Blandford Forum

Blandford Forum came into its own as a market town during the medieval period, its position on the river Stour at the crossroads of the Dorchester - Salisbury and Poole Shaftesbury roads propelled its importance locally.

Two fires in the first half of the 18th century decimated the town leaving only the Old House and Ryves Almshouses standing. Local architects and businessmen, John & William Bastard (I kid you not) were responsible for rebuilding the town, which is now one of the finest examples of its kind in the country.

There are two museums in the town, the Calvacade of Costume Museum at Lime Tree House and the Blandford Forum Museum in Beres Yard. The town also features in the works of local writer, Thomas Hardy, where it appears under the name Shottesford Forum.