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History of Dorset County, England
Journey back in time to Dorset County, England
Explore Dorset County, England! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Dorset County Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Dorset, administrative, geographic, and historic county of southwestern England. It is bordered by the English Channel (south) and the counties of Devon (west), Hampshire (east), and Somerset and Wiltshire (both north). The historic town of Dorchester, in the south, is the county seat...
britannica.com
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ENGLAND in My Roots: Ancestral Heritage Mug
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Discover Dorset County: History, News, Travel, and Stories

In 1642, at the commencement of the English Civil War, the Royalists took control of the entire county apart from Poole and Lyme Regis. (Dorset County, England)
wikipedia.org
wikipedia.org
1645 (Dorset County) - An uprising of Clubmen—vigilantes weary of the depredations of the war—took place in Dorset in 1645.
wikipedia.org
wikipedia.org
In 1646 Corfe Castle, the last remaining Royalist stronghold in Dorset, was captured after an act of betrayal.
wikipedia.org
wikipedia.org
1686 (Dorset County) - In 1686, at Charborough Park, a meeting took place to plot the downfall of James II of England. This meeting was effectively the start of the Glorious Revolution
wikipedia.org
wikipedia.org
1834 (Dorset County) - Labour union formed
"Farming has always been central to the economy of Dorset and the county became the birthplace of the modern trade union movement when, in 1834, six farm labourers formed a union to protest against falling wages. The labourers, who are now known as the Tolpuddle Martyrs, were subsequently arrested for administering "unlawful oaths" and sentenced to transportation but they were pardoned following massive protests by the working classes."
wikipedia.org
"Farming has always been central to the economy of Dorset and the county became the birthplace of the modern trade union movement when, in 1834, six farm labourers formed a union to protest against falling wages. The labourers, who are now known as the Tolpuddle Martyrs, were subsequently arrested for administering "unlawful oaths" and sentenced to transportation but they were pardoned following massive protests by the working classes."
wikipedia.org
1895 - Dorset / Dorsetshire
Dor'set, or Dorsetshire, dor'set-shir, a county of England, on its S. coast, bounded N.W. by the co. of Somerset, N. by Wilts, E. by Hants, W. by Devonshire, and S. by the English Channel. Area, 980 square miles. Surface in the N. mostly level; in the centre, traversed by chalk downs, on which many sheep are pastured; in the S., finely diversified by hill and dale; in the E. are some wide heaths. Principal rivers, the Ivel, Piddle, Stour, and Frome. The coast on the S. presents the islands (so called) of Portland and of Purbeck, with St. Alban's Head, and, on the S.E., Poole harbor. Portland and Purbeek stone, marble, and potter's clay are raised in large quantities. The county forms an archdeaconry of the diocese of Salisbury. Capital, Dorchester. Pop. in 1881, 191,028; in 1891, 194,485.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Dor'set, or Dorsetshire, dor'set-shir, a county of England, on its S. coast, bounded N.W. by the co. of Somerset, N. by Wilts, E. by Hants, W. by Devonshire, and S. by the English Channel. Area, 980 square miles. Surface in the N. mostly level; in the centre, traversed by chalk downs, on which many sheep are pastured; in the S., finely diversified by hill and dale; in the E. are some wide heaths. Principal rivers, the Ivel, Piddle, Stour, and Frome. The coast on the S. presents the islands (so called) of Portland and of Purbeck, with St. Alban's Head, and, on the S.E., Poole harbor. Portland and Purbeek stone, marble, and potter's clay are raised in large quantities. The county forms an archdeaconry of the diocese of Salisbury. Capital, Dorchester. Pop. in 1881, 191,028; in 1891, 194,485.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
The Dorsetshire Regiment were the first British unit to face a gas attack during the First World War (1914–1918) and they sustained particularly heavy losses at the Battle of the Somme.
wikipedia.org
wikipedia.org
Here's a list of some of the best places to go and things to do in Dorset County:
Jurassic Coast: Dorset's coastline is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's not hard to see why. The Jurassic Coast stretches for 95 miles, offering stunning cliffs, fossils, and unique geological formations. Be sure to visit iconic landmarks like Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove for breathtaking views.
Corfe Castle: This medieval castle, which dates back to the 11th century, is an iconic Dorset landmark. Explore the ruins, climb the hill for panoramic views, and learn about its rich history. It's especially beautiful during sunset.
Dorchester: The county town of Dorset, Dorchester, is a historic market town with plenty of attractions. Visit the Dorset County Museum to learn about the area's history, stroll through the charming streets, and enjoy a meal at one of the town's many restaurants.
Weymouth Beach: If you're looking for a classic British seaside experience, Weymouth Beach is the place to be. This sandy beach is perfect for swimming, building sandcastles, or simply... Read MORE...
Jurassic Coast: Dorset's coastline is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's not hard to see why. The Jurassic Coast stretches for 95 miles, offering stunning cliffs, fossils, and unique geological formations. Be sure to visit iconic landmarks like Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove for breathtaking views.
Corfe Castle: This medieval castle, which dates back to the 11th century, is an iconic Dorset landmark. Explore the ruins, climb the hill for panoramic views, and learn about its rich history. It's especially beautiful during sunset.
Dorchester: The county town of Dorset, Dorchester, is a historic market town with plenty of attractions. Visit the Dorset County Museum to learn about the area's history, stroll through the charming streets, and enjoy a meal at one of the town's many restaurants.
Weymouth Beach: If you're looking for a classic British seaside experience, Weymouth Beach is the place to be. This sandy beach is perfect for swimming, building sandcastles, or simply... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Dorset County Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Dorset County, England
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