Why is Shaftesbury famous?

Shaftesbury is a Saxon market town situated in North Dorset. It is perhaps best known for Gold Hill, a cobbled street with idyllic thatched cottages that once appeared in a famous Hovis bread advert. Gold Hill boasts far reaching views over the Blackmore Vale from its elevated position.

Is Shaftesbury the highest town in England?

Shaftesbury in North Dorset is one of the highest towns in England, standing as it does at 750 feet above sea level. As with many high points in the area, the first settlement was established around 8000 years ago in the middle of the Stone Age.

What is the history of Shaftesbury?

The History of Shaftesbury

The village was founded by the Saxons, and its name is derived from the Saxon word 'burh', which meant a fortified settlement. In the late 9th century, Alfred the Great established a network of fortified towns across his kingdom, and Shaftesbury was one such burh.

What was filmed in Shaftesbury?

In media. Gold Hill has been used as a setting for film and television. It appears in the 1967 film version of Thomas Hardy's Far from the Madding Crowd. The street is the main setting for the 1973 "Boy on Bike" television advertisement for Hovis bread, which has been voted Britain's favourite advertisement of all time ...

Is Shaftesbury worth visiting?

Visit Shaftesbury and Gillingham for far reaching views. Shaftesbury is one of the oldest and highest towns in England and home to renowned, iconic landmark – Gold Hill. Nearby Gillingham is Dorset's most northern town and has connections with the famous oil painter John Constable.

Gold Hill, Shaftesbury - The Most Famous Street In England Linked To BREAD & ALIENS!?

What is Shaftesbury famous for?

What's Shaftesbury famous for? Shaftesbury is famous for two primary landmarks. First and foremost is Gold Hill, a steep, cobbled country road famous for its role in the classic 1973 Hovis Bread advert directed by Ridley Scott. This quintessentially English view brings many admirers to Shaftesbury every year.

Is Shaftesbury a nice place to live?

Sleepy hilltop town nestled within the Blackmore Vale in North Dorset, with indie shops, cafes and restaurants and one of the UK's most iconic views at Gold Hill. Part of our Top 300 Places to Live series.

What is the famous street in Shaftesbury?

Gold Hill in Shaftesbury is one of the most famous streets in England. The street is especially famous because of the 1973 Hovis bread advert directed by Ridley Scott — showing a boy pushing a bike up the hill with a loaf of bread. That advert made Gold Hill instantly recognisable across the UK.

Does Johnnie Walker live in Shaftesbury Dorset?

From March 2020 Walker broadcast from his home in Shaftesbury, Dorset, with contributions from his wife Tiggy. The couple also collaborated on a podcast called Consciously Coupling. On 14 August 2022, Walker hosted a show on Boom Radio as part of the station's celebration of Offshore Radio.

Is Shaftesbury Avenue in Harry Potter?

Piccadilly Circus

It's here where they apparate from Fleur and Bill's wedding after the death eaters attack. Continue up Shaftesbury Avenue to follow in Hermione's footsteps as they rush through the crowd, evading escape.

Which king is buried in Shaftesbury?

In a dispute over succession, on 18 March 978 Edward is murdered and hastily buried. Ethelred accedes to the throne. Early in 979 Edward is disinterred and given a ceremonial burial at Shaftesbury Abbey but his remains are said to be found in perfect condition and this is taken as a sign of sainthood.

Is Shaftesbury a town or village?

Shaftesbury is a small market town in Dorset with a fascinating history going back to Saxon times. The town is the home of Gold Hill (made famous by the “Hovis” advert) and has magnificent views over Thomas Hardy's Blackmore Vale.

Who owns Shaftesbury Estates in Dorset?

Shaftesbury Estates

Wimborne St Giles in East Dorset is the home base and centre of business of the Ashley-Cooper family.

What is the most posh town in England?

The Telegraph named Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire the poshest place in the UK. It said: 'A town best known for its Royal Regatta is surely the definition of posh.

Can you drive up Gold Hill in Shaftesbury?

It is possible to drive small vehicles up Gold Hill to disembark disabled passengers, but there is no parking and only limited space to turn at the top. It can also be full of sightseers at the height of summer.

How many people live in Shaftesbury?

In the 2021 census the town's civil parish had a population of 9,162.

Where was Johnnie Walker's funeral held?

Former colleagues Simon Mayo, Jeremy Vine and Tony Blackburn were among those attending the service at St Peter's Church in Shaftesbury, Dorset. Following the memorial service, Walker's friends and loved ones gathered to watch the cortege of Harley Davidson riders escort the DJ's hearse.

Where does the Earl of Shaftesbury live?

St Giles House, Wimborne St Giles. St Giles House is located at Wimborne St Giles in Dorset in England, just south of Cranborne Chase. It is the ancestral seat of the Ashley-Cooper family, which is headed by the Earl of Shaftesbury.

Who owns Johnny Walker whisky?

Johnnie Walker is a brand of Scotch whisky produced by Diageo in Scotland.

Why is Gold Hill in Shaftesbury famous?

The view from the top of Gold Hill appears on many calendars, chocolate boxes and book covers. But that's not the only reason it might seem familiar. Gold Hill became famous after featuring in a popular TV commercial for Hovis bread. Over 40 years later, crowds still flock to see it.

What is the most common street name in Britain?

Based on data from Ordnance Survey, there are approximately 5,410 High Streets (including slight variations of the name) in Britain, making it the most common road name by a significant margin. High Street is one of several road names that can be found in almost every town or city.

What is the oldest house in Shaftesbury Dorset?

Edwardstow, Bimport: The centre part of the house predates the Dissolution of Shaftesbury Abbey in 1539 and is the oldest house in Shaftesbury.

Where is the nicest place to live in Dorset?

What is the crime rate in Shaftesbury?

Annual total crime rate in your local area is 36.5 crimes per thousand resident population. This can be rated as 2 out of 10 or low crime level compared to other local areas in England and Wales.

Does Shaftesbury Dorset have a train station?

Although several plans were made to give Shaftesbury its own station, the town's position on a hill prevented this. The nearest station to Shaftesbury is now Gillingham.