Dorset History Centre, Dorchester

1,000 years of history is held at Dorset’s History Centre, and it’s now generously contributing to the international knowledge and research of one of Dorset’s greatest writers: Thomas Hardy.

Thanks to the hard work of a dedicated archivist, with assistance from an intern and volunteers, 4,000 letters and 150 boxes of items created by Thomas Hardy, and his friends and family, are being digitally catalogued, and an online database will be available to everyone. It includes the manuscripts of The Mayor of Casterbridge.

Dorset History Centre was re-awarded Archive Service Accreditation by The National Archives in 2024, and continues to share its wealth of history with everyone to both preserve and drive developments in research and education.

Visiting Dorset History Centre

Before visiting there are a few things you need to do such as order documents you want to look at and apply for an Archives Card.

They are open Wednesday to Friday, 9am-5pm. They are also open the first Saturday of every month, 9am to 4.30pm

Address: Dorset History Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1RP

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