Dorchester (Dorset)

The county town of Dorset although inhabited from Roman times (Durnovaria) in AD70, it became a Saxon mint in the 10th century, a hunting centre for the Normans and during the Civil War 1642-9 was a Roundhead stronghold.
Although not illegal in 1834 to join a trade union it was at the Old Crown Court in High West Street where the trial of the ‘Men of Tolpuddle’ who were charged with swearing unlawful oaths when taking part in their Union’s society’s initiation ritual, took place.