Sherborne, which is situated in the north-west area of Dorset – not far from the Somerset border – has been described as ‘one of the most beautiful towns in England’.



The town was once the capital of Wessex, and it was also a cathedral city. And when its abbey was founded in the year 705 AD by St. Aldhelm, it was regarded as the ‘Mother Cathedral for the whole of south-west England’.

But it’s recorded that in the year 1075 the bishopric of Sherborne was moved to Old Sarum, and a new cathedral was consecrated there. However, despite the fact that Sherborne’ ecclesiastical status has changed, it’s said that its beautiful abbey continues to emit an aura that evokes the atmosphere of a cathedral city.

Not a lot of the Saxon church remains, for most of the existing parts of the building date back to the mid-fifteenth century, which is described as being ‘the most glorious period in the history of English ecclesiastical architecture’.

And Sherborne Abbey is, likewise, described as having ‘one of the best examples of perpendicular architecture in Britain’. The intricate tracery of the fan vaulting above its nave is said to be particularly noteworthy, and it is claimed to be one of England’s earliest examples. The church also has what is described as ‘a weighty peal of bells’ – led by ‘Great Tom’, which is a tenor bell that is said to have been presented to the abbey by Cardinal Wolsey.

The church’s interior has many other fascinating features, including the fifteenth century misericords in the choir stalls, one of which is said to ‘depict Christ sitting in majesty on a rainbow’.

Among the church’s many tombs are those of Alfred the Great’s two brothers – namely Ethelred and Ethelbert, and the Elizabethan poet Thomas Wyatt. Other elaborate tombs that can be located within the church include a 6-poster from Tudor times, a Baroque late 17th century memorial to the 3rd Earl of Bristol, and another memorial embellished with horses’ hooves, intended as a tribute to one Sir John Horsey – the horses’ hooves being linked to his name in the form of a pun.

The Almshouse of Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist is situated near the abbey and was founded in the year 1437, and is still in use as an almshouse, with both men and women being accepted.

The almshouse chapel lays claim to one of the town’s greatest treasures, which is a late fifteenth century Flemish altar tryptich. In the year 2005 Sherborne celebrated the 1300th anniversary of St. Adhelm’s founding of the Abbey by holding a massive festival. And a statue dedicated to St. Adhelm was commissioned, which now stands in a niche above the church porch.

And in the year 1905 a great pageant was staged in the town to celebrate the 1200th anniversary of the founding of the town by St. Aldhelm. And the funds raised at this event were used to create ‘Pageant Gardens’ which is situated to the south of the town, near the railway station.

St. Aldhelm is also credited with having founded the famous public school known as Sherborne School. And claimed to have been amongst the school’s earliest pupils were the two brothers of King Alfred. And later former pupils of the school include the Poet Laureate Cecil Day-Lewis and the writer David Cornwell – also known as John le Carre, author of ‘The Spy Who Came in from the Cold’ and numerous other thrillers.

Sherborne’s most famous resident is Sir Walter Raleigh. And the town’s two castles are associated with Sir Walter Raleigh, for Queen Elizabeth I gave him Sherborne Old Castle for him to live in. But he found the medieval accommodation with its stark amenities unsuitable to his tastes, and he built a new castle alongside it in the adjacent parkland, which is now referred to as Sherborne New Castle.

Sir Walter Raleigh, however, called it Sherborne Lodge to distinguish it from the Old Castle, and this ‘rectangular six-turreted building’ became his home.

Following Sir Walter Raleigh’s execution in the reign of James I, his estates were forfeited to the crown. However, in the year 1617 King James allowed Sir James Digby to buy Sherborne Lodge, who immediately added four wings to the building in a similar style to the Old Castle. Then during the Civil War the Old Castle was reduced to a ruin by Cromwell’s Parliamentary forces in the Siege of 1645, which lasted sixteen days. And Sherborne Lodge then became known as Sherborne Castle.

The castle is still in the care of the Digby family, and ‘Capability’ Brown created the lake that adjoins the building in the year 1753. The castle was used as a Red Cross Hospital for wounded soldiers in the First World War and as the Headquarters for D-Day Commandos in the Second World War. And it was opened to the public in the year 1969, and now hosts a variety of events during the summer season. On display in the castle are collections of Old Masters, porcelain, furniture and an exhibition of ‘finds’ from the Old Castle. Other attractions at the castle include the library and a Tudor kitchen. And the gardens, a tea room and a shop are also open to the public.

The Sherborne Museum, which is situated near the abbey, has a collection of more than 15,000 items relating to local history. And these include a model of the Old Castle, and photographs of parts of the fifteenth century Sherborne Missal – a richly illuminated tome weighing almost fifty pounds, which is now housed in the British Library. The museum also has two major photographic collections recording events and people in the town since the year 1880.

Sherborne has a number of restaurants and hotels. And these include Plume of Feathers which stands directly across the road from Sherborne Abbey, and whose building dates back to the year 1505. The inn is popular with both local people and visitors alike, and it hosts regular jazz nights. It’s also noted for its ‘real ales’. And it not only provides food and drinks but also offers Bed and Breakfast accommodation.

Another bed and breakfast establishment, which is situated in a lovely old terrace in the town centre, is Cumberland House. It has 4-diamond rating accommodation and its building dates back to the 17th century. And it also has a terraced garden which is situated to the rear of the building where guests can relax on sunny afternoons.

Situated on the outskirts of Sherborne is The Three Elms Inn, which stands on the edge of the Blackmore Vale and commands some superb views. It offers a wide ranging menu, including daily ‘home-cooked specials’. The Three Elms is a ‘free house’ and therefore offers an extensive choice of drinks, including three real ales and a wide selection of wines. It also provides bed and breakfast accommodation.

With its historical affiliations, stately abbey, period hostelry and scenic surroundings, Sherborne would seem to epitomise a centre of peace and tranquility……….