Dorchester (ancient Durnovaria), town, in West Dorset District, administrative center of Dorset, southern England, on the Frome River. It is an agricultural trade center and is noted for the brewing of ale; printing and leatherworking are also important industries. Located here are the remains of a large Roman town house; Maumbury Rings, a Stone Age circle adapted by the Romans as an amphitheater; and a museum of archaeology and natural history. Nearby is Maiden Castle, one of the finest ancient fortifications in England. A Roman settlement was established here in about AD 70. The town had a mint by the 10th century. In 1685, Justice George Jeffreys presided in Dorchester over the treason trials known as the Bloody Assizes. Population (1991) 15,037.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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