Dorchester is a town in Dorset, England, located in the southwest of the country. It serves as the county town of Dorset and is situated on the River Frome in a valley surrounded by chalk hills.
The town has significant historical importance, with origins dating to Roman times when it was known as Durnovaria and served as a major settlement. Dorchester's medieval and later architecture reflects its long development, and the town center preserves much of its historic street layout. The town is also known for its associations with author Thomas Hardy, who lived in the area and used it as the setting for his novel "The Mayor of Casterbridge," fictionalizing the town as "Casterbridge."
Today, Dorchester functions as a market town and administrative center for the county, serving as a hub for the surrounding region. The town provides various services and amenities typical of a county town of its size.