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.

Armistice Day ceremony

On Wednesday 11th November, in addition to the main Armistice Day ceremony at County Hall (starting at 10.50am), there will also be a small ceremony at the War Memorial on South Walks in Dorchester organised by the Royal Naval Association starting at 10.50am with a 2-minute silence at 11.00am.
All the community are welcome to take part in these acts of remembrance.

Notice of meetings:

A meeting of the Management Committee will be held in the Council Chamber in the Municipal Buildings (Corn Exchange), High East Street, Dorchester, DT1 1HF on Monday, 16th November 2026 at 7pm.

The agenda for the meeting will be available in the Committees section of this website.