Dorchester's history in a million stitches
The Dorchester Celebration Tapestry - on permanent display in the Corn Exchange - tells the story of the town's history in seven beautiful panels, designed by Suzanne Finch and embroidered by dozens of enthusiastic volunteers.
The design was developed from both contemporary and historic sources. Many of the characters you see are based on real people - actors in costume in the case of historic figures and the people themselves in the modern scenes! Postcards of the tapestry are available from the Tourist Information Centre, Arts Centre and Town Council offices.
Designer Suzanne Finch and Mayor Robin Potter at the launch of the Dorchester Celebration Tapestry.
The work, which is on permanent display in the foyer of the Corn Exchange, took 50+ embroiderers more 15 months to make and contains more than a million stitches.
It tells the history of Dorchester from prehistoric times to the current day - all based on historic and contemporary sources.
The Dorchester Tapestry - Prehistory to Roman
Inside Dorchester’s massive Neolithic Woodhenge, iron age people are busy weaving woolen cloth. Roman soldiers defeat local tribes at Maiden Castle, and build the town of Durnovaria with villa, shops, market and fountain.
The Dorchester Tapestry - Saxon and Medieval
Roman Durnovaria decays in Saxon Dorchester. The town’s Reeve is murdered by Viking traders when he demands income tax from them. A Royal Charter is granted - to enable building of the prison. This scene is later re-created by Community Players for the Dorchester 700 celebrations.
The Dorchester Tapestry - Elizabethan and Stuart
The Chideock Martyrs are executed for their faith - statues by Elisabeth Frink. Fire strikes the town in 1613 - design by St Osmunds Middle School pupils. Puritan Rector John White founds the Nappers Mite Almshouses and Grammar School, and sends a Pilgrim ship to the New World.
The Dorchester Tapestry - Eighteenth Century
Monmouth Rebellion prisoners are marched to Dorchester jail before appearing before Judge Jeffries at the Bloody Assizes. The town pump and Grey’s bridge are built. Nat Searle and his pet sheep Caroline are seen around the town. Planting starts in the North Walks
The Dorchester Tapestry - Nineteenth Century
The Tolpuddle Martyrs are transported for forming a union. Cholera in Fordington leads to campaigns by Rev Henry Moule and Sarah Eldridge to improve conditions. The existing prison is built. Dorchester’s Walks are at their finest. Steam engines and agricultural equipment are built in the town.
The Dorchester Tapestry - Nineteenth Century buildings
Dorchester’s distinctive nineteenth century architecture, depicted in this panel designed by Year Six students from Dorchester Middle School, is still a lively and powerful presence in the town.
The Dorchester Tapestry - 20th and 21st Centuries
Thomas Hardy is remembered with a statue near County Hall. The town grows with distinctive shops and markets. The Borough Gardens, created in 1901 and rennovated in 2007, are a venue for Dorchester Festival.
Poundbury, symbolised by the Brownsword Hall, brings further expansion.
