Sherborne Two Castles Walk

Roy Davenport

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This walk commences at the railway station one of those rarities, being a station close to the centre of town. Sherborne is, one of the most beautiful towns in England. With its abundance of medieval buildings, superb Abbey, picturesque Almshouse and two Castles, it has much to offer visitors.

Sherborne is a busy business and market centre for a wide area. It still retains small and specialist businesses and has a delightful shopping centre with a large choice of handcrafted goods and elegant fashions. It has also become an important town in the region for Art and Antique Dealers. Excellent hotels and a variety of other good quality accommodation makes Sherborne a fine centre for those wishing to explore the delightful local countryside.

Sir Walter Raleigh fell in love with Sherborne. He tried first to modernise the Old Castle but finally built in 1594 an Elizabethan mansion in the grounds. The mansion has been the Stately Home of the Digby family since 1617. This is now called Sherborne Castle.

The Saxons named Sherborne scir burne - the place of the clear stream - and made it the capital of Wessex. Two of King Alfred's elder brothers, King Ethelbert and King Ethelbald are buried within the impressive and beautiful Abbey.

The town is crammed with historic interest with 17th, 18th and 19th century architecture set in unspoilt streets. Medieval buildings are abound in the town, the most important of which are The Almshouse of St John the Baptist and St John the Evangelist; The 15th Century Conduit House and The Julian, an early 16th Century house originally the hospice of St Julian of Norwich.

The town also has an excellent small museum with many local artefacts and Purse Candle Manor as well as Sandford Orcas Manor are both of interest.

This walk was originally contributed by Mrs Pat Mallet but Roy has agreed to take it over and maintain it from November 2009.

England - South West England - Dorset - Countryside

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Castle, Church, Flowers, Gift Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Lake/Loch, Mostly Flat, Museum, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, River, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland