Dorset#Toponymy

Dorset derives its name from the county town of Dorchester.{{cite web |url=http://www.oxfordreference.com/pages/Subjects_and_Titles__2B_05 |title=A Dictionary of British Place-Names |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2003 |first=A.D. |last=Mills |access-date=15 May 2012 |archive-date=6 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110406104255/http://www.oxfordreference.com/pages/Subjects_and_Titles__2B_05 |url-status=live}}{{subscription required}} The Romans established the settlement in the 1st century and named it Durnovaria which was a Latinised version of a Common Brittonic word possibly meaning "place with fist-sized pebbles". The Saxons named the town Dornwaraceaster (the suffix {{lang|ang|-ceaster}} being the Old English name for a "Roman town"; cf. Exeter and Gloucester) and Dornsæte came into use as the name for the inhabitants of the area from Dorn (a reduced form of Dornwaraceaster) and the Old English word {{lang|ang|sæte}} (meaning "people").Yorke (p. 84) The same ending can also be seen in the neighbouring Somerset. It is first mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle in AD 845 and in the 10th century the county's archaic name, Dorseteschyre (Dorsetshire), was first recorded.{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetcountymuseum.org/dorsetcountyboundarysurvey |title=Dorset County Boundary Survey |publisher=Dorset County Museum |year=2010 |access-date=15 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712001143/http://www.dorsetcountymuseum.org/dorsetcountyboundarysurvey |archive-date=12 July 2012 |url-status=dead}}

{{Main|History of Dorset}}

The first human visitors to Dorset were Mesolithic hunters, from around 8000 BC.Putnam (p. 15)Cullingford (p. 13) The first permanent Neolithic settlers appeared around 3000 BC and were responsible for the creation of the Dorset Cursus, a {{convert|10.5|km|adj=on}} monument for ritual or ceremonial purposes.Putnam (p. 19)Cullingford (p. 14) From 2800 BC onwards Bronze Age farmers cleared Dorset's woodlands for agricultural use and Dorset's high chalk hills provided a location for numerous round barrows.{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/339547 |title=Cultural History |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=24 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710145637/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/339547 |archive-date=10 July 2011 |url-status=live}}Cullingford (p. 15) During the Iron Age, the British tribe known as the Durotriges established a series of hill forts across the county—most notably Maiden Castle which is one of the largest in Europe.Cullingford (pp. 16–17){{PastScape|mnumber=451864|mname=Maiden Castle|year=2007|access-date=12 February 2011}}

The Romans arrived in Dorset during their conquest of Britain in AD 43. Maiden Castle was captured by the Legio II Augusta under the command of Vespasian, and the Roman settlement of Durnovaria was established nearby.Cullingford (pp. 18–19){{cite web |year=2007 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/vespasian.shtml |title=Vespasian (9 AD – 79 AD) |publisher=BBC |access-date=2 April 2008 |archive-date=21 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130421201934/http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/vespasian.shtml |url-status=live}} Bokerley Dyke, a large defensive ditch built by the county's post-Roman inhabitants near the border with modern-day Hampshire, delayed the advance of the Saxons into Dorset for almost 150 years.Cullingford (p. 26) It appears to have been re-fortified during this period, with the former Roman Road at Ackling Dyke also being blocked by the Britons, apparently to prevent the West Saxon advance into Dorset.{{Cite book |last=Hinton |first=David A. |title=Saxons and Vikings |publisher=Dovecote Press |year=1998 |isbn=1874336504 |pages=19}}

However, by the end of the 7th century Dorset had fallen under Saxon control and been incorporated into the Kingdom of Wessex.Draper (p. 142) The precise details of this West Saxon conquest and how it took place are not clear, but it appears to have substantially taken place by the start of the reign of Caedwalla in 685.{{Cite book |last=Yorke |first=Barbara |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BC6EAgAAQBAJ&q=yorke+kings+and+kingship |title=Kings and Kingdoms of Early Anglo-Saxon England |date=2002 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-134-70725-6 |pages=137 |language=en}} The Saxons established a diocese at Sherborne (later to develop into the Diocese of Salisbury) and Dorset was made a shire—an administrative district of Wessex and predecessor to the English county system—with borders that have changed little since.Cullingford (p. 28) In 789 the first recorded Viking attack on the British Isles took place in Dorset on the Portland coast, and they continued to raid into the county for the next two centuries.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/timeline/vikinganglosaxons_timeline_noflash.shtml |title=Vikings and Anglo-Saxons |publisher=BBC |year=2012 |access-date=13 May 2012 |archive-date=23 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423064907/http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/timeline/vikinganglosaxons_timeline_noflash.shtml |url-status=live}}Cullingford (pp. 30–36)

After the Norman Conquest in 1066, feudal rule was established in Dorset and the bulk of the land was divided between the Crown and ecclesiastical institutions.Cullingford (pp. 37–38) The Normans consolidated their control over the area by constructing castles at Corfe, Wareham and Dorchester in the early part of the 12th century.Cullingford (p. 43) Over the next 200 years Dorset's population grew substantially and additional land was enclosed for farming to provide the extra food required.Cullingford (p. 52) The wool trade, the quarrying of Purbeck Marble and the busy ports of Weymouth, Melcombe Regis, Lyme Regis and Bridport brought prosperity to the county.Cullingford (pp. 52–54) However, Dorset was devastated by the bubonic plague in 1348 which arrived in Melcombe Regis on a ship from Gascony.Cullingford (pp. 54–55) The disease, more commonly known as the Black Death, created an epidemic that spread rapidly and wiped out a third of the population of the country.Cullingford (pp. 55–56)Hilliam (p. 17) Dorset came under the political influence of a number of different nobles during the Middle Ages. During the Wars of the Roses, for instance, Dorset came into the area influenced by Humphrey Stafford, earl of Devon (originally of Hooke, Dorset) whose wider influence stretched from Cornwall to Wiltshire. After 1485, one of the most influential Dorset figures was Henry VII's chamberlain Giles Daubeney.{{Cite book |last=Stansfield-Cudworth |first=R. E. |title=Political Elites in South-West England, 1450–1500: Politics, Governance, and the Wars of the Roses |publisher=Edwin Mellen Press |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-77344-714-1 |location=Lewiston, New York |pages=191–225, 317–321}}

{{Further|Dorset in the English Civil War}}

File:Corfe Castle3.jpg, captured and destroyed by Cromwell's army in 1646]]

The dissolution of the monasteries (1536–1541) met little resistance in Dorset and many of the county's abbeys, including Shaftesbury, Cerne and Milton, were sold to private owners.Cullingford (pp. 59–60) In 1642, at the commencement of the English Civil War, the Royalists took control of the entire county apart from Poole and Lyme Regis. However, within three years their gains had been almost entirely reversed by the Parliamentarians.Cullingford (pp. 68–69) An uprising of Clubmen—vigilantes weary of the depredations of the war—took place in Dorset in 1645. Some 2,000 of these rebels offered battle to Lord Fairfax's Parliamentary army at Hambledon Hill but they were easily routed.Cullingford (pp. 70–71)Hilliam (pp. 144–145) Sherborne Castle was taken by Fairfax that same year and in 1646 Corfe Castle, the last remaining Royalist stronghold in Dorset, was captured after an act of betrayal: both were subsequently slighted.Yarrow (p. 26) The Duke of Monmouth's unsuccessful attempt to overthrow James II began when he landed at Lyme Regis in 1685.Cullingford (p. 75) A series of trials known as the Bloody Assizes took place to punish the rebels. Over a five-day period in Dorchester, Judge Jeffreys presided over 312 cases: 74 of the accused were executed, 175 were sentenced to penal transportation, and nine were publicly whipped.Cullingford (p. 78) In 1686, at Charborough Park, a meeting took place to plot the downfall of James II of England. This meeting was effectively the start of the Glorious Revolution.Cullingford (p. 80)

During the 18th century, much smuggling took place along the Dorset coast; its coves, caves and sandy beaches provided opportunities for gangs such as the Hawkhursts to stealthily bring smuggled goods ashore.Cullingford (p. 99) Poole became Dorset's busiest port and established prosperous trade links with the fisheries of Newfoundland which supported cloth, rope and net manufacturing industries in the surrounding towns and villages.Cullingford (p. 92) However, the Industrial Revolution largely bypassed Dorset which lacked coal resources and as a consequence the county remained predominantly agricultural.Cullingford (p. 105)Draper (p. 143){{cite web |url=http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/data_cube_page.jsp?data_theme=T_LAND&data_cube=N_LAND2001&u_id=10104210&c_id=10001043&add=Y |title=Agriculture and Land Use |work=A Vision of Britain Through Time |publisher=University of Portsmouth |access-date=8 March 2011 |archive-date=28 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628203312/http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/data_cube_page.jsp?data_theme=T_LAND&data_cube=N_LAND2001&u_id=10104210&c_id=10001043&add=Y |url-status=live}} Farming has always been central to the economy of Dorset and the county became the birthplace of the modern trade union movement when, in 1834, six farm labourers formed a union to protest against falling wages. The labourers, who are now known as the Tolpuddle Martyrs, were subsequently arrested for administering "unlawful oaths" and sentenced to transportation but they were pardoned following massive protests by the working classes.Hilliam (p. 10)Cullingford (pp. 114–116)

The Dorsetshire Regiment were the first British unit to face a gas attack during the First World War (1914–1918) and they sustained particularly heavy losses at the Battle of the Somme.Cullingford (p. 133){{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-13154655 |work=BBC News |title=Somme memorial to Dorset World War I soldiers |date=21 April 2011 |access-date=13 May 2012 |archive-date=22 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110422084200/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-13154655 |url-status=live}} In total some 4,500 Dorset servicemen died in the war and of the county's towns and villages, only one, Langton Herring, known as a Thankful Village, had no residents killed.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15671943 |work=BBC News |title=Thankful villages: The places where everyone came back from the wars |date=11 November 2011 |access-date=17 May 2012 |archive-date=11 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111131118/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15671943 |url-status=live}} During the Second World War (1939–1945) Dorset was heavily involved in the preparations for the invasion of Normandy: beach landing exercises were carried out at Studland and Weymouth and the village of Tyneham was requisitioned for army training.Cullingford (p. 134){{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2009/05/18/dday_exercise_smash_feature.shtml |title=BBC Local – Dorset |publisher=BBC |access-date=1 April 2011 |archive-date=7 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307075923/http://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2009/05/18/dday_exercise_smash_feature.shtml |url-status=live}} Tens of thousands of troops departed Weymouth, Portland and Poole harbours during the D-Day Normandy landings and gliders from RAF Tarrant Rushton dropped troops near Caen to begin Operation Tonga.

Dorset experienced an increase in holiday-makers after the war.Cullingford (p. 135) First popularised as a tourist destination by George III's frequent visits to Weymouth, the county's coastline, seaside resorts and its sparsely populated rural areas attract millions of visitors each year.{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/370025 |title=Key facts – tourism |work=Dorset For You |year=2005 |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=2 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003124948/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/370025 |archive-date=3 October 2011 |url-status=dead}} With farming declining across the country, tourism has edged ahead as the primary revenue-earning sector.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/panorama/archive/1255030.stm |title=Panorama – Farming in Decline |date=1 April 2001 |publisher=BBC |access-date=16 February 2012}}

{{See also|List of places in Dorset|List of settlements in Dorset by population}}

{{Location map+|Dorset

|caption = Some of the larger settlements of Dorset

|float = right

|width = 300

|places =

{{Location map~|Dorset

|label = {{nowrap|Bournemouth}}

|long = -1.8809212

|lat = 50.720407

|position=bottom

|background =white

|marksize=10

}}

{{Location map~|Dorset

|label = Poole

|long = -1.983333

|lat = 50.74

|position=left

|background =white

|marksize=10

}}

{{Location map~|Dorset

|label = Christchurch

|long = -1.78000

|lat = 50.73000

|position=top

|background =white

|label_size=85

}}

{{Location map~|Dorset

|label = Weymouth

|long = -2.4592041

|lat = 50.609909

|position=left

|background =white

|label_size=85

}}

{{Location map~|Dorset

|label = Blandford Forum

|long = -2.1588195

|lat = 50.862645

|position=left

|background =white

|label_size=85

}}

{{Location map~|Dorset

|label = Sherborne

|long = -2.5216795

|lat = 50.949320

|background =white

|label_size=85

}}

{{Location map~|Dorset

|label = Dorchester

|long = -2.4415545

|lat = 50.711905

|position=bottom

|background =white

|label_size=85

}}

{{Location map~|Dorset

|label = Bridport

|long = -2.7580196

|lat = 50.733565

|background =white

|label_size=85

}}

{{Location map~|Dorset

|label = Wimborne

|long = -1.978

|lat = 50.804

|position = top

|background =white

|label_size=85

}}

{{Location map~|Dorset

|label = Verwood

|long = -1.88

|lat = 50.8817

|position=top

|background =white

|label_size=85

}}

{{Location map~|Dorset

|label = Gillingham

|long = -2.272

|lat = 51.0375

|position=left

|background =white

|label_size=85

}}

{{Location map~|Dorset

|label = Shaftesbury

|long = -2.198

|lat = 51.0066

|position= right

|background =white

|label_size=85

}}

}}

Dorset is largely rural with many small villages, few large towns and no cities.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-13539202 |title=Bournemouth Bids for Queen's Jubilee City Status |work=BBC News |date=25 May 2011 |access-date=2 June 2011 |archive-date=28 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110528054732/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-13539202 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Dorset's Minerals Core Strategy |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=156450&filetype=pdf |format=PDF |page=20 |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=20 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101208203423/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=156450&filetype=pdf |archive-date=8 December 2010 |url-status=dead}} The only major urban area is the South East Dorset conurbation, which is situated at the south-eastern end of the county and is atypical of the county as a whole. It consists of the seaside resort of Bournemouth, the historic port and borough of Poole, the towns of Christchurch and Ferndown plus many surrounding villages.{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/390949 |title=Joint Study Reports |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=2 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110701114620/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/390949 |archive-date=1 July 2011}}{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=90980&filetype=pdf |title=South East Dorset Strategy |publisher=Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Partnership |format=PDF |page=2 |date=November 2005 |access-date=2 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001200539/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=90980&filetype=pdf |archive-date=1 October 2011 |url-status=dead}} Bournemouth, the most populous town in the conurbation, was established in the Georgian era when sea bathing became popular.{{cite web |url=http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/PlanningBuildings/ConservationDesignTrees/Conservation/historyofbournemouth.aspx |title=History of Bournemouth |publisher=Bournemouth Borough Council |access-date=4 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910184420/http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/PlanningBuildings/ConservationDesignTrees/Conservation/historyofbournemouth.aspx |archive-date=10 September 2011 |url-status=dead}} Poole, the second largest settlement (once the largest town in the county), adjoins Bournemouth to the west and contains the suburb of Sandbanks which has some of the highest land values by area in the world.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/dorset/4440107.stm |title=Island on the market for £2.5 million |publisher=BBC Dorset |access-date=13 April 2005 |date=13 April 2005 |archive-date=27 October 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051027033625/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/dorset/4440107.stm |url-status=live}}

The other two major settlements in the county are Dorchester, which has been the county town since at least 1305,{{cite web |url=http://www.dorchester-tc.gov.uk/About+Us/Civic+History/The+Mayoralty/The+Mayor+Making+Ceremony |title=The Mayor Making Ceremony |publisher=Dorchester Town Council |year=2007 |access-date=2 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725033724/http://www.dorchester-tc.gov.uk/About+Us/Civic+History/The+Mayoralty/The+Mayor+Making+Ceremony |archive-date=25 July 2011 |url-status=live}} and Weymouth, a major seaside resort since the 18th century.{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/344863 |title=Population – Key Facts |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |year=2009 |access-date=4 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928041332/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/344863 |archive-date=28 September 2011 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/343610 |title=Weymouth |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |year=2009 |access-date=4 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930113143/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/343610 |archive-date=30 September 2011 |url-status=live}} Blandford Forum, Sherborne, Gillingham, Shaftesbury and Sturminster Newton are historic market towns which serve the farms and villages of the Blackmore Vale in north Dorset.{{cite web |url=http://www.visit-dorset.com/site/explore-dorset/towns/market-towns |title=Market Towns |publisher=Destination Dorset |year=2010 |access-date=4 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129210738/http://www.visit-dorset.com/about-the-area/towns/market-towns |archive-date=29 January 2012 |url-status=live}} Beaminster and Bridport are situated in the west of the county; Verwood and the historic Saxon market towns of Wareham and Wimborne Minster are located to the east. Lyme Regis and Swanage are small coastal towns popular with tourists.{{cite web |url=http://www.visit-dorset.com/site/explore-dorset/towns/seaside-towns |title=Seaside Towns |publisher=Destination Dorset |year=2010 |access-date=4 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129182619/http://www.visit-dorset.com/about-the-area/towns/coastal-towns |archive-date=29 January 2012 |url-status=live}} Under construction on the western edge of Dorchester is the experimental new town of Poundbury commissioned and co-designed by Charles III when he was Prince of Wales.{{cite web |title=Poundbury |url=http://www.duchyofcornwall.org/designanddevelopment_poundbury.htm |publisher=Duchy of Cornwall |access-date=10 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070822172556/http://www.duchyofcornwall.org/designanddevelopment_poundbury.htm |archive-date=22 August 2007 |url-status=dead}} The suburb, which is expected to be fully completed by 2025, was designed to integrate residential and retail buildings and counter the growth of dormitory towns and car-oriented development.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/features/3637310/Poundbury-can-Prince-Charles-change-the-way-we-build.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |title=Poundbury: can Prince Charles change the way we build? |date=15 July 2008 |access-date=2 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101009145259/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/features/3637310/Poundbury-can-Prince-Charles-change-the-way-we-build.html |archive-date=9 October 2010 |url-status=live |location=London |first=Clive |last=Aslet}}

{{main|Geography of Dorset|Geology of Dorset|List of hills of Dorset|South West Hampshire/South East Dorset Green Belt}}

Dorset covers an area of {{convert|2653|km2|sqmi|0}} and contains considerable variety in its underlying geology, which is partly responsible for the diversity of landscape.{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=154835&filetype=pdf |title=Dorset Data Book |format=PDF |page=8 |year=2010 |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=7 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110404161736/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=154835&filetype=pdf |archive-date=4 April 2011 |url-status=dead}}Draper (p. 136)Chaffey (p. 5) A large percentage (66%) of the county comprises either chalk, clay or mixed sand and gravels. The remainder is less straightforward and includes Portland and Purbeck stone, other limestones, calcareous clays and shales. Draper (pp. 136–137) Portland and Purbeck stone are of national importance as a building material and for restoring some of Britain's most famous landmarks.{{cite web |title=Dorset's Minerals Core Strategy |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=156450&filetype=pdf |format=PDF |page=22 |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=20 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101208203423/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=156450&filetype=pdf |archive-date=8 December 2010 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Planning for Minerals and Waste (newsletter number 8) |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=165006&filetype=pdf |format=PDF |page=3 |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=26 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929223938/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=165006&filetype=pdf |archive-date=29 September 2011 |url-status=dead}} Almost every type of rock known from the Early Jurassic to the Eocene epochs can be found in the county.Chaffey (p. 9)

File:Dorset Geology.png

Dorset has a number of limestone ridges which are mostly covered in either arable fields or calcareous grassland supporting sheep.Cullingford (p. 91) These limestone areas include a wide band of Cretaceous chalk which crosses the county as a range of hills from north-east to south-west, incorporating Cranborne Chase and the Dorset Downs, and a narrow band running from south-west to south-east, incorporating the Purbeck Hills.Chaffey (p. 43)Chaffey (p. 11) Between the chalk hills are large, wide vales and wide flood plains.{{cite web |url=http://maps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyviewer_google/googleviewer.html |title=Geology of Britain Viewer |publisher=British Geological Survey |access-date=14 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727004018/http://maps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyviewer_google/googleviewer.html |archive-date=27 July 2011}} These vales are dotted with small villages, farms and coppices, and include the Blackmore Vale (Stour valley) and the Frome valley.Chaffey (p. 30) The Blackmore Vale is composed of older Jurassic deposits, largely clays interspersed with limestones, and has traditionally been a centre for dairy agriculture.Wightman (p. 15) South-east Dorset, including the lower Frome valley and around Poole and Bournemouth, comprises younger Eocene deposits, mainly sands and clays of poor agricultural quality.Wightman (pp. 22–25) The soils created from these deposits support a heathland habitat which sustains all six native British reptile species.{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/336264 |title=Dorset's Heathland Reptiles |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=8 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004070541/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/336264 |archive-date=4 October 2011 |url-status=live}} Most of the Dorset heathland has Site of Special Scientific Interest status, with three areas designated as internationally important Ramsar sites.{{cite web |url=http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/135_Dorset_Heaths_tcm6-32146.pdf |title=Dorset Heaths Key Facts & Data |publisher=Natural England |access-date=22 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904114808/http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/135_Dorset_Heaths_tcm6-32146.pdf |archive-date=4 September 2012 |url-status=live}} In the far west of the county and along the coast there are frequent changes in rock strata, which appear in a less obviously sequential way compared to the landscapes of the chalk and the heath.Wightman (pp. 10, 19) In the west this results in a hilly landscape of diverse character that resembles that of neighbouring county Devon.Wightman (p. 10) Marshwood Vale, a valley of Lower Lias clay at the western tip of the county,Ensom (p. 21) lies to the south of the two highest points in Dorset: Lewesdon Hill at {{convert|279|m|ft}}{{sfn|Bathurst|2012|pp=119-125}} and Pilsdon Pen at {{convert|277|m|ft}}.{{sfn|Chaffey|2004|p=54}}

A former river valley flooded by rising sea levels 6,000 years ago, Poole Harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world.{{cite news |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/features/snapshotsofthepast/8721696.Harbour_masters/ |title=Harbour Masters |newspaper=Bournemouth Daily Echo |access-date=12 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915145638/http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/features/snapshotsofthepast/8721696.Harbour_masters/ |archive-date=15 September 2011 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.phc.co.uk/about.html |title=About Us |publisher=Poole Harbour Commissioners |access-date=14 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921054711/http://www.phc.co.uk/about.html |archive-date=21 September 2008 |url-status=live}}

The harbour is very shallow in places and contains a number of islands, notably Brownsea Island, the birthplace of the Scouting movement and one of the few remaining sanctuaries for indigenous red squirrels in England.{{cite web |url=http://www.pooleharbouraqmp.co.uk/pdf/ph_amp2006_Chapter_5.pdf |title=Nature Conservation and Landscape |pages=1–2 |year=2006 |work=Poole Harbour Management Plan |publisher=Poole Harbour Commissioners |access-date=11 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110913151443/http://www.pooleharbouraqmp.co.uk/pdf/ph_amp2006_Chapter_5.pdf |archive-date=13 September 2011 |url-status=live}} The harbour, and the chalk and limestone hills of the Isle of Purbeck to the south, lie atop Western Europe's largest onshore oil field.{{cite web |url=http://www.bp.com/liveassets/bp_internet/globalbp/STAGING/global_assets/downloads/U/uk_asset_wytch_farm.pdf |title=Wytch Farm |work=Asset Portfolio |pages=3, 4 |publisher=BP |access-date=8 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011111645/http://www.bp.com/liveassets/bp_internet/globalbp/STAGING/global_assets/downloads/U/uk_asset_wytch_farm.pdf |archive-date=11 October 2007 |url-status=dead}} The field, operated by Perenco from Wytch Farm, has the world's oldest continuously pumping well at Kimmeridge which has been producing oil since the early 1960s.Cullingford (p. 122)

File:Lulworth Cove from Hambury Tout - geograph.org.uk - 4158867.jpg from Hambury Tout, on the Jurassic Coast]]

Dorset's diverse geography ensures it has an assortment of rivers, although a moderate annual rainfall coupled with rolling hills, means most are typically lowland in nature.Wright (p. 7) Much of the county drains into three rivers, the Frome, Piddle and Stour which all flow to the sea in a south-easterly direction.Wright (pp. 6–7) The Frome and Piddle are chalk streams but the Stour, which rises in Wiltshire to the north, has its origins in clay soil.Wright (pp. 7–14) The River Avon, which flows mainly through Wiltshire and Hampshire, enters Dorset towards the end of its journey at Christchurch Harbour.Wright (pp. 16–17) The rivers Axe and Yeo, which principally drain the counties of Devon and Somerset respectively, have their sources in the north-west of the county. In the south-west, a number of small rivers run into the sea along the Dorset coastline; most notable of these are the Char, Brit, Bride and Wey.Wright (pp. 6, 17)

Most of Dorset's coastline is part of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site, which stretches for {{convert|155|km}}{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=1029 |title=UNESCO Dorset and East Devon Coast |author= |year=2012 |work=web page |publisher=UNESCO |access-date=13 December 2012 |archive-date=22 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070222211325/https://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=1029 |url-status=live}} between Studland and Exmouth in Devon. This coast documents the entire Mesozoic era, from Triassic to Cretaceous, and is noted for its geological landforms.{{cite news |title=Jurassic coast is world wonder |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/1708397.stm |work=BBC News |access-date=12 August 2009 |date=13 December 2001 |archive-date=21 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221003555/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/1708397.stm |url-status=live}} The Dorset section has yielded important fossils, including Jurassic trees and the first complete Ichthyosaur, discovered near Lyme Regis in 1811 by Mary Anning. The county features some notable coastal landforms, including examples of a cove (Lulworth Cove), a natural arch (Durdle Door) and chalk stacks (Old Harry Rocks).{{cite web |url=http://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/aboutthepath/description/dorset/ |title=Path Description – Dorset |publisher=South West Footpath Association |access-date=13 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809182717/http://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/aboutthepath/description/dorset/ |archive-date=9 August 2011 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.jurassiccoast.com/380/the-coast-uncovered-30/geo-highlights-226/old-harry-rocks-the-end-of-the-story-623.html |title=Old Harry Rocks |publisher=Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site |access-date=18 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090828082548/http://www.jurassiccoast.com/380/the-coast-uncovered-30/geo-highlights-226/old-harry-rocks-the-end-of-the-story-623.html |archive-date=28 August 2009 |url-status=dead}} Jutting out into the English Channel at roughly the midpoint of the Dorset coastline is the Isle of Portland, a limestone island that is connected to the mainland by Chesil Beach, a {{convert|27|km|adj=on}} long shingle barrier beach protecting The Fleet, Britain's largest tidal lagoon.{{cite web |url=http://www.westdorset.com/site/group-travel/itineraries/jurassic-jewels |title=Jewels of the Jurassic Coast |publisher=West Dorset District Council |access-date=13 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703155333/http://www.westdorset.com/site/group-travel/itineraries/jurassic-jewels |archive-date=3 July 2007 |url-status=live}}Chaffey (pp. 68–70)

The county has one of the highest proportions of conservation areas in England, and two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) cover 53% of the administrative county.{{cite web |url=http://www.swo.org.uk/EasysiteWeb/getresource.axd?AssetID=45845&type=full&servicetype=Inline |title=Dorset, Bournemouth, Poole Brief |page=1 |date=May 2010 |format=PDF |publisher=South West Observatory |access-date=19 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802075121/http://www.swo.org.uk/EasysiteWeb/getresource.axd?AssetID=45845&type=full&servicetype=Inline |archive-date=2 August 2012 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/363371 |title=Planning constraints |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=19 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106073420/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/363371 |archive-date=6 January 2011 |url-status=live}} It has two heritage coasts totalling {{convert|92|km|mi}}, and Sites of Special Scientific Interest covering {{convert|199|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on}}.{{cite web |year=2007 |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/index.jsp?articleid=332789 |title=Length of coastline and coastal designations |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=25 July 2007 |archive-date=27 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927201635/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/index.jsp?articleid=332789 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |year=2007 |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/index.jsp?articleid=332782 |title=Nature Conservation Designations – SSSIs |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=25 July 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927201809/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/index.jsp?articleid=332782 |archive-date=27 September 2007 |url-status=live}} The South West Coast Path, a National Trail, begins at South Haven Point at the entrance to Poole Harbour.{{cite web |url=http://www.magazine.ordnancesurveyleisure.co.uk/magazine/tscontent/editorials/walking/2011/south-west-coast-path.html |title=The South West Coast Path |publisher=Ordnance Survey |access-date=30 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111014043924/http://www.magazine.ordnancesurveyleisure.co.uk/magazine/tscontent/editorials/walking/2011/south-west-coast-path.html |archive-date=14 October 2011}} There are also substantial areas of green belt surrounding the South East Dorset conurbation, filling in the area between this and the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB.

{{climate chart|Weymouth, Dorset

| 4.5| 9.0|84.3

| 4.1| 8.9|60.5

| 5.2|10.6|58.1

| 6.6|12.9|52.4

| 9.3|15.7|44.6

|12.0|18.1|45.9

|14.0|20.0|40.7

|14.4|20.3|55.4

|12.7|18.7|54.9

|10.4|15.5|82.7

| 7.4|12.2|98.7

| 5.1| 9.7|92.2

|float=right|clear=right

|source=Met Office, 1991–2020{{cite web | year = 2021 | url = https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/climate/maps-and-data/uk-climate-averages/gbypzdmp7 | title = Station: Weymouth, Wyke Regis | publisher = Meteorological (Met) Office | access-date =1 August 2022}}

}}

Dorset's climate of warm summers and mild winters is partly due to its position on Britain's south coast. The third most southerly county in the UK, Dorset is less affected by the more intense Atlantic winds than Cornwall and Devon. Dorset, along with the entire South West England, has higher winter temperatures, average {{convert|4.5|to|8.7|C|F}}, than the rest of the United Kingdom.{{cite web |year=2001 |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/tmean/16.gif |title=Mean Temperature Winter Average |publisher=Met Office |access-date=14 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070109072339/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/tmean/16.gif |archive-date=9 January 2007 |url-status=dead}} However, Dorset maintains higher summer temperatures than Devon and Cornwall, with average highs of {{convert|19.1|to|22.2|C|F}}.{{cite web |year=2001 |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/tmax/14.gif |title=Maximum Temperature Summer Average |publisher=Met Office |access-date=14 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070109072700/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/tmax/14.gif |archive-date=9 January 2007 |url-status=dead}} Excluding hills such as the Dorset Downs, the average annual temperature of the county is {{convert|9.8|to|12|C|F}}.{{cite web |year=2001 |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/tmean/17.gif |title=Mean Temperature Annual Average |publisher=Met Office |access-date=14 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070109065731/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/tmean/17.gif |archive-date=9 January 2007 |url-status=dead}}

The south coast counties of Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex, East Sussex and Kent enjoy more sunshine than anywhere else in the United Kingdom, receiving 1,541–1,885 hours a year.{{cite web |year=2001 |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/ss/17.gif |title=Sunshine Duration Annual Average |publisher=Met Office |access-date=14 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061202183238/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/19712000/ss/17.gif |archive-date=2 December 2006 |url-status=dead}} Average annual rainfall varies across the county—southern and eastern coastal areas receive {{convert|700|–|800|mm|in|abbr=on}} per year; the Dorset Downs receive between {{convert|1000|and(-)|1,250|mm|in|abbr=on}} per year; less than much of Devon and Cornwall to the west but more than counties to the east.{{cite web |year=2011 |url=http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/8110_1km/Rainfall_Average_1981-2010_17.gif |title=Rainfall Amount Annual Average 1981–2010 |publisher=Met Office |access-date=7 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107151017/http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/averages/8110_1km/Rainfall_Average_1981-2010_17.gif |archive-date=7 January 2014 |df=dmy-all}}

{{excerpt|Weymouth, Dorset|Climate|only=templates|templates=weather box}}{{clear right}}

{{See also|List of settlements in Dorset by population}}

The 2021 United Kingdom census records Dorset's population as 779,775, of which 51.3% live in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole district.

Dorset's population has a high proportion of older people and a lower than average proportion of young people: According to 2013 mid-year estimates,{{refn|2013 figures are mid year estimates produced by the ONS. Taking the 2011 census as a starting point, each year, the previous year's population is aged by one year, births and deaths are added and removed respectively whilst those leaving the county are subtracted and those moving in are added, each according to age and gender.|group=Note}} 23.6% are over 65 years of age, higher than the England and Wales average of 17.4%, and 18.6% are less than 17 years old, lower than the England and Wales average of 21.3%. The working age population (females and males between 16 and 64) is lower than England and Wales average, 60% compared to 64%.{{cite web |title=The Dorset Economy Key Facts |url=https://www.dorsetforyou.com/411252 |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=8 February 2015 |year=2013 |archive-date=17 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217201705/https://www.dorsetforyou.com/411252 |url-status=live}} Data collected between 2010 and 2012 shows that average life expectancy at birth in the county is 85.3 years for females and 81.2 years for males. This compares favourably with the averages for England and Wales of 82.9 and 79.1 years respectively.{{cite web |url=http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/subnational-health4/life-expec-at-birth-age-65/2006-08-to-2010-12/rft-table-1.xls |title=Life Expectancy at Birth 2006–2008 to 2010–2012; Counties in England (Males and Females) |year=2012 |website=ons.gov.uk |publisher=Office for National Statistics |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20150108151735/http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/subnational-health4/life-expec-at-birth-age-65/2006-08-to-2010-12/rft-table-1.xls |archive-date=8 January 2015 |access-date=13 February 2015 }}

More than 33% of the county's population possess a level 4 qualification or above, such as a Higher National Diploma, Degree or a Higher Degree; while nearly 6.3% have no qualifications at all.{{cite web |url=https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/la/1941962902/report.aspx?c1=1946157347&c2=1946157353 |title=Dorset Labour Market Profile |year=2013 |publisher=Office for National Statistics |access-date=17 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926212230/https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/la/1941962902/report.aspx?c1=1946157347&c2=1946157353 |archive-date=26 September 2015 |url-status=dead}} Almost 43.7% are employed in a professional or technical capacity (Standard Occupational Classification 2010, groups 1–3), just over 10.3% are administrators or secretaries (group 4), around 12.8% have a skilled trade (group 5), over 18% are employed at a low-level in the care, leisure, sales or customer relations sector (groups 6 and 7) and 14.8% are operatives or in elementary occupations (groups 8 and 9).

{{Historical populations

| title = Historical population of Dorset non-metropolitan county

| align = center | cols = 4

| percentages = pagr

| 1801| 101,857

| 1811| 112,930

| 1821| 129,210

| 1831| 143,443

| 1841| 161,617

| 1851| 169,699

| 1861| 174,255

| 1871| 178,813

| 1881| 183,371

| 1891| 188,700

| 1901| 188,263

| 1911| 190,940

| 1921| 193,543

| 1931| 198,105

| 1941| 214,700

| 1951| 233,206

| 1961| 259,751

| 1971| 292,811

| 1981| 321,676

| 1991| 366,681

| 2001| 390,986

| 2011| 412,905

| footnote = Statistics for the area that comprised the 1997–2009 non-metropolitan county (i.e. Dorset ceremonial county minus the boroughs of Bournemouth and Poole)
Source: Great Britain Historical GIS.{{cite web |url=http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/data_cube_page.jsp?data_theme=T_POP&data_cube=N_TOT_POP&u_id=10104210&c_id=10001043&add=N |title=Dorset Modern (post 1974) County: Total Population |work=A Vision of Britain through time |access-date=10 January 2010 |publisher=University of Portsmouth |archive-date=3 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103170539/http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/data_cube_page.jsp?data_theme=T_POP&data_cube=N_TOT_POP&u_id=10104210&c_id=10001043&add=N |url-status=live}}

}}

{{See also|List of electoral wards in Dorset}}

Local government in Dorset consists of two unitary authorities (UA): Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, which governs the major conurbation comprising the three towns; and Dorset Council which serves the more rural remainder of the county.{{cite web |year=2018 |url=https://futuredorset.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Local-Govt-Review-210X210-Brochure-24pp-Brochure-Web.pdf |title=Local Government Review |work=Future Dorset |author=Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP |publisher=Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government |access-date=7 April 2019 |archive-date=7 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407073524/https://futuredorset.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Local-Govt-Review-210X210-Brochure-24pp-Brochure-Web.pdf |url-status=live}} For the BCP council, voters choose 76 councillors from 33 wards, with ten wards returning three candidates apiece and 23 wards, two.{{cite web |url=https://s3-eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/lgbce/Reviews/South%20West/Dorset/Bournemouth%2C%20Christchurch%20and%20Poole/Final%20Recs/BCP%20Report%20Web.pdf |title=New Electoral Arrangements for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils - Final Recommendations |date=October 2018 |publisher=The Local Government Boundary Commission for England |access-date=9 April 2019 |archive-date=30 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430151218/http://s3-eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/lgbce/Reviews/South%20West/Dorset/Bournemouth%2C%20Christchurch%20and%20Poole/Final%20Recs/BCP%20Report%20Web.pdf |url-status=live}} Dorset elects 82 councillors representing six three-councillor wards, 18 two-councillor wards and 28 single-councillor wards - 52 wards in total.{{cite web |url=http://www.lgbce.org.uk/media/ward-boundaries-finalised-for-new-dorset-council |title=Ward boundaries finalised for new Dorset Council |date=23 October 2018 |publisher=The Local Government Boundary Commission for England |access-date=9 April 2019 |archive-date=7 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407233942/http://www.lgbce.org.uk/media/ward-boundaries-finalised-for-new-dorset-council |url-status=live}} In both authorities, elections for the entire council occur every four years.{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/792138/Election_Timetable_in_England_2019.pdf |title=Election Timetable in England |publisher=UK Government |access-date=1 June 2019 |archive-date=27 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427004344/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/792138/Election_Timetable_in_England_2019.pdf |url-status=live}}

The two authorities came into existence on 1 April 2019, when Bournemouth and Poole merged with Christchurch, one of six second-tier districts previously governed by Dorset County Council, leaving the other five districts - Weymouth and Portland, West Dorset, North Dorset, Purbeck and East Dorset - to form a second UA.{{cite web |url=https://futuredorset.co.uk/ |title=24th May 2018: Council Leaders welcome "historic day" as Parliamentary process concludes |website=Futuredorset.co.uk |access-date=22 April 2018 |archive-date=31 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180531065217/https://futuredorset.co.uk/ |url-status=dead}}

Dorset County Council was first formed in 1888 by an act of government to govern the newly created administrative county of Dorset which had been based largely on the historic county borders. Dorset became a two-tier non-metropolitan county after a reorganisation of local government in 1974 and its border was extended eastwards to incorporate the former Hampshire towns of Bournemouth and Christchurch.{{refn|Alterations to Dorset's boundary prior to 1974 have been comparatively minor. In 1844 Stockland was transferred to Devon in exchange for Thorncombe and Holwell was gained from Somerset. In 1896 the Somerset villages of Adber, Goathill, Poyntington, Sandford Orcas, Seaborough and Trent were added in exchange for Wambrook while Chardstock, Hawkchurch and Tytherleigh were ceded to Devon.Salmon (pp. 9–10)Darby & Finn (pp. 71–72)|group=Note}}{{cite web |url=http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/census/1991-and-earlier-censuses/census-bicentenary/area-monitors/regions/dorset/dorset-area-monitor.pdf |page=2 |title=200 years of the Census in Dorset |publisher=Office for National Statistics |year=2001 |access-date=25 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111126071144/http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/census/1991-and-earlier-censuses/census-bicentenary/area-monitors/regions/dorset/dorset-area-monitor.pdf |archive-date=26 November 2011 |url-status=live}} Following a review by the Local Government Commission for England, Bournemouth and Poole each became administratively independent single-tier unitary authorities in 1997.{{cite web |url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/5356952.boroughs-tax-payers-face-45-per-cent-rise/ |title=Borough's tax payers face 4.5 per cent rise |date=23 February 2005 |publisher=Bournemouth Echo |access-date=8 April 2019 |archive-date=28 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210528115024/https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/5356952.boroughs-tax-payers-face-45-per-cent-rise/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/8471084.is-it-the-right-time-for-poole-and-bournemouth-to-merge/ |title=Is it the right time for Poole and Bournemouth to merge? |date=23 October 2010 |author=Melanie Vass and James Morton |publisher=Bournemouth Echo |access-date=8 April 2019 |archive-date=10 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410203340/https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/8471084.is-it-the-right-time-for-poole-and-bournemouth-to-merge/ |url-status=live}}

{{see also|List of parliamentary constituencies in Dorset}}

For representation in Parliament Dorset is divided into eight Parliamentary constituencies—five county constituencies and three borough constituencies. At the 2017 general election, the Conservative Party was dominant, taking all eight seats.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2017/results |title=2017 Results (General Election) |publisher=BBC |year=2017 |access-date=14 October 2017 |archive-date=31 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531172514/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2017/results |url-status=live}} The borough constituencies of Bournemouth East, Bournemouth West and Poole were traditionally Conservative safe seats and were all represented by Conservative members of parliament until the 2024 United Kingdom general election when they were all gained by Labour.{{Cite web |title=UK election results 2024 {{!}} Constituency map |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/election/2024/uk/results |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/interactive/2010/apr/07/general-election-2010 |title=Election 2010: Which are the safest seats in Britain? |newspaper=The Guardian |date=7 April 2010 |access-date=9 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410214110/http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/interactive/2010/apr/07/general-election-2010 |archive-date=10 April 2010 |url-status=live |location=London |first=Christine |last=Oliver}}{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000936 |title=Dorset South election results 2017 |publisher=BBC |date=5 May 2017 |access-date=14 October 2017 |archive-date=5 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805061635/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000936 |url-status=live}} The county constituencies of North Dorset and Christchurch are also represented by Conservative MPs. Between 1997 and 2019, West Dorset was represented by Conservative MP Oliver Letwin who was the Minister of State at the Cabinet Office in David Cameron's government.{{cite web |url=http://www.conservatives.com/People/Members_of_Parliament/Letwin_Oliver.aspx |title=Oliver Letwin – Minister for Government Policy |publisher=Conservative Party |access-date=12 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080930091750/http://www.conservatives.com/People/Members_of_Parliament/Letwin_Oliver.aspx |archive-date=30 September 2008 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14001031 |title=Dorset West election results 2017 |publisher=BBC |date=5 May 2017 |access-date=14 October 2017 |archive-date=28 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028185426/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14001031 |url-status=live}} The seat was won by Edward Morello in the 2024.{{Cite web |title=UK election results 2024 {{!}} Constituency map |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/election/2024/uk/results |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

The marginal seat of South Dorset is represented by Lloyd Hatton, who gained the seat from Conservative representative, Richard Drax, in 2024.{{Cite web |title=UK election results 2024 {{!}} Constituency map |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/election/2024/uk/results |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}} The Mid Dorset and North Poole constituency has been represented by the Liberal Democrat MP, Vikki Slade since 2024.{{Cite web |title=UK election results 2024 {{!}} Constituency map |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/election/2024/uk/results |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

In the 2024 general election, the Conservatives held two constituencies in Dorset, while the Liberal Democrats gained two and Labour gained four.

{{Main|Economy of Dorset}}

In 2003 the gross value added (GVA) for the non-metropolitan county was £4,673 million, with an additional £4,705 million for Poole and Bournemouth.{{cite web |year=2003 |url=http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_economy/RegionalGVA.pdf |title=Regional Gross Value Added |publisher=Office for National Statistics |page=249 |access-date=14 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050303060209/http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_economy/RegionalGVA.pdf |archive-date=3 March 2005 |url-status=dead}} The primary sector produced 2.03% of GVA, the secondary sector produced 22.44% and 75.53% came from the tertiary sector. The average GVA for the 16 regions of South West England was £4,693 million.

The principal industry in Dorset was once agriculture. It has not, however, been the largest employer since the mid 19th century as mechanisation substantially reduced the number of workers required.Draper (pp. 105, 143){{cite web |url=http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/data_cube_page.jsp?data_theme=T_IND&data_cube=N_INDUSTRY_GEN&u_id=10104210&c_id=10001043&add=Y |title=Historical Statistics – Industry |work=A Vision of Britain Through Time |publisher=University of Portsmouth |access-date=26 April 2011 |archive-date=24 December 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121224111117/http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/data_cube_page.jsp?data_theme=T_IND&data_cube=N_INDUSTRY_GEN&u_id=10104210&c_id=10001043&add=Y |url-status=live}} Agriculture has become less profitable and the industry has declined further. Within the administrative county between 1995 and 2003, GVA for primary industry (largely agriculture, fishing and quarrying) declined from £229 million to £188 million—7.1% to 4.0%. In 2007, {{convert|2039|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on}} of the county was in agricultural use, up from {{convert|1986|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on}} in 1989, although this was due to an increase in permanent grass, and land set aside.{{cite web |year=2007 |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/332783 |title=Area under crops and grass, 1989–2007 |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=26 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003124657/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/332783 |archive-date=3 October 2011 |url-status=live}} By contrast, in the same period, arable land decreased from {{convert|993|to|916|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on}}. Excluding fowl, sheep are the most common animal stock in the county; between 1989 and 2006 their numbers fell from 252,189 to 193,500. Cattle and pig farming has declined similarly; during the same period the number of cattle fell from 240,413 to 170,700, and pigs from 169,636 to 72,700.{{cite web |year=2007 |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/332785 |title=Livestock 1989–2007 |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=26 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003124744/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/332785 |archive-date=3 October 2011 |url-status=live}}

In 2009 there were 2,340 armed forces personnel stationed in Dorset including the Royal Armoured Corps at Bovington, Royal Signals at Blandford and the Royal Marines at Poole.{{cite web |url=http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/military-in-the-south-west.pdf |title=Military Presence and Economic Significance in the South West Region |page=23 |date=March 2009 |publisher=Wiltshire Council |access-date=7 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091205002634/http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/military-in-the-south-west.pdf |archive-date=5 December 2009 |url-status=dead}} The military presence has had a mixed effect on the local economy, bringing additional employment for civilians, but on occasion having a negative impact on the tourist trade, particularly when popular areas are closed for military manoeuvres.{{cite web |url=http://www.thisisdorset.net/news/1130925.fears_for_4_000_jobs_at_army_base/ |title=Fears for 4000 jobs at army base |date=18 January 2007 |work=Dorset Echo |access-date=6 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927181457/http://www.thisisdorset.net/news/1130925.fears_for_4_000_jobs_at_army_base/ |archive-date=27 September 2011 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media/pdf/5/f/Topic_Paper_Military.pdf |title=Military Activity |pages=2&3 |publisher=Dorset Coast Forum |access-date=6 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101207185355/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media/pdf/5/f/Topic_Paper_Military.pdf |archive-date=7 December 2010 |url-status=live}}

Other major employers in the county include: BAE Systems, Sunseeker International, J.P. Morgan, Cobham plc and Bournemouth University.{{cite web |url=http://www.investindorset.co.uk/economy.html |title=Invest in Dorset – Economy |publisher=Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Economic Partnership |access-date=3 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312000344/http://www.investindorset.co.uk/economy.html |archive-date=12 March 2007 |url-status=dead}} Dorset's three ports, Poole, Weymouth and Portland, and the smaller harbours of Christchurch, Swanage, Lyme Regis, Wareham and West Bay generate a substantial amount of international trade and tourism.{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/21037 |title=Coastal Economy |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=3 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110630015416/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/21037 |archive-date=30 June 2011 |url-status=dead}} Around 230 fishing vessels that predominantly catch crab and lobster are based in Dorset's ports.{{cite web |year=2010 |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=163315&filetype=pdf |title=Fisheries |format=PDF |page=1 |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=30 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001235257/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=163315&filetype=pdf |archive-date=1 October 2011 |url-status=dead}} When the waters around Weymouth and Portland were chosen for the sailing events in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, the area underwent an increased investment in infrastructure and a growth in the marine leisure sector. It is expected that this will continue to have a positive effect on local businesses and tourism.{{cite web |url=http://media.weymouth.gov.uk/docstore/Tourism/POL_20200205_StratConsult.pdf |title=Weymouth and Portland Economic and Tourism Development Strategy |page=14 |publisher=Weymouth and Portland Borough Council |access-date=4 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110821103139/http://media.weymouth.gov.uk/docstore/Tourism/POL_20200205_StratConsult.pdf |archive-date=21 August 2011 |url-status=dead}}

File:Bournemouth 07.JPG; Dorset's coastline is a major attraction for tourists]]

Tourism has grown in Dorset since the late 18th century and is now the predominant industry.{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=8835&filetype=pdf |title=Tourism |format=PDF |page=1 |publisher=Dorset Coastal Forum |access-date=9 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111023409/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=8835&filetype=pdf |archive-date=11 January 2012 |url-status=dead}} It is estimated that 37,500 people work in Dorset's tourism sector.{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=8835&filetype=pdf |title=Tourism |format=PDF |page=3 |publisher=Dorset Coastal Forum |access-date=9 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111023409/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=8835&filetype=pdf |archive-date=11 January 2012 |url-status=dead}} Some 3.2 million British and 326,000 foreign tourists visited the county in 2008, staying a total of 15.1 million nights. In addition there were 14.6 million day visitors. The combined spending of both groups was £1,458 million.{{cite web |title=The Value of Tourism 2008 |url=http://www.swtourismalliance.org.uk/files/download.php?m=documents&f=100419151051-4Dorsetdistricts08.pdf |publisher=South West Tourism Alliance |work=VoT 2008 – 4 Dorset and Districts 2008 |page=1 |access-date=13 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031152518/http://www.swtourismalliance.org.uk/files/download.php?m=documents&f=100419151051-4Dorsetdistricts08.pdf |archive-date=31 October 2012 |url-status=dead}} Towns received 56% of Dorset's day trippers, 27% went to the coast and 17% to the countryside.{{cite web |title=The Value of Tourism 2008 |url=http://www.swtourismalliance.org.uk/files/download.php?m=documents&f=100419151051-4Dorsetdistricts08.pdf |publisher=South West Tourism Alliance |work=VoT 2008 – 4 Dorset and Districts 2008 |page=7 |access-date=13 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031152518/http://www.swtourismalliance.org.uk/files/download.php?m=documents&f=100419151051-4Dorsetdistricts08.pdf |archive-date=31 October 2012 |url-status=dead}} A survey carried out in 1997 concluded that the primary reason tourists were drawn to Dorset was the attractiveness of the county's coast and countryside.{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=8835&filetype=pdf |title=Tourism |format=PDF |page=4 |publisher=Dorset Coastal Forum |access-date=13 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111023409/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=8835&filetype=pdf |archive-date=11 January 2012 |url-status=dead}} Numbers of domestic and foreign tourists have fluctuated in recent years due to various factors including security and economic downturn, a trend reflected throughout the UK.{{cite web |title=UK Tourism Lowest for 7 years |url=http://news.icm.ac.uk/business/uk-tourism-lowest-for-7-years/2726/ |publisher=Institute of Commercial Management |access-date=8 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090721010752/http://news.icm.ac.uk/business/uk-tourism-lowest-for-7-years/2726/ |archive-date=21 July 2009 |url-status=dead}}

Manufacturing industry in Dorset provided 10.3% of employment in 2008. This was slightly above the average for Great Britain but below that of the South West region which was at 10.7% for that period. The sector is the county's fourth largest employer, but a predicted decline suggests there will be 10,200 fewer jobs in manufacturing by 2026.{{cite web |year=2008 |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=141119&filetype=pdf |title=Bournemouth Dorset Poole Workspace Strategy and Delivery Plan |page=60 |publisher=South West Regional Development Agency |format=PDF |access-date=13 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002060539/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=141119&filetype=pdf |archive-date=2 October 2011 |url-status=dead}}

{{Main|Culture of Dorset}}

File:The Keep Military Museum, Dorchester, Dorset-16Sept2009.jpg in Dorchester]]

As a largely rural county, Dorset has fewer major cultural institutions than larger or more densely populated areas. Major venues for concerts and theatre include the Lighthouse arts centre in Poole; the Bournemouth International Centre, Pavilion Theatre and O2 Academy in Bournemouth; and the Pavilion theatre in Weymouth.{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/2802 |title=Cinemas and theatres |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=21 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629195004/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/2802 |archive-date=29 June 2011}} The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1893,{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/culturalstrategy |title=Cultural Strategy |year=2010 |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=21 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629195015/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/culturalstrategy |archive-date=29 June 2011 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Orchestra |url=http://www.bsolive.com/orchestra |publisher=Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra |access-date=25 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060219064246/http://www.bsolive.com/orchestra |archive-date=19 February 2006 |url-status=dead}} is based in Poole.

Dorset has more than 30 general and specialist museums.{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/museums |title=Dorset Museums |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=23 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101209000314/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/museums |archive-date=9 December 2010 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/323007 |title=Find a Museum |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=23 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101209033302/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/323007 |archive-date=9 December 2010 |url-status=dead}} The Dorset County Museum (now the Dorset Museum) in Dorchester was founded in 1846 and contains an extensive collection of exhibits covering the county's history and environment.{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2008/04/16/george_romney_profile.shtml |title=Museum acquires major art works |date=18 April 2008 |publisher=BBC |access-date=1 February 2012 |archive-date=2 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702192153/http://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2008/04/16/george_romney_profile.shtml |url-status=live}} The Tank Museum at Bovington contains more than 300 tanks and armoured vehicles from 30 nations.{{cite web |url=http://www.culture24.org.uk/history+%26+heritage/war+%26+conflict/art72596 |title=Plaques presented to military museums with outstanding Designated collections |publisher=Culture24 |date=8 October 2009 |access-date=30 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726110310/http://www.culture24.org.uk/history+%26+heritage/war+%26+conflict/art72596 |archive-date=26 July 2012 |url-status=live}} The museum is the largest in Dorset and its collection has been designated of national importance.{{cite news |url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/roll/article-849723-detail/article.html |title=They're on a roll! |newspaper=Bristol Evening Post |date=28 March 2009 |access-date=30 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922124346/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/roll/story-11274814-detail/story.html |archive-date=22 September 2012 |url-status=dead}} Other museums which reflect the cultural heritage of the county include The Keep Military Museum in Dorchester, the Russell-Cotes Museum in Bournemouth, the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, Poole Museum, Portland Museum and Wareham Town Museum.{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=139307&filetype=pdf |title=Dorset Cultural Strategy 2009–2014 |page=15 |format=PDF |publisher=Dorset Strategic Partnership |access-date=23 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005160602/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media.jsp?mediaid=139307&filetype=pdf |archive-date=5 October 2012 |url-status=dead}}

Dorset contains 190 conservation areas, more than 1,500 scheduled monuments, over 30 registered parks and gardens and 12,850 listed buildings.{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/393172 |title=Dorset Cultural Partnership |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=6 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110630233445/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/393172 |archive-date=30 June 2011 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetforyou.com/listedbuilding |title=Listed Buildings DCC |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=26 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101209041753/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/listedbuilding |archive-date=9 December 2010 |url-status=live}} Grade I listed buildings include: Portland Castle, a coastal fort commissioned by Henry VIII;{{cite web |url=http://morello.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/portland-castle/ |title=Days Out |publisher=English Heritage |access-date=20 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427084210/http://morello.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/portland-castle/ |archive-date=27 April 2014 |url-status=dead}} a castle with more than a 1,000 years of history at Corfe;{{cite web |url=http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle/history/ |title=Corfe Castle History |publisher=National Trust |access-date=20 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415060845/http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle/history/ |archive-date=15 April 2012 |url-status=live}} a Roman ruin described by Historic England as the "only Roman town house visible in Britain";{{NHLE|num= 1210098|desc=Roman House|access-date=20 June 2012}} Athelhampton, a Tudor manor house;{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetlife.co.uk/2011/04/athelhampton-house/ |title=Athelhampton House |work=Dorset Life |date=April 2011 |access-date=20 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519184403/http://www.dorsetlife.co.uk/2011/04/athelhampton-house/ |archive-date=19 May 2012 |url-status=live}} Forde Abbey, a stately home and former Cistercian monastery;{{NHLE|num=1153362 |desc=Forde Abbey |access-date=23 March 2012 }} Christchurch Priory, the longest church in England;Moxey (p. 87) and St Edwold's church, one of the smallest.Kinross (pp. 39–40)

File:Steam Up - geograph.org.uk - 187885.jpgs on display at the Great Dorset Steam Fair]]

Dorset hosts a number of annual festivals, fairs and events including the Great Dorset Steam Fair near Blandford, one of the largest events of its kind in Europe,{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2006/03/15/great_dorset_steam_fair_feature.shtml |title=The Great Dorset Steam Fair |year=2005 |publisher=BBC |access-date=29 May 2011 |archive-date=10 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310170315/http://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2006/03/15/great_dorset_steam_fair_feature.shtml |url-status=live}} and the Bournemouth Air Festival, a free air show that attracted 1.3 million visitors in 2009.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-11053021 |title=Weather affects last day of air show |date=22 August 2010 |work=BBC News |access-date=28 May 2011 |archive-date=24 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100824190101/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-11053021 |url-status=live}} The Spirit of the Seas is a maritime festival held in Weymouth and Portland. Launched in 2008, the festival features sporting activities, cultural events and local entertainers.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2008/02/28/spirit_of_the_sea_feature.shtml |title=Spirit of the Sea festival |year=2009 |publisher=BBC |access-date=29 May 2011 |archive-date=14 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314201125/http://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2008/02/28/spirit_of_the_sea_feature.shtml |url-status=live}} The Dorset County Show, which was first held in 1841, is a celebration of Dorset's agriculture.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/dorset/hi/people_and_places/arts_and_culture/newsid_8231000/8231473.stm |title=Dorset County Show |date=1 September 2009 |work=BBC News |access-date=28 May 2011 |archive-date=31 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031005817/http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/dorset/hi/people_and_places/arts_and_culture/newsid_8231000/8231473.stm |url-status=live}} The two-day event exhibits local produce and livestock and attracts some 55,000 people. Inside Out Dorset is an outdoor arts festival that takes place every two years in rural and urban locations across Dorset.{{Cite news |url=https://www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/2016/jen-walke-myles-making-heritage-specific-theatre-in-dorset/ |title=Jen Walke-Myles: Making heritage-specific theatre in Dorset |date=16 September 2016 |work=The Stage |access-date=29 September 2017 |language=en-US |archive-date=29 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929232213/https://www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/2016/jen-walke-myles-making-heritage-specific-theatre-in-dorset/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/magazine/270/case-study/showcasing-stunning-landscapes |title=Showcasing stunning landscapes |work=ArtsProfessional |access-date=29 September 2017 |language=en |archive-date=29 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929233048/https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/magazine/270/case-study/showcasing-stunning-landscapes |url-status=live}} In addition to the smaller folk festivals held in towns such as Christchurch and Wimborne,{{cite web |url=http://www.visit-dorset.com/site/whats-on/christchurch-music-festival-p598313 |title=Christchurch Music Festival |year=2010 |work=Visit Dorset – What's On |publisher=Destination Dorset |access-date=28 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325035840/http://www.visit-dorset.com/whats-on/christchurch-music-festival-p598313 |archive-date=25 March 2012 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/districts/eastdorset/8216655.Dance_is_a_fine_thing_at_Wimborne_Folk_Festival/ |title=Wimborne Folk Festival |date=14 June 2010 |newspaper=Bournemouth Daily Echo |access-date=10 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101170159/http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/districts/eastdorset/8216655.Dance_is_a_fine_thing_at_Wimborne_Folk_Festival/ |archive-date=1 November 2012 |url-status=live |first=Harriet |last=Marsh}} Dorset holds several larger musical events such as Camp Bestival, End of the Road and the Larmer Tree Festival.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-14135993 |title=Dorset's Lulworth Castle ready for Camp Bestival |publisher=BBC |access-date=9 March 2012 |date=25 July 2011 |archive-date=25 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171125153459/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-14135993 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/end-of-the-road-festival-larmer-tree-gardens-dorset-1787308.html |title=End of the Road Festival |date=15 September 2009 |newspaper=The Independent |access-date=28 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090916203911/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/end-of-the-road-festival-larmer-tree-gardens-dorset-1787308.html |archive-date=16 September 2009 |url-status=dead |location=London |first=Nick |last=Hasted}}{{cite news |url=http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/leisure/music/reviews/9146114.Larmer_Tree_Festival_2011/ |title=Larmer Tree Festival |date=18 June 2011 |newspaper=Southern Daily Echo |access-date=9 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702144544/http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/leisure/music/reviews/9146114.Larmer_Tree_Festival_2011/ |archive-date=2 July 2013 |url-status=live}}

Dorset's only professional football club is AFC Bournemouth, which plays in the Premier League—the highest division in the English football league system. Non-League semi-professional teams in the county include Southern Premier Division teams Dorchester Town F.C., Poole Town F.C. and Weymouth F.C. Dorset County Cricket Club competes in the Minor Counties Cricket Championship and is based at Dean Park Cricket Ground in Bournemouth. Poole Stadium hosts regular greyhound racing and is the home to top-flight speedway team Poole Pirates. The county's coastline, on the English Channel, is noted for its watersports (particularly sailing, gig racing, windsurfing, power boating and kayaking) which take advantage of the sheltered waters in the bays of Weymouth and Poole, and the harbours of Poole and Portland.[http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media/200578/Sports-Facilities-Strategy-2014-2019/pdf/W_PBC_Sports_Facilities_Strategy_2014-19_revised.pdf Weymouth and Portland BC Sports Facilities Strategy 2014–2019] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402110801/http://www.dorsetforyou.com/media/200578/Sports-Facilities-Strategy-2014-2019/pdf/W_PBC_Sports_Facilities_Strategy_2014-19_revised.pdf |date=2 April 2015 }} Weymouth and Portland Borough Council. Retrieved 2015-03-2015{{cite web |title=Water Sports and Water Activities in Weymouth and Portland, Dorset UK |url=http://www.visitweymouth.co.uk/index.php?resource=22 |publisher=Weymouth and Portland Borough Council |access-date=25 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071127042052/http://visitweymouth.co.uk/index.php?resource=22 |archive-date=27 November 2007 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Poole Tourism – Harbour and Marina Information |url=http://www.pooletourism.com/go.php?structureID=pages&ref=I485138C771A4E |publisher=Poole Tourism |access-date=10 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080928215733/http://www.pooletourism.com/go.php?structureID=pages&ref=I485138C771A4E |archive-date=28 September 2008 |url-status=dead}} Dorset hosted the sailing events at the 2012 Summer Olympics and 2012 Summer Paralympics at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. The venue was completed in May 2009 and was used by international sailing teams in preparation for the Games.{{cite web |title=2012 work completed at WPNSA |url=http://www.rya.org.uk/newsevents/news/Pages/2012sailingvenueofficially.aspx |publisher=Royal Yachting Association |year=2009 |access-date=10 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928030509/http://www.rya.org.uk/newsevents/news/Pages/2012sailingvenueofficially.aspx |archive-date=28 September 2011 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Sailing rivals use Olympic venue |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/8193246.stm |work=BBC News |access-date=10 August 2009 |date=10 August 2009}}{{cite news |title=First 2012 Olympic venue unveiled |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/7753734.stm |work=BBC News |access-date=30 September 2009 |date=28 November 2008 |archive-date=3 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203035736/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/7753734.stm |url-status=live}} In motorsport, Dorset hosts the Extreme E Jurassic X Prix at Bovington Camp.{{Cite web |title=Jurassic X Prix course revealed |url=https://www.extreme-e.com/en/news/447_Jurassic-X-Prix-course-revealed |access-date=2021-12-17 |website=Extreme E - The Electric Odyssey |language=en}}

File:Thomashardy restored.jpg]]

Dorset is famed in literature for being the native county of author and poet Thomas Hardy, and many of the places he describes in his novels in the fictional Wessex are in Dorset, which he renamed South Wessex.Blamires (pp. 112–114){{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/dorset/hi/people_and_places/arts_and_culture/newsid_8158000/8158886.stm |title=Dorset's writers and explorers |work=BBC News |date=22 July 2009 |access-date=30 May 2011 |archive-date=31 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031005811/http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/dorset/hi/people_and_places/arts_and_culture/newsid_8158000/8158886.stm |url-status=live}} The National Trust owns Thomas Hardy's Cottage, in Higher Bockhampton, east of Dorchester; and Max Gate, his former house in Dorchester.{{cite web |title=Hardy Country |url=http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardy-country/ |publisher=National Trust |access-date=2 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121225951/http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardy-country/ |archive-date=21 January 2012 |url-status=live}} Several other writers have called Dorset home, including Douglas Adams, who wrote much of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy while he lived in Stalbridge;{{cite web |title=Up Kilimanjaro with the Adams Family |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2005/08/24/adams_rhino_feature.shtml |publisher=BBC Dorset |date=24 August 2005 |access-date=30 May 2011 |archive-date=1 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401041851/http://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2005/08/24/adams_rhino_feature.shtml |url-status=live}} John le Carré, author of espionage novels, was born in Poole;{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2011/mar/30/john-le-carre-profile |title=John le Carré |newspaper=guardian.co.uk |date=30 March 2011 |access-date=30 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110404004210/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/mar/30/john-le-carre-profile |archive-date=4 April 2011 |url-status=live |location=London |first=Carmen |last=Callil}} Tom Sharpe of Wilt fame lived in Bridport;{{cite news |title=Welcome to Bridport, or Notting Hill on Sea |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=17 March 2007 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/3357164/Welcome-to-Bridport-or-Notting-Hill-on-Sea.html |access-date=30 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604210326/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/3357164/Welcome-to-Bridport-or-Notting-Hill-on-Sea.html |archive-date=4 June 2011 |url-status=dead |location=London |first=Adam |last=Edwards}} John Fowles (The French Lieutenant's Woman) lived in Lyme Regis before he died in late 2005;Blamires (p. 88) T.F. Powys lived in Chaldon Herring for over 20 years and used it as inspiration for the fictitious village of Folly Down in his novel Mr. Weston's Good Wine;Blamires (p. 225) John Cowper Powys, his elder brother, also set a number of his works in Dorset, such as the novels Maiden Castle and Weymouth Sands.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2006/aug/12/featuresreviews.guardianreview14 |last=Drabble |first=Margaret |title=The English degenerate |newspaper=The Guardian |date=12 August 2006 |access-date=11 August 2009 |location=London |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080825155045/http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2006/aug/12/featuresreviews.guardianreview14 |archive-date=25 August 2008 |url-status=live}} Children's author Enid Blyton drew inspiration for many of her works from Dorset.{{Cite web |url=https://www.dorsetmagazine.co.uk/out-about/enid-blyton-characters-and-locations-based-on-the-people-and-places-of-dorset-1-5018623 |title=Enid Blyton characters and locations based on the people and places of Dorset |website=Dorset |date=15 May 2017 |access-date=5 June 2020 |archive-date=30 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730014754/https://www.dorsetmagazine.co.uk/out-about/enid-blyton-characters-and-locations-based-on-the-people-and-places-of-dorset-1-5018623 |url-status=live}} The 19th-century poet William Barnes was born in Bagber and wrote many poems in his native Dorset dialect. Originating from the ancient Norse and Saxon languages, the dialect was prevalent across the Blackmore Vale but has fallen into disuse.{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/9006358.Dorset_dialect_of_William_Barnes/ |title=Dorset Dialect of William Barnes |date=4 May 2011 |work=Dorset Echo |access-date=29 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110506231445/http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/9006358.Dorset_dialect_of_William_Barnes/ |archive-date=6 May 2011 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/jan/24/william-barnes-england-robbie-burns |newspaper=The Guardian |title=William Barnes – England's Rabbie Burns |location=London |date=24 January 2012 |access-date=4 July 2012 |first=Paul |last=Kings |archive-date=4 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104033201/http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/jan/24/william-barnes-england-robbie-burns |url-status=live}}

File:Flag of Dorset.svg

Dorset's flag, which is known as the Dorset Cross or St Wite's Cross, was adopted in 2008 following a public competition organised by Dorset County Council.{{cite web |url=http://ukflagregistry.org/wiki/index.php?title=Dorset |title=UK Flag Registry |publisher=Flag Institute |access-date=31 January 2012 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025105256/http://ukflagregistry.org/wiki/index.php?title=Dorset |archive-date=25 October 2012 |df=dmy-all}}{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/7596296.stm |work=BBC News |title=Dorset Cross becomes Dorset flag |date=17 September 2008 |access-date=27 May 2011}} The winning design, which features a white cross with a red border on a golden background, attracted 54% of the vote.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2008/04/18/dorset_flag_feature.shtml |work=BBC News |title=Dorset's new flag |author=Jill Sainsbury |date=17 September 2008 |access-date=27 May 2011 |archive-date=21 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101221092230/http://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2008/04/18/dorset_flag_feature.shtml |url-status=live}} All three colours are used in Dorset County Council's coat of arms and the red and white was used in recognition of the English flag.{{cite web |url=http://dorsetflag.webs.com/flagexplainedindetail.htm |publisher=Dorset Flag |title=Flag explained in detail |access-date=27 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920110029/http://dorsetflag.webs.com/flagexplainedindetail.htm |archive-date=20 September 2008 |url-status=live}} The golden colour represents Dorset's sandy beaches and the Dorset landmarks of Golden Cap and Gold Hill. It is also a reference to the Wessex Dragon, a symbol of the Saxon Kingdom which Dorset once belonged to, and the gold wreath featured on the badge of the Dorset Regiment.

{{Main|Transport in Dorset}}

Dorset is connected to London by two main line railways. The West of England Main Line runs through the north of the county at Gillingham and Sherborne. Running west from London Waterloo to Exeter St Davids in Devon, it provides a service for those who live in the western districts of Dorset.{{cite web |title=Route 4 Wessex Routes |url=http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/StrategicBusinessPlan/RoutePlans/2008/Route%204%20-%20Wessex%20Routes.pdf |publisher=Network Rail |year=2008 |access-date=27 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607083035/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/StrategicBusinessPlan/RoutePlans/2008/Route%204%20-%20Wessex%20Routes.pdf |archive-date=7 June 2011 |url-status=dead}} The South West Main Line runs through the south at Bournemouth, Poole, Dorchester and the terminus at Weymouth.{{cite web |title=Route 3 South West Main Line |url=http://www.networkrail.co.uk/documents/3102_Route%203%20South%20West%20Main%20Line.pdf |publisher=Network Rail |year=2008 |access-date=27 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060926134157/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/documents/3102_Route%203%20South%20West%20Main%20Line.pdf |archive-date=26 September 2006 |url-status=dead}} Additionally, the Heart of Wessex Line runs north from Weymouth to Bristol and the Swanage Railway, a heritage steam and diesel railway, runs the {{convert|10|km|0}} between Norden and Swanage.{{cite web |url=http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/index.htm |title=About Us |publisher=Swanage Railway |access-date=20 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704003243/http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/index.htm |archive-date=4 July 2011}}

Dorset is one of few English counties not well served by canals and has no motorways.{{cite news |last1=Doyle |first1=Dave |title=The reason Dorset only has A roads and no motorways |url=https://www.dorset.live/news/dorset-news/reason-dorset-only-roads-no-7035139 |access-date=25 March 2023 |work=Dorset Live |date=8 May 2022 |language=en}} The A303, A35 and A31 trunk roads run through the county.{{cite web |title=Network Management |url=http://www.cleanhighways.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/National_Trunk_Road_map1-2.pdf |publisher=Highways Agency |access-date=8 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316101038/http://www.cleanhighways.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/National_Trunk_Road_map1-2.pdf |archive-date=16 March 2012 |url-status=live}} The A303, which connects the West Country to London via the M3, clips the north-west of the county.{{cite web |url=http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&pq=dorset+roads+map&xhr=t&q=dorset+road+map&cp=11&rlz=1G1ACAW_ENUK436&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1600&bih=805&bs=1&wrapid=tljp130777665532300&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x486d80aaedabf177:0x33a1f481bada6d5f,Dorset&gl=uk&ei |title=Google road map – Dorset |publisher=Google Maps |access-date=11 June 2011 |archive-date=11 February 2013 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6ELbFVY9D?url=http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&pq=dorset+roads+map&xhr=t&q=dorset+road+map&cp=11&rlz=1G1ACAW_ENUK436&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1600&bih=805&bs=1&wrapid=tljp130777665532300&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x486d80aaedabf177:0x33a1f481bada6d5f,Dorset&gl=uk&ei |url-status=live}} The A35 crosses the county in a west–east direction from Honiton in Devon, via Bridport, Dorchester, Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch, to Southampton in Hampshire. The A31 connects to the A35 at Bere Regis, and passes east through Wimborne and Ferndown to Hampshire, where it later becomes the M27. Other main roads in the county include the A338, A354, A37 and A350. The A338 heads north from Bournemouth to Ringwood (Hampshire) and on to Salisbury (Wiltshire) and beyond. The A354 also connects to Salisbury after travelling north-east from Weymouth in the south of the county. The A37 travels north-west from Dorchester to Yeovil in Somerset. The A350 also leads north, from Poole through Blandford and Shaftesbury, to Warminster in Wiltshire.

A passenger seaport and an international airport are situated in the county. Brittany Ferries and Condor Ferries operate out of Poole Harbour; Brittany Ferries provide access to Cherbourg in France and Condor Ferries sail a seasonal service to the Channel Islands and St Malo, France.{{cite web |url=http://www.phc.co.uk/comm_roro_passengers.html |title=Port of Poole passenger services |publisher=Poole Harbour Commissioners |access-date=13 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106182404/http://www.phc.co.uk/comm_roro_passengers.html |archive-date=6 January 2009 |url-status=live}} Poole and Portland harbours are capable of taking cruise liners.{{cite web |url=http://www.jurassiccoast.com/307/jurassic-news-36/news-archive-164/regions-success-on-world-stage-at-seatrade-cruise-forum-490.html |title=Seatrade Cruise Forum |publisher=Jurassic Coast |access-date=13 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930085114/http://www.jurassiccoast.com/307/jurassic-news-36/news-archive-164/regions-success-on-world-stage-at-seatrade-cruise-forum-490.html |archive-date=30 September 2011 |url-status=dead}} Bournemouth Airport, on the edge of Hurn village {{convert|6|km|0}} north of Bournemouth, has scheduled and charter flights.

Morebus and Damory provide a county wide bus network with frequent services linking major towns, including Bournemouth, Poole and Wimborne, and a varied service in further rural locations.{{cite web |url=http://www.wdbus.co.uk/ |title=Home Page |publisher=Wilts & Dorset |access-date=17 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011104143038/http://www.wdbus.co.uk/ |archive-date=4 November 2001 |url-status=live}} The First Group operate buses in the Weymouth and Bridport area, including a regular route along the A35 from Weymouth to Axminster, which helps to compensate for the missing rail link west of Dorchester; and the Jurassic Coaster service, which runs along the county's coastline.{{cite web |url=http://www.dorset-transport.info/weymouth-transport.html |title=In and Around Weymouth |publisher=Dorset Transport and Travel |access-date=17 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111215731/http://www.dorset-transport.info/weymouth-transport.html |archive-date=11 January 2012 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/dorset/ |title=Dorset & South Somerset |publisher=FirstGroup |access-date=17 June 2011 |archive-date=16 June 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110616193440/http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/dorset/ |url-status=live}} Yellow Buses provided bus services within Bournemouth and outlying areas until they ceased operating in 2022.{{cite web |url=http://www.bybus.co.uk/about-us/history/ |title=History |publisher=Yellow Buses |access-date=17 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101007231020/http://www.bybus.co.uk/about-us/history/ |archive-date=7 October 2010 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Morebus are to take on main routes served by Yellow Buses - full list here |url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/20598942.morebus-take-main-routes-served-yellow-buses/ |access-date=2022-08-04 |website=Bournemouth Echo |date=4 August 2022 |language=en}}

{{see also|List of monastic houses in Dorset|List of churches in Dorset}}

File:Wimborne Minster June 2015.jpg]]

Unlike all of its neighbouring counties, Dorset does not have a cathedral.{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetlife.co.uk/2010/12/and-the-night-shall-be-filled-with-music/ |title=And the night shall be filled with music |publisher=Dorset Life Magazine |year=2010 |access-date=4 August 2012 |archive-date=1 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201093635/http://www.dorsetlife.co.uk/2010/12/and-the-night-shall-be-filled-with-music/ |url-status=live}} Over 95% of the county falls within the Church of England Diocese of Salisbury.{{cite web |url=http://www.salisbury.anglican.org/whos-who/diocese |title=Diocese |publisher=Diocese of Salisbury |year=2012 |access-date=27 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121005856/http://www.salisbury.anglican.org/whos-who/diocese |archive-date=21 January 2011}} A small section to the west comes under the Diocese of Bath and Wells and to the east Christchurch and much of Bournemouth—both historically part of Hampshire—belong to the Diocese of Winchester.{{cite web |url=http://www.bathandwells.org.uk/contact/directory/deanery/15922/ |title=Deanery of Crewkerne and Ilminster |year=2012 |publisher=Diocese of Bath and Wells |access-date=27 July 2012 |archive-date=17 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517075921/http://www.bathandwells.org.uk/contact/directory/deanery/15922/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.winchester.anglican.org/parish-life/parishes/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130223164255/http://www.winchester.anglican.org/parish-life/parishes/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 February 2013 |title=Archdeaconry of Bournemouth |year=2012 |publisher=Diocese of Winchester |access-date=27 July 2012}} The Roman Catholic Diocese of Plymouth incorporates most of Dorset with the exception of Christchurch and a portion of Bournemouth which belongs to the Diocese of Portsmouth.{{cite web |url=http://www.plymouth-diocese.org.uk/thediocese/introduction_dio.ashx |title=Plymouth Diocese Directory |year=2012 |publisher=Roman Catholic Diocese of Plymouth |access-date=2 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808194459/http://www.plymouth-diocese.org.uk/thediocese/introduction_dio.ashx |archive-date=8 August 2012}}{{cite web |url=http://www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/directory#30 |title=Portsmouth Diocese Directory |year=2012 |publisher=Roman Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth |access-date=2 August 2012 |archive-date=16 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216092829/http://www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/directory/#30 |url-status=dead}} Few purpose-built places of worship exist in Dorset for faiths other than Christianity. In 2008 a Hindu temple was constructed in Blandford Forum for the Gurkhas based at the town's military camp.{{cite news |url=http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/districts/northdorset/1992662.new_temple_for_bravest_of_brave/ |title=New temple for 'bravest of brave' |newspaper=Bournemouth Daily Echo |date=24 January 2008 |access-date=5 August 2012 |archive-date=1 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101174806/http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/districts/northdorset/1992662.new_temple_for_bravest_of_brave/ |url-status=live}} Bournemouth, which contains a higher proportion of Jewish residents than the national average, has three synagogues and an Islamic Centre and a mosque for Muslims.{{cite web |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=7&b=6275027&c=bournemouth&d=13&e=62&g=6392306&i=1001x1003x1032x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1376591618724&enc=1&dsFamilyId=2479 |title=Religion |work=Neighbourhood Statistics |year=2013 |publisher=Office for National Statistics |access-date=15 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501172913/http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=7&b=6275027&c=bournemouth&d=13&e=62&g=6392306&i=1001x1003x1032x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1376591618724&enc=1&dsFamilyId=2479 |archive-date=1 May 2015 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2007/01/23/muslim_venue_feature.shtml |title=Faith |year=2012 |publisher=BBC Dorset |access-date=23 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924213535/http://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2007/01/23/muslim_venue_feature.shtml |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=live}}

Christianity was introduced to Dorset by the Romans.Yorke (p. 149) A 4th century Roman mosaic discovered near Hinton St Mary contains what is generally accepted to be an image of Christ.{{cite web |url=https://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/pe_prb/t/the_hinton_st_mary_mosaic.aspx |title=The Hinton St Mary Mosaic |publisher=British Museum |access-date=31 July 2012 |archive-date=2 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802161225/http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/pe_prb/t/the_hinton_st_mary_mosaic.aspx |url-status=live}}Newman & Pesvner (p. 231) Christianity became firmly established in the county during the Saxon period although there are few surviving Saxon churches; the most complete is St. Martin's in Wareham which has features from the early 11th century.{{cite web |url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=40137 |title=Religious houses: Introduction |year=1908 |author=Page, William |work=A History of the County of Dorset: Volume 2 |publisher=British History Online |access-date=5 August 2012 |archive-date=17 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717072257/http://british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=40137 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2006/03/03/st_martins_feature.shtml |title=Dorset's Oldest Church |year=2008 |publisher=BBC Dorset |access-date=31 July 2012 |archive-date=2 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702192146/http://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2006/03/03/st_martins_feature.shtml |url-status=live}} Mediaeval churches are more prevalent in Dorset; most are 15th century and are of a Perpendicular style.Lehane (p. 7) Sherborne Abbey, one of the county's largest, is noted for its broad fan vaulting added during an extensive 15th century rebuild.Newman & Pevsner (p. 369) Founded in AD 705 by Aldhelm, the Abbey contained the chair of the Bishop of Sherborne and was granted cathedral status until 1075 when the diocese was transferred to Old Sarum.Lehane (pp. 107–109) Wimborne Minster features a chained library and a 14th-century astronomical clock;Lehane (pp. 145–146) Christchurch Priory is renowned for its miraculous beam which, according to legend, was installed by Christ;{{cite web |url=http://www.dorsetlife.co.uk/2010/04/the-finest-parish-church-in-england/ |title=The Finest Parish Church in England |year=2010 |publisher=Dorset Life Magazine |access-date=5 August 2012 |archive-date=1 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201093644/http://www.dorsetlife.co.uk/2010/04/the-finest-parish-church-in-england/ |url-status=live}} and the 15th century roof spanning the nave at St John the Baptist Church in Bere Regis is described by architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner as the "finest timber roof of Dorset".Newman & Pesvner (p. 90) Saint Wite's shrine is located in the north transept of St Candida and Holy Cross at Whitchurch Canonicorum. It is the only church in the country, besides Westminster Abbey, to have a shrine that contains the relics of a saint.{{cite web |url=http://www.cathedralofthevale.co.uk/st_candida_and_holy_cross.php |title=Cathedral of the Vale |year=2012 |publisher=St Candida and Holy Cross |access-date=27 July 2012 |archive-date=28 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128210752/http://www.cathedralofthevale.co.uk/st_candida_and_holy_cross.php |url-status=dead}}

Monastic foundations were once abundant in Dorset, but all ceased to exist at the Dissolution of the monasteries.Salmon (p. 94) The Reformation and the political and religious turmoil that ensued largely checked the building of new churches until the turn of the 18th century.Draper (p. 82)Newman & Pesvner (p. 27) Notable examples of Early Georgian churches include the Bastard brothers' Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Blandford Forum, and St George's Church on the Isle of Portland, which has a steeple and tower inspired by the works of Christopher Wren.Newman & Pesvner (p. 341) From the late 18th century onwards, churches in Dorset tended towards a Gothic Revival style.Newman & Pesvner (pp. 30–31) A notable exception to this trend, however, is the Church of St Mary in East Lulworth—the first freestanding Roman Catholic church built in England after the Reformation.Lehane (p. 59) George III gave permission to erect the building on the condition that it resembled a garden mausoleum rather than a church. It was completed in 1789. Bournemouth, founded in 1810, has a wealth of 19th-century churches including St Peter's and St Stephen's. St Dunstan's (formerly St Osmund's) in Poole is one of a small number of 20th-century churches in Dorset. The final major work of Edward Schroeder Prior, it is one of the last examples of the Neo Byzantine style.Newman & Pesvner (p. 334) The Church of St Nicholas and St Magnus in Moreton is noted for its elaborate engraved glass windows designed by Laurence Whistler. Severely damaged by a stray German bomb in 1940, the church subsequently underwent extensive renovation and Whistler had replaced every window by 1984.Lehane (pp. 95–96)

{{see also|List of schools in Dorset|List of schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole}}

Responsibility for state schools in Dorset is divided between two local education authorities: Dorset Council, which covers the majority of the county, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council. Most of the Dorset Council area operates a two-tier comprehensive system whereby pupils attend a primary school before completing their education at secondary school but Corfe Mullen, Dorchester, Ferndown and West Moors maintain a three-tier system (first, middle and high school).{{cite web |url=https://www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/education-and-training/schools-and-learning/pdfs/parents-guide-to-school-admissions-2018-19.pdf |title=Admissions to schools |page=5 |year=2018 |work=Dorset For You |publisher=Dorset County Council |access-date=30 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811163651/https://www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/education-and-training/schools-and-learning/pdfs/parents-guide-to-school-admissions-2018-19.pdf |archive-date=11 August 2018 |url-status=dead}} Bournemouth operates a two-tier system; Poole operates two and three-tier systems.{{cite web |url=http://boroughofpoole.com/news/ref:N46BB286C33779/ |title=Landmark Decision For Poole Schools |publisher=Borough of Poole |date=11 May 2007 |access-date=23 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706170140/http://www.boroughofpoole.com/news/ref%3AN46BB286C33779/ |archive-date=6 July 2008 |url-status=dead}} BCP is one of the few local authorities in England to maintain selective education, containing four single-sex grammar schools which select pupils on the basis of an eleven-plus examination. Some of the county's schools are academies—self-governing state schools which have become independent of their local education authority and are maintained directly by the Department for Education.{{cite web |url=http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/xls/a/publication%20list%20june%202011.xls |format=XLS |title=Sponsored Academies |publisher=Department for Education |year=2011 |access-date=23 June 2011 |archive-date=8 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708124337/http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/xls/a/publication%20list%20june%202011.xls |url-status=live}} In 2017, the Progress 8 score for schools in the Dorset Council area was ranked below average, and 39.6% of pupils gained at least Grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs matching the national average of 39.6%.{{cite web |url=https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/schools-by-type?step=phase®ion=835&geographic=la&phase=secondary |title=All schools and colleges in Dorset |publisher=gov.uk |access-date=31 May 2018 |archive-date=11 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811194324/https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/schools-by-type?step=phase®ion=835&geographic=la&phase=secondary |url-status=live}} Poole recorded an above average Progress 8 score and 54% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.{{cite web |url=https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/schools-by-type?step=phase®ion=836&geographic=la&phase=secondary |title=All schools and colleges in Poole |publisher=gov.uk |access-date=31 May 2018 |archive-date=11 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811163333/https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/schools-by-type?step=phase®ion=836&geographic=la&phase=secondary |url-status=live}} Bournemouth was ranked as average and 47.8% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.{{cite web |url=https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/schools-by-type?step=phase®ion=837&geographic=la&phase=secondary |title=All schools and colleges in Bournemouth |publisher=gov.uk |access-date=31 May 2018 |archive-date=11 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811164011/https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/schools-by-type?step=phase®ion=837&geographic=la&phase=secondary |url-status=live}}

Dorset contains a range of privately funded independent schools. Many are boarding schools which also take day pupils, such as the co-educational Canford School which is built around a 19th-century Grade I listed manor house; and Sherborne School, a boys' school founded in the 16th century.{{cite web |url=http://www.sherborne.org/school/School_History |title=A short history of Sherborne School |publisher=Sherborne School |year=2011 |access-date=23 June 2011 |archive-date=16 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116041748/http://www.sherborne.org/school/School_History |url-status=live}}

Four of the county's five largest towns contain a further education college: Weymouth College, Kingston Maurward College in Dorchester and Bournemouth and Poole College which is one of the largest in the UK.{{cite web |url=http://media.bournemouth.ac.uk/about/partnerinstitutions.html#bournemouthpoole |title=Partner colleges |publisher=Bournemouth University |year=2011 |access-date=23 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101104022601/http://media.bournemouth.ac.uk/about/partnerinstitutions.html#bournemouthpoole |archive-date=4 November 2010 |url-status=dead}} Dorset has two higher education establishments situated in the heart of the county's south east conurbation. Bournemouth University has facilities across Bournemouth and Poole and over 17,000 students.{{cite web |url=http://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/about/introduction_to_bu/history_university.html |title=University history |publisher=Bournemouth University |year=2011 |access-date=23 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060924175956/http://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/about/introduction_to_bu/history_university.html |archive-date=24 September 2006 |url-status=dead}} Previously named Bournemouth Polytechnic, it was granted university status as a result of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992. The Arts University Bournemouth is situated between the border of Poole and Bournemouth. It became a higher education institute in 2001 and was given degree-awarding powers in 2008.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/student/into-university/az-uni-colleges/the-arts-university-college-at-bournemouth-1733667.html |title=The Arts University College at Bournemouth |newspaper=The Independent |date=1 May 2011 |access-date=23 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711230441/http://www.independent.co.uk/student/into-university/az-uni-colleges/the-arts-university-college-at-bournemouth-1733667.html |archive-date=11 July 2011 |url-status=dead |location=London}} It was granted full university status in 2012.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-20464013 |title='New' universities set to be created in England |work=BBC News |date=27 November 2012 |access-date=7 January 2013 |archive-date=17 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017020314/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-20464013 |url-status=live}}

{{Portal|England}}

• Custos Rotulorum of Dorset – list of keepers of the rolls for Dorset
• Dorset – list of MPs for the abolished Dorset county constituency
• List of High Sheriffs of Dorset
• List of hills of Dorset
• Dorset Police
• Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner
• Dorset heraldry

{{reflist|group=Note}}

{{Reflist}}

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• {{cite book |first=Bill |last=Putnam |title=Discover Dorset: The Prehistoric Age |publisher=Dovecote Press |location=Wimborne, Dorset |year=1998 |isbn=1-874336-62-8}}
• {{cite book |last=Salmon |first=Arthur Leslie |series=Cambridge County Geographies |title=Dorset |url=https://archive.org/details/dorsetguil00salmuoft |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=1910 |location=Cambridge |oclc=3761265}}
• {{cite book |last1=Stansfield-Cudworth |first1=R. E. |title=Political Elites in South-West England, 1450–1500: Politics, Governance, and the Wars of the Roses |date=2009 |publisher=Edwin Mellen Press |location=Lewiston, New York |isbn=978-0-77344-714-1 |language=en}}
• {{cite book |first=R. |last=Wightman |title=Portrait of Dorset |year=1983 |publisher=Robert Hale |location=London |isbn=0-7090-0844-9}}
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{{Spoken Wikipedia|Dorset.ogg|date=22 April 2005}}

• [https://www.dorsetmuseum.org/ Dorset Museum]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20130416050513/http://viewfinder.english-heritage.org.uk/search/results.aspx?index=0&mainQuery=&searchType=all&form=basic&theme=&county=DORSET&district=&placeName= Images of Dorset] at the English Heritage Archive
• [https://www.dorsetaonb.org.uk/ Dorset AONB]

{{Geographic location

|title = Neighbouring counties

|Centre = Dorset

|North = Somerset, Wiltshire

|Northeast = Wiltshire

|East = Hampshire

|Southeast = Isle of Wight
English Channel

|South = English Channel

|Southwest = English Channel

|West = Devon

|Northwest = Somerset

}}

{{Dorset}}

{{England counties}}

{{Sister bar|auto=y}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Counties of England established in antiquity

Category:Counties in South West England