AN ORGANISER behind Dorset Architectural Heritage Week has thanked those who made this year’s event a success.
Thousands of people visited the county last month across a number of days to discover the secrets of Dorset’s history.
Many of the county’s notable buildings opened their doors, as visitors enjoyed guided walks, talks and the chance to explore different environments for the first time.
Dorset Architectural Heritage Week is an annual event designed to raise awareness of the rich architectural and cultural heritage that exists in the county.
It is organised and run by East Dorset Heritage Trust and supported by the Institute of Commercial Management.
Nearly 150 individual events were spread across a nine day period in September, with requests for tickets coming from as far afield as London, Manchester and Birmingham. The first half of the week was held as part of the national Heritage Open Days. Given Dorset’s extensive array of architecture, the events continued for a further four days.
One of the first events to sell out was Silk Hay, the Stalbridge house renovated by its owner Hilary Townsend.
The house, which can only take 10 people at a time, includes a Medieval Hall House, a Crusader stone and a spectacular wall painting.
Other places to visit during the celebration included Cemetery Chapel in Lyme Regis, Rufus Castle on Portland, Weymouth’s Tudor House and Mapperton House.
Meanwhile, the Old Crown Court and cells in Dorchester also opened its doors, with organisers recording huge numbers of visitors given the time of year.
Event manager Ian Utley said: “Thank you to all of the owners, experts, volunteers and guardians who took part this year.
“Heritage Week could not take place without your hard work and the number of visitors we have seen this September demonstrates that your contribution is hugely appreciated by the public.”
Dates for next year’s Dorset Architectural Heritage Week have already been confirmed. Events will be held between September 8 and 15.
For further information and updates visit dahw.org.uk
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