Dorset

Dorset is located in South West England and has a population of around 700,000. It covers 1,025 square miles. The county town is Dorchester.

Tourism is an important part of the local economy; The valleys are very fertile and are mainly devoted to arable and pastoral agriculture as well as dairy farming. Portland stone and Prbeck Marble are quarried for fine buildings. Bournemouth has been a popular seaside resort since the late 19th century when it was fashionable to take the sea air.

Geography

Bordered on south by the English Channel, on the North by Devon, it is a county of rolling hills and lovely valleys with ancient Saxon villages nestling in the landscape. The major hills are North Dorset and South Dorset downs. These chalk hills run east and west across the county.

History

Signs of Prehistoric settlements can be seen on many hilltops in the form of burial mounds and the numerous Iron Age hill forts, including the spectacular Maiden Castle near Dorchester. The Romans left many remains of their houses and temples including many mosaics. Once part of the Celtic Kingdom that included Cornwall, the county was conquered and became part of the Kingdom of Wessex. Wareham was built by King Alfred the Great in the 9th century to help in his fight against the Danes. Medieval monasteries can be seen at Abbotsbury, Cerne Abbas, Forde Abbey and Milton Abbey. Tudor and Stuart manor houses are found throughout the county. Lyme Regis was the landing place for the Duke of Monmouth in 1685. Tolpuddle was the scene where the famous Martyrs sought to 'assemble' to protect their rights.

Dorset Flag