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Dorchester

Historic Building sights in Dorchester

  1. A

    Max Gate

    Thomas Hardy was a trained architect and designed this attractive house, where he lived from 1885 until his death in 1928. Tess of the D'Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure were both written here, and the house contains several pieces of original furniture. It's a mile east of Dorchester, on the A352.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Hardy's Birthplace

    This picturesque cob-and-thatch house is the birthplace of Thomas Hardy. It's perhaps a little short on attractions, but makes an evocative stop for Hardy completists. It's in Higher Bockhampton, 3 miles northeast of Dorchester.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Roman Town House

    The knee-high flint walls and beautifully preserved mosaics here powerfully conjure up the Roman occupation of Dorchester (then Durnovaria). Peek into the summer dining room to see the underfloor heating system (hypocaust), where charcoal-warmed air circulated around pillars to produce a toasty 18°C.

    reviewed