[243] A 4th century Roman mosaic discovered near Hinton St Mary contains what is generally accepted to be an image of Christ. [89] The Frome and Piddle are chalk streams but the Stour, which rises in Wiltshire to the north, has its origins in clay soil. It's a piece of the world captured in the image. [40][41], 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. [91] 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. Dorset, administrative, geographic, and historic county of southwestern England. Dorset experienced an increase in holiday-makers after the war. [171][175], Dorset contains 190 conservation areas, more than 1,500 scheduled monuments, over 30 registered parks and gardens and 12,850 listed buildings. Get directions, maps, and traffic for Dorset, ON. Popular towns in West Dorset include; Lyme Regis, Bridport, Charmouth, Portland and West Bay. [269], 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. 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. [271] The Arts University Bournemouth is situated between the border of Poole and Bournemouth. Dorset is currently placed in tier 2 and therefore things may still be a little different to normal as we abide by national restrictions and follow government guidance, we would therefore encourage you to plan ahead and know before you go. Some other significant towns that are located in South Dorset include the popular seaside town of Weymouth, as well as Bere Regis, Corfe Castle, Swanage, Wareham, and Worth Matravers. [1][226] Poole, since the dredging of the main channel in 2008, and Portland harbours are capable of taking cruise liners. [Note 2][128] Following a review by the Local Government Commission for England, Bournemouth and Poole each became administratively independent single-tier unitary authorities in 1997. Dorset Administrative Map (1834) Showing Liberties, Hundreds and Boroughs. Bournemouth, which plays in the EFL Championship— the second highest division in the English football league system. [189][190] In addition to the smaller folk festivals held in towns such as Christchurch and Wimborne,[191][192] Dorset holds several larger musical events such as Camp Bestival, End of the Road and the Larmer Tree Festival. [42][43] 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. The venue was completed in May 2009 and was used by international sailing teams in preparation for the Games. St Dunstan's Church (formerly St Osmund's) in Poole is one of a small number of 20th-century churches in Dorset. [156], Tourism has grown in Dorset since the late 18th century and is now the predominant industry. 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. Perhaps unsurprisingly for a county so rich in history and natural … | Registered office Travel Chapter House Gammaton Road Bideford EX39 4DF Company No. [235], Unlike all of its neighbouring counties, Dorset does not have a cathedral. [148], 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. There are no motorways in Dorset but a network of A roads cross the county and two railway main lines connect to London. [106] Excluding hills such as the Dorset Downs, the average annual temperature of the county is 9.8 to 12 °C (49.6 to 53.6 °F). [218] The golden colour represents Dorset's sandy beaches and the Dorset landmarks of Golden Cap and Gold Hill. Bournemouth, which contains a higher proportion of Jewish residents than the national average, has two synagogues. [79] In the west this results in a hilly landscape of diverse character that resembles that of neighbouring county Devon. The A338 heads north from Bournemouth to Ringwood (Hampshire) and on to Salisbury (Wiltshire) and beyond. [113][242], Christianity was introduced to Dorset by the Romans. [122] Dorset elects 82 councillors representing six three-councillor wards, 18 two-councillor wards and 28 single-councillor wards - 52 wards in total. Contribute, create and discover gravesites from all over the world. Maiden Castle was captured by a Roman legion under the command of Vespasian, and the Roman settlement of Durnovaria was established nearby. [57][58] 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. Dorset has seen much civil unrest: in the English Civil War, an uprising of vigilantes was crushed by Oliver Cromwell's forces in a pitched battle near Shaftesbury; the doomed Monmouth Rebellion began at Lyme Regis; and a group of farm labourers from Tolpuddle were instrumental in the formation of the trade union movement. Find out where some of classic and underground films were made on your holiday to Dorset. Durdle Door, a limestone arch on the coast of Dorset, Eng. [13][14] 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. [66] Portland and Purbeck stone are of national importance as a building material and for restoring some of Britain's most famous landmarks. The A350 also leads north, from Poole through Blandford and Shaftesbury, to Warminster in Wiltshire. [145][146] Agriculture has become less profitable and the industry has declined further. It is bordered by Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Hampshire. [119], 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. The trail is primarily used … [37][38][39] 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. The Irish Sea lies west of England and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. [140], A.^ Excludes self-employed, government-supported trainees and armed forces The A354 also connects to Salisbury after travelling north-east from Weymouth in the south of the county. It shares house borders later Wales to the west and Scotland to the north. [32] A series of trials known as the Bloody Assizes took place to punish the rebels. [218], Dorset is connected to London by two main line railways. [149] 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. [94] 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). [271] Previously named Bournemouth Polytechnic, it was granted university status as a result of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992. It has not, however, been the largest employer since the mid 19th century as mechanisation substantially reduced the number of workers required. The historic town of Dorchester, in the south, is the county seat. [255] The Reformation and the political and religious turmoil that ensued largely checked the building of new churches until the turn of the 18th century. [21] Over the next 200 years Dorset's population grew substantially and additional land was enclosed for farming to provide the extra food required. [270] Dorset has two higher education establishments situated in the heart of the county's south east conurbation. [16] The Saxons established a diocese at Sherborne 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. Discover the beauty hidden in the maps. Much of the area falls into the stunning area of the River Stour Valley, which is called the Blackmoor Vale. [237] 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. [173][174] 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. [110], 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,[Note 1] 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%. After the reorganisation of local government in 1974, the county's border was extended eastward to incorporate the Hampshire towns of Bournemouth and Christchurch. Cemeteries in Dorset, a Find A Grave. [268], Dorset contains a range of privately funded independent schools. After the reorganisation of local government in 1974, the county's border was extended eastward to incorporate t… [63][64][65] A large percentage (66%) of the county comprises either chalk, clay or mixed sand and gravels. While there were a number of filming locations over the three seasons Broadchurch aired, the majority of the scenes people think of in connection with Broadchurch were filmed in Dorset. [59] Lyme Regis and Swanage are small coastal towns popular with tourists. [72][73] Between the chalk hills are large, wide vales and wide flood plains. This is not just a map. [82], 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. [139], In the 2019 general election, the Conservatives held all eight constituencies in Dorset. [196][197][198] Dorset hosted the sailing events at the 2012 Summer Olympics and 2012 Summer Paralympics at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. [256][257] 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. [188] Inside Out Dorset is an outdoor arts festival that takes place every two years in rural and urban locations across Dorset. [70] These vales are dotted with small villages, farms and coppices, and include the Blackmore Vale (Stour valley) and Frome valley. The world-renowned Jurassic Coast is an incredible UK destination to go fossil hunting. [219] 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. 2013 figures are mid year estimates produced by the ONS. Check out our dorset england map selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Severely damaged by a stray German bomb in 1940, the church subsequently underwent extensive renovation and Whistler had replaced every window by 1984. Map of Dorset area hotels: Locate Dorset hotels on a map based on popularity, price, or availability, and see Tripadvisor reviews, photos, and deals. 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;[209] John Cowper Powys, his elder brother, also set a number of his works in Dorset, such as the novels Maiden Castle and Weymouth Sands. [11][12], The Romans arrived in Dorset during their conquest of Britain in AD 43. [224], Two passenger sea ports and an international airport are situated in the county. [227] Bournemouth Airport, which is situated on the edge of Hurn village 6 kilometres (4 mi) north of Bournemouth, has flights to 36 destinations and serves some 600,000 passengers a year. [22] 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. [2][3] 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. [76] The soils created from these deposits support a heathland habitat which sustains all six native British reptile species. [125] [29][30] 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. [260] George III gave permission to erect the building on the condition that it resembled a garden mausoleum rather than a church. [43][44] 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. 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. [50][51] 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. [61] 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. It is expected that this will continue to have a positive effect on local businesses and tourism. Agriculture was traditionally the major industry of Dorset but is now in decline and tourism has become increasingly important to the economy. [78] 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. 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. [213][214], 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. The Romans conquered Dorset's indigenous Celtic tribe, and during the Early Middle Ages, the Saxons settled the area and made Dorset a shire in the 7th century. [134][135] The seat was won by Chris Loder in the 2019 general election. [60] Under construction on the western edge of Dorchester is the experimental new town of Poundbury commissioned and co-designed by Prince Charles. Around half of the population lives in the South East Dorset conurbation, while the rest of the county is largely rural with a low population density. [172] The Tank Museum at Bovington contains more than 300 tanks and armoured vehicles from 30 nations. This meeting was effectively the start of the Glorious Revolution. The World’s largest gravesite collection. You can find your own Jurassic Park on beaches sprinkled with fossils and smuggler's caves or trace Thomas Hardy novels on open heaths and vales. [9][10] 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. [187] The Dorset County Show, which was first held in 1841, is a celebration of Dorset's agriculture. [92], Most of Dorset's coastline is part of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site, which stretches for 155 kilometres (96 mi)[93] between Studland and Exmouth in Devon. 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. Source data on parish boundaries - Kain, R.J.P., and Oliver, R.R. [203] Originating from the ancient Norse and Saxon languages, the dialect was prevalent across the Blackmore Vale but has fallen into disuse. It consists of 35 coloured maps depicting the counties of England … [166], As a largely rural county, Dorset has fewer major cultural institutions than larger or more densely populated areas. [248] Sherborne Abbey, one of the county's largest, is noted for its broad fan vaulting added during an extensive 15th century rebuild. 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. Interestingly, West Dorset is where Britain’s only dinosaur bone was found. [4], The first human visitors to Dorset were Mesolithic hunters, from around 8000 BC. 8,514 reviews. Dorset is a county in South West England on the English Channel coast. Get free map for your website. The A37 travels north-west from Dorchester to Yeovil in Somerset. 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. 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. Most of the Dorset County 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). [116] More than half of the county's residents live in the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch conurbation. Dorset, along with the entire south-west, has higher winter temperatures, average 4.5 to 8.7 °C (40.1 to 47.7 °F), than the rest of the United Kingdom. Dorset shares its four borders with the counties of Devon which is to the west, Somerset to the north-west, Wiltshire to the north-east, and Hampshire to the east. [265] In 2017, the Progress 8 score for schools in the county 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%. [18][19], 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. In 2008 a Hindu temple was constructed in Blandford Forum for the Gurkhas based at the town's military camp. [199][200][201], 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. [159] The combined spending of both groups was £1,458 million. Alterations to Dorset's boundary prior to 1974 have been comparatively minor. The ceremonial county of Dorset borders with Devon, Hampshire and Somerset and Wiltshire 74392 74392. Dorset is a county in South West England on the English Channel coast. [7][8] 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. [144] The primary sector produced 2.03% of GVA, the secondary sector produced 22.44% and 75.53% came from the tertiary sector. Because of its setting, North Dorset is ideal for active holidays walking or cycling the many purpose-built trails in the area. Dorset is a beautiful county, featuring a mix of coastal and rural locations, found in the South West of England on the English Channel coast. [36] However, the industrial revolution largely bypassed Dorset which lacked coal resources and as a consequence the county remained predominantly agricultural. 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%. Dorset has a varied landscape featuring broad elevated chalk downs, steep limestone ridges and low-lying clay valleys. Covering an area of 2,653 square kilometres (1,024 sq mi), Dorset borders Devon to the west, Somerset to the north-west, Wiltshire to the north-east, and Hampshire to the east. Dorset County was our first stop on our English road trip through the West Country, and though it would be nearly impossible to pick a favorite from the three counties we visited (Cornwall and Somerset came later on in the week), I’d have to say that I couldn’t have imagined a better way to begin our England vacation. This compares favourably with the averages for England and Wales of 82.9 and 79.1 years respectively. The ceremonial county comprises the unitary authority areas of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and Dorset. 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. please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article. [77] Most of the Dorset heathland has Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status with three areas designated as internationally important Ramsar sites. Running along the southern edge of the country, South Dorset is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast Path and natural beauty spots like Durdle Door and the picturesque Lulworth Cove. [263] Bournemouth operates a two-tier system; Poole operates two and three-tier systems. [230], Dorset is served by 14 commercial bus operators. [219] The South Western Main Line runs through the south at Bournemouth, Poole, Dorchester and the terminus at Weymouth. [90] The River Avon, which flows mainly through Wiltshire and Hampshire, enters Dorset towards the end of its journey at Christchurch Harbour. [25][26], 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. [38][49], Dorset is largely rural with many small villages, few large towns and no cities. [45][46] Tens-of-thousands of troops departed Weymouth, Portland and Poole harbours during D-Day and gliders from RAF Tarrant Rushton dropped troops near Caen to begin Operation Tonga. [253] St Candida and Holy Cross at Whitchurch Canonicorum is the only church in the country, besides Westminster Abbey, to have a shrine that contains the relics of a saint. A large part of West Dorset falls into an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as well as being home to part of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast Path. [272] It was granted full university status in 2012.[273]. In the north of the county, you will find acres upon acres of tranquil, unspoilt countryside as most of the area falls into a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; it is easy to see how so many authors and artists were compelled to base their works on this region. Dorchester Town Trail is a 1.2 mile loop trail located near Dorchester, Dorset, England and is good for all skill levels. [33] In 1686, at Charborough Park, a meeting took place to plot the downfall of James II of England. [29][31] The Duke of Monmouth's unsuccessful attempt to overthrow James II began when he landed at Lyme Regis in 1685. This is a very nice beach a place ideal for all ages step into the … The first recorded Viking raid on the British Isles occurred in Dorset during the eighth century, and the Black Death entered England at Melcombe Regis in 1348. [35] 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. [94] The Dorset section has yielded important fossils, including Jurassic trees and the first complete Ichthyosaur, discovered near Lyme Regis in 1811 by Mary Anning. [232] 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 Coast service, one of the longest bus routes in the UK, which provides through travel from Poole to Exeter, exploiting a popular tourist route. [86] 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. 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. Shop for unique and unusual gifts, decorations, handmade trinkets, fantastic local produce, and enjoy entertainment and activities to really get you in the Christmas spirit. 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. Districts The flat physical map represents one of several map types available. Dorset Tourism: Tripadvisor has 932,621 reviews of Dorset Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Dorset resource. [54] 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. [2] The Saxons named the town Dornwaraceaster (the suffix -ceaster being the Old English name for a "Roman town"; cf. [124], 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. The Dorset map above will help you to picture your perfect holiday in Dorset. This atlas was first published as a whole in 1579. Alongside the rural areas, North Dorset is also home to a number of popular towns including Blandford Forum, Gillingham, Shaftesbury, and Sturminster Newton. [193][194][195], Dorset's only professional football club is A.F.C. [163][164][165] 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. The A31 connects to the A35 at Bere Regis, and passes east through Wimborne and Ferndown to Hampshire, where it later becomes the M27. [228][229] In August 2007 work began on a £32 million expansion programme which includes enlargement of the terminal building and an increase in parking. Interactive map of Dorset Joe 02 June 2018 Dorset is a beautiful county, featuring a mix of coastal and rural locations, found in the South West of England on the English Channel coast. [23] However, Dorset was devastated by the bubonic plague in 1348 which arrived in Melcombe Regis on a ship from Gascony. This map was created by a user. The Irish Sea lies west of England and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. [266] Poole recorded an above average Progress 8 score and 54% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs. [20] The Normans consolidated their control over the area by constructing castles at Corfe, Wareham and Dorchester in the early part of the 12th century. Dean Court is situated 2 miles northeast of Bournemouth. [147] By contrast, in the same period, arable land decreased from 9,925 to 9,157 km2 (3,832 to 3,536 sq mi). It features notable landforms such as Lulworth Cove, the Isle of Portland, Chesil Beach and Durdle Door. The former was the sailing venue in the 2012 Summer Olympics, and both have clubs or hire venues for sailing, Cornish pilot gig rowing, sea kayaking and powerboating. The trail is primarily used for walking and nature … ", "Planning for Minerals and Waste (newsletter number 8)", "Length of coastline and coastal designations", "Nature Conservation Designations – SSSIs", "Rainfall Amount Annual Average 1981–2010", "Life Expectancy at Birth 2006–2008 to 2010–2012; Counties in England (Males and Females)", "Dorset Modern (post 1974) County: Total Population", "New Electoral Arrangements for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils - Final Recommendations", "Ward boundaries finalised for new Dorset Council", "24th May 2018: Council Leaders welcome "historic day" as Parliamentary process concludes", "Borough's tax payers face 4.5 per cent rise", "Is it the right time for Poole and Bournemouth to merge? View a graphic index of sheets for Dorset; View a georeferenced layer (1900-1) of sheets for Dorset This map of Dorset is from the 1583 edition of the Saxton atlas of England and Wales. [264] Poole and Bournemouth are two of a minority of local authorities in England to maintain selective education, each containing two single-sex grammar schools which select pupils on the basis of an eleven-plus examination. [117] 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. [188] The two-day event exhibits local produce and livestock and attracts some 55,000 people. The county has a long history of human settlement stretching back to the Neolithic era. [233][234] Yellow Buses provide some bus services within Bournemouth and outlying areas. [152], Other major employers in the county include: BAE Systems, Sunseeker International, J.P. Morgan, Cobham plc and Bournemouth University. Use our map of England … Dorset Administrative map ( 1834 ) Showing,... 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