Dorchester
largest Thomas Hardy collection in the world. The early history of Dorset can be traced in the Archaeology Gallery through thousands of objects excavated from barrows, settlements and hillforts including Neolithic axe- heads, Bronze Age gold ornaments and Iron Age warriors.
The Museum also offers visitors free audioguides, museum trails and plenty of activities for children.
Continue up High West Street to the ‘Top ‘o the Town’ and you will find The Military Museum of Devon and Dorset, housed in an impressive Grade 2 Listed castle-like building known as ‘The Keep’, it is built of Ridgeway Stone and was completed in 1879 as the gatehouse and armoury of the depot barracks of the Dorsetshire Regiment.
The layout of the Keep today is far removed from that of Victorian times, although the cell area on the ground floor gives a stark reminder of the conditions that prevailed in the 1800s. The Museum tells the stories of soldiers from the regiments of Devon and Dorset both Infantry and Yeomanry who have served their country since 1685. The collection is displayed over 4 floors and exhibits include Hitler’s desk, weapons, uniforms, silver, personal items and a stunning collection of medals.
Computer and digital presentation, realistic battle environments, together with exhibitions, tell the tales of courage humour and sacrifice of the soldiers and their families who have served in the regiments of Devon and Dorset. The displays are ever evolving keeping the museum at the forefront of presentation standards covering the Military Heritage of two Counties. The Museum has an extensive archive that is not open to the public, but research can be undertaken in return for a donation to Museum funds.
For those wishing to follow the life of Hardy, a village off the A35 east of Dorchester is most important. In fact, Higher Bockhampton should really be the starting point of their journey, since the long, low, thatched house where he was born lies just outside the main village centre. His cottage is now owned by the National Trust and is open to the public.
When heading for Higher Bockhampton the signs for Kingston Maurward Animal Park and Gardens cannot be missed, this fabulous house was built for George Pitt a cousin of William Pitt the Elder in 1720. The beautiful garden is set amongst 35 acres of classical 18th century parkland and lawns which sweep majestically down to the lake. Laid out in the ‘Jardin Anglais’ style popularised by Capability Brown, the garden consists of a matrix of small gardens each with its own theme, lakeside walks and a delightful ornamental walled garden.
At the Animal Park, you can have fun feeding the sheep and goats, get up close to wild deer, alpacas, fluffy rabbits and meet the park’s farmyard friends - cows, pigs, chickens, ducks and more.
A perfect day out for all the family, you can take a picnic if the weather is good, or you can visit the Coach House Café in the main house for a wide range of hot and cold drinks and snacks.
If you continue along the A35 you’ll soon cross the River Piddle and reach the village of Tolpuddle, which will always be symbolic of the struggle for freedom by which poor labouring men began to forge our democratic processes. In 1834 six agricultural labourers from Tolpuddle were sentenced to seven years deportation for administering illegal oaths while founding a trade union.
After this high point in history, the Piddle Valley has become a more peaceful place, ideal for a rural holiday.
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