in Dorchester.

Max Gate: Visit the former home of the renowned English novelist and poet, Thomas Hardy. Max Gate provides insights into the life and works of this literary genius. The house and its gardens are beautifully preserved and offer a glimpse into Hardy's world.

Maiden Castle: Just outside Dorchester, you'll find Maiden Castle, one of the largest and most impressive Iron Age hillforts in Europe. Take a walk through its ancient earthworks and soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Athelhampton House and Gardens: This historic manor house, located a short drive from Dorchester, features stunning architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens. Explore the house's grand rooms and... Read MORE...