History of Shaftesbury
Shaftesbury was founded about AD 800 by Alfred the Great, and set on a hill top to the far north of Dorset has more to offer its visitors. Because of its elevated situation it is renowned for its views from Park Walk across the Blackmore Vale.
Close to Park Walk and the town centre are Shaftesbury Abbey and Gold Hill Museum & Garden.
Shaftesbury Abbey
The Abbey is situated on the site of the Benedictine nunnery founded by King Alfred in 888AD, and it lasted until the mid 16th century. Since 1985 the site has been restored as a walled garden, and it is just possible to trace the foundations of the original Norman Church.
Several excavations have taken place over the past 150 years and the museum displays a collection of artefacts and carved stonework from the Norman abbey.
Gold Hill Shaftesbury
Gold Hill museum traces the history of 'Shastonians' with many examples of their clothing, tools and domestic belongings.
The small town centre has a good range of shopping, eating and drinking opportunities and a recently opened Tesco supermarket. On Thursdays there is a market in the High Street and a country market in the Town Hall where a farmers market is held monthly.
A well supported annual event is the Gold Hill Fair, which in 2009 takes place on 4th and 5th July.
Shaftesbury Railway Station
Shaftesbury nearest railway station is 5 miles away at Gillingham and there is a regular bus service from Salisbury and a less frequent service from Yeovil via Sherborne and Wincanton.
Highest village in Dorset
Just 6 miles south of Shaftesbury is the village of Ashmore, at 700ft the highest in Dorset. The village is best known for its large attractive pond, but unfortunately without the village pub overlooking it.
The journey from Shaftesbury to Ashmore takes you along the B3081 road and up Zig Zag Hill. In 2006 this stretch of road was declared as Britain's bendiest road by a leading tyre manufacturer.
