Sherborne, Market town in north west Dorset, England
Sherborne is a market town situated along the River Yeo at the edge of Blackmore Vale, with buildings throughout its streets made from the local ochre-colored ham stone. This distinctive material gives the town its warm, recognizable appearance and is used in most structures you will see.
The founding of Sherborne Abbey in 705 by King Ine marked the beginning of the town's religious importance, which later served as the seat for bishops covering the wider region. This early connection to the church shaped how the town grew and developed over the following centuries.
The Pack Monday Fair, held annually after October 10th, shows how an old farming gathering has grown into a modern event with market stalls and entertainment. Today, locals and visitors still gather for this occasion, which brings energy and community spirit to the town center.
Sherborne railway station offers regular train connections for visitors arriving from outside the area. The town sits on the A30 road, which provides a direct route between London and Penzance, making it convenient for travelers passing through.
Two castles stand within the town: the ruins of a Norman-era fortified palace from the 12th century and a 16th-century country house built by Sir Walter Raleigh. This unusual pair of fortified structures in a single town is rare in England.
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