It would have been another great day for walking and bird watching as the summer like weather continues, but as I have guests for dinner tomorrow evening it was probably best to get some food and wine. Where better than our County Town, Dorchester named Durnovaria by the Romans and Casterbridge in a number of novels by the counties favourite son Thomas Hardy, with also a chance to look around.
The Corn Exchange
Dorchester Museum
St Peter's Church stands on The Bow where the 4 'cardinal' streets meet in the town centre.
Outside of the church stands this fine bronze of one of the County's favourite sons Poet William Barnes.
Further along South Street stands a none to handsome house where once the poet lived.
The Nave of St Peter's Church containing
this beautiful stone carved plaque of The Last Supper, and
these 2 ancient monuments
of Knights in armour.
What was formally the Judge Jeffreys Restaurant and before that one of the circuit courtrooms (part of what were known a the Bloody Assizes) presided over by George Jeffreys, 1st Baron Jeffreys of Wem, (15 May 1645 – 18 April 1689), known as The Hanging Judge.
Time for a couple of beers in The Royal Oak before continuing my tour onward to
the Thomas Hardy Statue at Top 'o' Town. To save confusion, this Thomas is the (Bard) Playwright and Poet, as we do claim another Hardy in Dorset, this being Thomas Masterman, Sea Captain to Admiral Lord Nelson.
A quick look back along South Street before catching the bus back to Weymouth
along the New Bye-Pass.
