The Walks: On John Speed's Map of Dorchester dated 1611, nearly surrounding Dorchester, can be seen the remnants of the earthen works where the old Roman Wall was. Only one very small section survives today (see pictures) To the east the wall marked the boundary with the parish of Fordington where the Church of St George stands. To the North the wall followed the river with the parish of Frome Whitfield on the other side. The Romans did much to shape Dorchester for the old Roman Wall, even though largely demolished by 1611 as much of the stone had been robbed out for use in other buildings, left behind substantial earthen embankments. These were temporarily repaired during the Civil War in an inadequate attempt to fortify the town against the Kings Army. As far as I can see, from the limited amount of documentation available to me, the first part of the wall to be used as a way was 'Bowling Alley Walks' as there is reference in 1635 to "The inhabitants of Fordington, who have made of late a common trade way over the Bowling Alley with horses, carts and carriages".
In the 18th century the walls were no longer needed as defences and the top of the embankments were leveled out and lined with trees. These avenues are today referred to as "The Walks" and provide a delightful well shaded walk around two thirds of the town. At that time they still marked the boundary of the town with only a few houses outside the old walls. The Walks were mainly planted in two separate campaigns. The west wall where it extended north of the old West Gate into Dorchester was originally called 'The New Walks' but has since been renamed 'Colliton Walk'. The section of the west wall that extended south from the West Gate into Dorchester was called 'The Old Walk' but is now referred to as 'West Walks' and 'The Bowling Alley' (which turns to meet the old South gate into Dorchester).This section was laid out about 1712. The rest of the South Wall originally called 'Chestnut Walks' and now 'South Walks' together with the eastern section called 'Salisbury Walks' was laid out in 1743. The original trees were sycamores and limes (1712) and chestnuts (1743). The riverside walk completes the circuit of the town and was known as the Frome Walk, part of which is depicted in the postcards showing 'Hangman's Cottage' below. Where possible I have also provided a link to a modern day photograph of the area. The Corporation employed a 'Walks Keeper' to help maintain these rights of way but the only one that I know of was George READ who looked after them and Borough Gardens from at least 1881 until after 1911. |
