Slideshow of Dorchester Scenery

Photo by Josh Keep Photography

Clock tower in park

Dorchester Town Council

Dorchester Town Council is working to create a sustainable, inclusive town, where thriving communities and a rich heritage lay the foundation for a bright future.

We are the parish authority for the county town of Dorset.  There has been a history of local government in the town since Anglo Saxon times and Dorchester has been the county town since 1305.  It has elected a mayor since 1629. The Town Council was created in 1974.

The town has a population of around 20,000, which continues to grow quickly with the expansion of Dorchester at Poundbury and Brewery Square. The Town Council provides a range of community and recreational facilities and promotes the town's interests with the other statutory bodies that operate in the town, notably the Dorset Council.

The Town Council has 20 members in five wards, elected for a period of 5 years until 2029.

Notice of Meetings

Remembrance Sunday:  On 9th November at 10.45am, Dorchester will hold its Remembrance Sunday parade and service at the War Memorial on South Walks.  The whole community are invited to join this important act of remembrance.   There will be free parking in all Dorset Council's town centre car parks on that day (not including on-street parking).  Please contact the Town Council if you would like to lay a wreath at the War Memorial as part of the service.

Dorset Council's town centre car parks in Dorchester will be free to use all day on 9th November.  However, on-street parking and private car parks (e.g. the Co-Op) will need to be paid for as usual.