By the time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII in 1539, Shaftesbury Abbey was the second wealthiest nunnery in the country. It was the last abbey to be dissolved, and its buildings were systematically destroyed, with locals taking the stone for their own buildings. The ruins we see today are the excavated foundations of the church and other parts of the abbey complex.
The current Town Hall was commissioned by Earl Grosvenor and was built in the Neoclassical style between 1826 and 1837. It is a Grade II listed building, recognized for its architectural and historical significance. I came on a thursday and it was a market day. It's wonderful to see these beautiful rural places having such attractive markets.

Charlie Cosh

October 6, 2025

The town hall was the headquarters of Shaftesbury Borough Council for much of the 20th century but ceased to be local seat of government when the enlarged North Dorset District Council was formed in 1974. It then became the home of Shaftesbury Town Council.

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Elevation 260 m

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Friday 28 November

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Location: Shaftesbury, North Dorset, Dorset, South West England, England, United Kingdom

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