The Dorset Historic Towns Project report on Sherborne.

The historic urban character of Sherborne is closely bound up with its distinctive landscape setting and the quality of its historic fabric, as well as its richly-documented history. The late Saxon and medieval town plan survives almost complete, and the associated post-medieval streetscapes are largely intact. The location of the Abbey and historic town centre are also significant in terms of landscape setting, sitting as they do, just above the open meadows of the Yeo floodplain.

Good survival of the historic town structure is complemented by many historic buildings. The survival in the historic core of many unbroken groups of buildings, with little disruption from modern development, is a major factor which highlights the contribution made by historic elements to Sherborne's urban character. The harmonious use of local building materials helps underscore its local setting and emphasises the linkage with the surrounding landscape.

Summary report

Here is a summary of the report (February 2011).

Detailed sections of the report

We have broken down the full report into individual sections, please select one of the parts to read:

Senior Archaeologist, Promotion and Liaison

Name: Claire Pinder
Email: Claire.Pinder@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01305 224921
Full contact details