Boasting the highest number of listed buildings in any British high street, the historic market town of Dorchester is an explorer’s delight. Archaeologists have found more Roman mosaics here than any other Roman town in Britain, and Dorchester also sports one of the best-preserved Iron Age hill forts in Europe, a fully exposed Roman town house, and a converted Roman amphitheatre. Readers can learn about the town’s historical sights, its underground tunnels and stories of the famous and the very infamous. Why not visit the Lodging House of the blood-thirsty Judge Jeffreys who held his Bloody Assizes here, or Shire Hall where the Tolpuddle Martyrs were found guilty of making a secret oath in their fight against pitiful wages? Literary figures have also found inspiration from living in or visiting Dorchester, not least Thomas Hardy. The town is also home to a variety of museums ranging from dinosaurs to teddy bears to the unmissable Dorset Museum. For a less busy atmosphere the town has colourful gardens and peaceful river walks.

A–Z of Dorchester reveals the history behind Dorchester, its streets and buildings, museums and the people connected with the town. Alongside the famous historical connections are unusual characters, tucked-away places and unique events that are less well-known. Fully illustrated throughout, this book will appeal to all those with an interest in this historic Dorset town.