Talk

An Imaginary Walk through 17th Century Dorchester

15 May 2023, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

In the early 17th century, Dorchester was seen by many as a hotbed of the Puritan revolution. Through an imaginary walk through the town, we will see how Durnovarians were affected by and contributed to, the cataclysmic national events that would eventually lead to the English Civil War. We will also see how the high and the low-born dealt with the everyday tribulations of hunger, sickness, and crime.

After an informative talk with slides, we will explore relevant artefacts in Dorset Museum’s galleries.

Brian Bates is a local author and historian. He has written many books on Fordington and Dorchester including ‘Dorchester Remembers the Great War’ and ‘Dorchester’s Great War Prison Camp’.

Important Announcement

On Friday 2nd June 2023 the cafe TASTE at Dorset Museum cafe will be closed from 2pm
for a private function.

  • Opening hours:

    Daily: 9.00am - 4.30pm
    Sunday: 10.00am - 4.00pm
    Bank Holidays: 10.00am - 4.00pm

  • Admissions:

    10% discount for Annual Pass or Day Entry booked online using discount code DM01

    Book now
  • Dorset Museum

    High West Street
    Dorchester DT1 1XA

    View Map


https://www.dorsetmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Dorchester-Walking-Festival.jpg

The Dorchester Walking Festival is a 9-day event taking place from Saturday, 13th May 2023 to Sunday, 21st May during National Walking Month.

A great mix of long and short walks for all abilities and interests. Whether you are a keen hiker or prefer a gentle stroll, the programme will include something for everyone – all ages and abilities.

More info

Community Exhibition

18 February - 22 June 2023

The Art of Seeing: An exhibition of photographs by Dorchester Camera Club

The Club is delighted to have this opportunity to exhibit some of their members’ prints in the Dorset Museum together with an audio-visual presentation.

Find out more

Special Exhibition

22 March - 25 June 2023

ARTIST ROOMS Louise Bourgeois

Explore the work of Louise Bourgeois (1911–2010), one of the most important figures of modern and contemporary art. This spring Dorset Museum will show a major presentation of her work in this ARTIST ROOMS touring exhibition featuring works jointly owned by Tate and the National Galleries of Scotland.

Find out more

Special Display

29 March - 9 July 2023

PJ Harvey – Orlam

Dorset Museum is now displaying an archive of material relating to PJ Harvey’s verse novel Orlam.

Find out more

ArtyFacts Workshop

4 June 2023, 10:00am-12:00noon

Louise Bourgeois’ Weaving | ArtyFacts

Help us to create a wonderful woven installation in our Sculpture Courtyard inspired by spider's webs and the artworks of Louise Bourgeois.

Find out more

FULLY BOOKED

4 June 2023, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Dorchester Through the Lens of Thomas Hardy | Mark Chutter

Join Mark Chutter, Chairman and Academic Director of the Thomas Hardy Society, to explore how Hardy presents the town of Dorchester in his writing.

Find out more

Tours

10 June 2023, 10:00am - 12:00noon

Roman Town House Tours

A guided tour of one of the best examples of a Roman Town House in England.

Find out more

Tours

17 June 2023, 10:00am - 12:00noon

Roman Town House Tours

A guided tour of one of the best examples of a Roman Town House in England.

Find out more

Tours

21 June 2023, 2:00pm - 2:45pm

Collections Discovery Centre Tour

Join our Collections Team for an opportunity to explore behind the scenes in the Museum’s Collections Discovery Centre.

Find out more

Museum after hours

22 June 2023, 5:00pm - 6:30pm

FREE | Museum After Hours

Join us for an opportunity to explore the Museum at this FREE late opening.

Find out more