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Gillingham Town Information




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Lying on the River Stour in the Blackmore Vale, this is one of Dorset’s busiest and most northerly towns whose origins date back to the days of the conquering Saxons. It became a key centre for cloth making and silk spinning in the 18th Century and prospered again with the arrival of the railways. The landscape painter Turner immortalised its old river bridge while Constable was also inspired when he came here.

The town has a number of Tudor buildings and a 16th Century grammar school. Nearby is Dorset Rare Breeds Centre and Farm Museum - which has a large collection of endangered farm animals - and a Stone Age barrow. The parish church has a 14th century chancel.


St. Mary the Virgin Church - Photo: John Barrett CCL
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