Dorchester

Description:

Dorchester situated on the River Frome, is the historic county town of Dorset and dates back to 70 AD. The famous local author, Thomas Hardy portrayed the town as Casterbrige in his novel "The Mayor of Casterbridge". It was here that the Tolpuddle Martyrs were tried and sentenced to seven years transportation to Australia as punishment for protesting about the level of their wages. Dorchester is steeped in history and there is a Museum in the town centre. 

Dorchester has a busy shopping centre and a flourishing weekly Market each Wednesday.  Most of the large companies are present in the town including Marks and Spencer, Next, Boots, Argos, Monsoon, Waitrose and New Look to name a few. There are plenty of "Ye Olde Tea Shops" here as well as the more trendy up to date coffee shops. There are also out of town retailers such as Tesco, Halfords, Allied Carpets and Currys.

Dorchester has long been recognised as the administrative centre of the county. The County Council along with Dorchester County Hospital are the main employers.

Plans for the future growth of Dorchester are closely tied in with the HRH Prince of Wales inspired mixed housing and light industrial development at Poundbury, on the western fringe of the town. 

Another major development in Dorchester currently under construction is the new Eldridge Pope development featuring some 40 or so shops and cafés, a 3 screen Cinema, a replacement solar powered railway station (first in the country) at Dorchester South and a new 48 bedroom Hotel. The 11 acre scheme also includes 650 new apartments, 22 new houses and is reputed to be one of the largest regeneration projects not only in Dorset but also the South of England.