On 16th October 2024, members of the Dorchester Joint Heritage Committee gathered to see the unveiling by the Mayor, Cllr Robin Potter, of two new heritage information panels in Dorchester – celebrating different aspects of the town’s rich history.
At Fordington Mill, the Mayor revealed a new heritage information panel which told of the history of the building and the Mill Street area. The Mill was converted many years ago into residential units and is managed by the Mill Street Housing Society.
The Mayor was joined by Rupert Edwards, the current chairman of the Society and whose grandfather started the Mill Street Housing Society and the Mission before it almost 120 years ago.
“This heritage information panel on Fordington Mill provides a fascinating insight into the long history of Fordington Mill and its important role in the life of the Mill Street community” said Cllr Robin Potter, Mayor of Dorchester.
The members of the Dorchester Joint Heritage Committee then walked up to the King’s Arms on High East Street for the unveiling by the Mayor of an information panel about the history of this important building – which featured in Thomas Hardy’s Mayor of Casterbridge.
The King’s Arms is owned by the hotel chain, Stay Original, and its Managing Director, Rob Greacen said:
“Dorchester is overflowing with historical connections and the community really do a great job of celebrating its unique past. The Kings Arms has been an important landmark for hundreds of years and we’re delighted to have a new heritage panel on the property explaining some of its past.”
At both locations, the Heritage Committee were joined by the Dorchester Town Crier, Mr Anthony Harrison, who performed a cry to celebrate the history of the area.
Photos supplied by Dorchester Town Council (click to enlarge)
Anthony Harrison, Town Crier (left) and Cllr Robin Potter
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- Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr Robin Potter (left) and Mr Rupert Edwards
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- Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr Robin Potter (left) and Kirsty Schmidt of Stay Original unveiling the heritage information panel
