I am only touching very lightly on the histories of these two famous counties; Dorset and Hampshire. They both have similarities including invasion by different groups; Romans, vikings & saxons, Wareham is a town with Saxon built walls surrounding it.
There is a point though where I get an impression that the characteristics of their respective histories diverges quite a bit. After about the time of William The Conqueror Hampshire becomes almost sedate (I’m probably doing the county a massive disservice here, put that down to ignorance, I’m still learning) by which I mean it becomes the county of the monarchy, the new forest occupying much more of the land than it does today for the pleasure of kings and queens, towns with high cathedrals and seats of Government.
Dorset on the other hand is wild and untamed. The haunt of smugglers and cider brewers. Much more romantic with an air of mystery and romance. With the Jurassic coast just waiting to be discovered and the story of Corfe and Maiden castles to be told.
The two histories are different, and waiting to be explored. I shall spend Av bit of time exploring the story of Hampshire. But the story of Dorset has a massive appeal to me, and the county is drawing me to it.
Bills Posts 