Beneath the tranquil charm of Dorchester on Thames lies a remarkably rich
archaeological and historical heritage, for it was once an important Roman town,
the first ecclesiastical centre of Wessex and the seat of Anglo-Saxon bishops.
Today, the superb medieval Abbey church, still one
of the most significant buildings of the Upper Thames
Valley, dominates the delightful gathering of timbered
houses, thatched cottages and ancient inns.
Within the Abbey confines are the Abbey Guesthouse,
the only surviving monastic building, which once
accomodated pilgrims and now houses an interesting
museum, giftshop and tearooms, and over the site
of the original monastery are the attractive Cloister
Gardens and Cloister Gallery.
An impressive Victorian lychgate connects the Abbey
grounds to the High Street which forms the central artery
of the village and is framed by a variety of outstanding
period buildings. Many date back to the 17th and 18th
centuries when Dorchester was an important stage-
coach stop on the London to Oxford highroad. There were
no less than ten inns here in the 18th century and two
notable coaching inns, the George and the White Hart,
retain much of their old architecture and character.
Away from the main street, a complex of lanes
and paths reveal some charming old stone and
thatched cottages. Branching around and
beyond the village are a selection of pleasant
walks: past the remains of Dorchester’s earlier
settlements; along glorious riverside scenery
and up to Wittenham Clumps on the Sinodun
Hills, which
offer commanding views over the River
Thames
and Oxfordshire
countryside.
Lying at the heart of the Upper Thames Valley, Dorchester is surrounded
by many scenic and ancient attractions, yet it still stands out as an
exceptionally beautiful and historic village.
Revised 19/06/2006 © 2006 DOTWeb