Shaftesbury

The Town

Around 20 miles west of Salisbury, Recoco property finders are delighted to introduce Dorset property buyers to Shaftesbury, one of the prettiest towns in Dorset. It’s 215 metres above sea level, and overlooks the Blackmore Vale. Your real estate buyers agent will confirm you can see as far as Glastonbury Tor to the north west.

The cottages on Gold Hill mainly date from the 18th century. Most buildings date from Georgian and Victorian times, as property buying agents can confirm. The town’s population is around 7,300.

Transport

Shaftesbury lies on the main London to Exeter A30 road and the A350 between Poole and Chippenham. Buses run to locations including Blandford Forum, Gillingham and Sherborne; ask property buying agents about the nearest airport, Bournemouth, 22.5 miles away. Property buyers requiring rail links can find the nearest railway station in Gillingham, 5 miles away.

History

In 888, King Alfred founded Shaftesbury Abbey. (The king who allegedly burned the cakes. Or possibly the fungus.) This was the first religious house founded exclusively for women; Alfred’s daughter AEthelgifu was the first abbess.

 At the time of the Norman Conquest, Shaftesbury was the largest town in Dorset. The abbey was one of the country’s wealthiest religious houses until the Dissolution of 1539.

 By the 17th and 18th century, clothmaking and button making were important local industries, as were malt making and brewing. The railways, however, bypassed Shaftesbury, with economic consequences.

The town has had several names. Recoco buying agents can attest it was Caer Palladour early on, and Sceptsberie in the Domesday Book. It was Sophonia for a while, before becoming Shaston by 1906. Hardy called it both Palladour and Shaston in his fictional Wessex.

Education

There are several schools in or near Shaftesbury, including primaries Ludwell Community, Motcombe VA, Semley, Shaftesbury, St Andrew’s, and the Abbey VA. Port Regis Preparatory School takes pupils from 3 to 13, and independent St Mary’s takes 9 to 18 year olds. Shaftesbury School offers secondary education.

Leisure and Events

Ask your property search company about the excellent walking nearby. Property buying agents will happily point out nearby Cranborne Chase, the sixth largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the country.  

For a more sedate meander, ask your real estate buyers agent to point you towards the beautiful 14th century abbey grounds. Or ask Recoco property finders about the heritage trail through important Shaftesbury buildings and sites.  

 Castle Hill nature reserve on the west side of town is home to over 40 bird species, with views north as far as King Alfred’s Tower on the Longleat Estate. Obtain details of other attractive local locations from your property search company, including Old Wardour Castle, built in the 14th century to a hexagonal plan.

 The town has a volunteer-run Arts Centre in the old covered market in the centre of town. There are two museums, Gold Hill and Shaftesbury Abbey. Shaftesbury F.C. is a non-League club; other town facilities include a community hospital and a library. Looking for a little retail therapy? Real estate buyers agents will confirm the town has a mix of national retail chains and independent stores.

The annual Snowdrop Festival includes an art exhibition and a lantern parade. July property buyers can enjoy the art, music and food stalls of Gold Hill Fair. As Recoco buying agents will tell you, the fair takes place in the ruins of the abbey.  July is a busy time for Shaftesbury: Larmer Tree Gardens host the annual folk and world music event and July also sees the Shaftesbury Fringe.

Celebrity Connections

Ask the buyers agents from your property search company about Shaftesbury’s royal associations. They include Cnut the Great, King of England, Denmark, and Norway (yes, the one who allegedly tried to turn back the tide). Cnut (or Canute) died in 1035 in the town. Actor Robert Newton was also born here.

Foodies’ Corner

Feel like asking your Recoco property finder to recommend some “pub grub” at a traditional hostelry? Head for the Ship Inn. It’s one of several attractive bars, cafes and restaurants in the town. Or visit local wine producer Melbury Vale Vineyard. Tours are available – check with your buyers agents.

There is a weekly market every Thursday. Fan of farmers’ markets? Your Recoco buying agent can supply details of the farmers’ market on the first Saturday of the month. A craft market is held every 3rd Sunday of the month in summer.

Fun Fact

Gold Hill Museum houses the oldest fire engine in Dorset, dating from 1744.