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Blandford Forum

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Blandford Forum
NameBlandford Forum
Settlement typeTown
Coordinates50.8569°N 2.1614°W
Subdivision nameUnited Kingdom
Subdivision type1Country
Subdivision name1England
Subdivision type2Region
Subdivision name2South West England
Subdivision type3Ceremonial county
Subdivision name3Dorset
Subdivision type4Non-metropolitan county
Subdivision name4Dorset
Subdivision type5District
Subdivision name5North Dorset
Subdivision type6Civil parish
Timezone1GMT
Timezone2BST
Utc offset2+1
Postal code typePostcodes
Postal codeDT11
Area code01258
Iso codeGB

Blandford Forum is a town in Dorset, situated near the River Stour, and is close to Salisbury, Poole, and Bournemouth. The town has a rich history, with evidence of Roman and Anglo-Saxon settlements in the area, and is also near the New Forest, Cranborne Chase, and West Wiltshire Downs. Blandford Forum is also close to the A354 and A350 roads, which connect it to London and other major cities, and is home to the Blandford Camp army base, which has been used by the British Army since World War I.

History

The history of Blandford Forum dates back to the Iron Age, with evidence of settlements in the area, and the town was also an important center during the Roman period, with the nearby Roman roads, such as the Ackling Dyke, and Roman villas, like the one at Chedworth Roman Villa. The town was also a significant location during the English Civil War, with the Battle of Roundway Down taking place nearby, and was visited by famous figures, including King Charles I and Oliver Cromwell. Blandford Forum is also close to the Stonehenge monument, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Salisbury Cathedral, which is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. The town has also been home to many notable people, including Thomas Hardy, who wrote about the area in his novels, such as Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure, and William Barnes, a Dorset dialect poet.

Geography

Blandford Forum is situated in the Blackmore Vale, near the River Stour, and is surrounded by hills, such as the Dorset Downs and the Cranborne Chase. The town is also close to the New Forest, which is a national park and home to many species of wildlife, including red deer and wild boar. Blandford Forum is also near the Jurassic Coast, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features many famous landmarks, including Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. The town is also close to the A354 and A350 roads, which connect it to London and other major cities, and is home to the Blandford Camp army base, which has been used by the British Army since World War I.

Demographics

The population of Blandford Forum is around 10,000 people, according to the 2011 census, and the town has a mix of old and new housing, with many historic buildings, such as the Blandford Forum Town Hall, and modern developments, like the Blandford Heights estate. The town is also home to many community groups, including the Blandford Forum Twinning Association, which has links with Abbeville in France, and the Blandford Forum Museum, which features exhibits on the town's history and geology. Blandford Forum is also close to the University of Bournemouth and the Bournemouth University campus, which offer a range of academic programs, including business studies and engineering.

Economy

The economy of Blandford Forum is based on a mix of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The town is home to many businesses, including the Hall & Woodhouse brewery, which produces Badger Beer, and the Farrow & Ball paint company, which is based in the nearby village of Wimborne Minster. Blandford Forum is also close to the Poole Harbour and the Port of Poole, which are major centers for shipping and trade, and is home to many small businesses, including shops and restaurants, which cater to the local population and tourists. The town is also near the Bournemouth Airport, which offers flights to Europe and other destinations.

Landmarks

Blandford Forum has many historic landmarks, including the Blandford Forum Town Hall, which dates back to the 18th century, and the Blandford Forum Church, which is a Grade I listed building. The town is also home to the Blandford Camp army base, which has been used by the British Army since World War I, and the Blandford Forum Museum, which features exhibits on the town's history and geology. Blandford Forum is also close to the Salisbury Cathedral, which is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe, and the Stonehenge monument, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is also near the Larmer Tree Gardens, which are a popular tourist destination, and the Cranborne Chase, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Transport

Blandford Forum is connected to other towns and cities by a range of transport links, including the A354 and A350 roads, which connect it to London and other major cities. The town is also close to the Bournemouth Airport, which offers flights to Europe and other destinations, and the Poole Harbour and the Port of Poole, which are major centers for shipping and trade. Blandford Forum is also home to a range of public transport services, including buses and trains, which connect it to other towns and cities, including Salisbury, Poole, and Bournemouth. The town is also near the South Western Railway line, which connects it to London Waterloo and other destinations.

Category:Towns in Dorset