“We’re taking back this finest of streets and you can delight in its splendours, relish the stories it holds and be reminded of the many centuries it has served as one of the main routes linking London with the west country. I hope everyone enjoys this special day and return to discover more about a town which, in so many different ways, is England in a nutshell.” So says Alistair Chisholm, Mayor of Dorchester, upon describing Heritage Open Day in the County Town.
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture, taking place in September each year. Historic Dorchester is taking part this year with lots of museums and historic buildings opening for free and lots of free guided walks to bring the fascinating history of Dorchester to life!
The free activities, all taking place on Sunday 10th September 2023, are collated by Dorchester Heritage Committee. Free to visit on the day is The Keep Military Museum, Shire Hall Museum and Dorset Museum. Dorset Museum will be having a free interactive pop-up exhibition on one of Dorset’s finest Iron Age hillforts, Badbury Rings. At Shire Hall Museum you can look around the cells and historic courtroom and at The Keep Military Museum you can explore inside and see the breath-taking views across Dorchester from their roof top terrace.
Nina Corey, Director of Shire Hall Museum said, “Dorchester has a rich and interesting heritage landscape, which Shire Hall Museum is proud to be a part of. Heritage Open Days offers a rare opportunity to explore different aspects of the town’s history and visit three of Dorchester’s incredible museums for free. Here at Shire Hall Museum you will be able to discover over 200 years of justice, uncovering the stories of people that passed through the cells and the Georgian courtroom.”
Also in the town centre, visit the Corn Exchange foyer and view plans for the new entrance refurbishments with Dorchester Arts. Pop in between 11 am – 3 pm. And all are welcome to visit St Peters Church for free Self-guided tours, Children’s trail and Bell-ringing tower tours. You can join in with the monthly choral Eucharists, with glorious choral music in their service at 10.30.
On the outskirts of Dorchester, you can visit Thomas Hardy’s House, Max Gate for free between 10:30 am-16:30 pm. Last entry 15:30 pm. Booking advised.
There is a huge variety of free guided walks happening on the day too. High West and High East Street will be closed between 10:45 and 16:30 for people to admire the street and join in with walks being led by Dorchester Civic Society and local historians Mark Chutter and Steve Wallis. All are looking at different aspects of Dorchester’s heritage from Thomas Hardy, Judge Jeffreys, Tolpuddle Martyrs and the magnificent buildings and architecture along High West and High East Street.
Cafes and restaurants along High East and High West Street will be offering take away food and sit in menus throughout the day for visitors to the event.
The magnificent day will finish off with a mass Hokey Cokey outside Tom Browns at 3:30 pm followed by free live music with the Chris Davies Band. Plus, a free Dorchester Arts evening concert at Corn Exchange 6 pm with Piano music and songs by the Smith family, no booking required.
Dorchester Mayor Cllr Alistair Chisholm said, “One of our many heritage assets is the High Street, West and East, with, it is claimed, more listed buildings that any other High Street in the country. It is rarely possible to appreciate the range and wealth of architecture in this street because it is usually busy with traffic which makes it noisy, pollutes the air and forces the pedestrian on to its very narrow pavements.
On Sunday 10th September 2023 we’re taking back this finest of streets and you can delight in its splendours, relish the stories it holds and be reminded of the many centuries it has served as one of the main routes linking London with the west country. I hope everyone enjoys this special day and return to discover more about a town which, in so many different ways, is England in a nutshell.”
The attractions and walks aren’t the only thing that is going to be free on 10th September in Dorchester. It is a free parking day for most Dorset Council Car parks, excluding on-street parking.
For more information visit www.discoverdorchester.co.uk and check out the Discover Dorchester Facebook page.