Sherborne
The Town
Property buyer looking for a picture-perfect Dorset town? Recoco property finders may well suggest adding Sherborne to your property search itinerary. Your property search company will delight in introducing you to this charming market town in the north west of the county. Buyers agents will help you discover this lovely part of the Yeo Valley.
As well as the renowned Sherborne Boys’ School, the town has not one, but two castles. Property buying agents will delight in introducing you to the beautiful medieval and Georgian buildings. Recoco buying agents can confirm many use the distinctive golden-coloured hamstone. Sherborne has a population of around 12,000.
Transport
Regular, direct rail services link property buyers and buyers agents to London Waterloo. The main A30 London to Penzance road runs through the heart of the town.
History
Sherborne has been a cathedral city since the early 8th century. Ask your Recoco buying agent about its history, packed with tales of kings of Wessex, rebellions and uprisings. Sherborne Castle, built by Sir Walter Raleigh, dates from 1594; the school dates from the 18th century. Your property buying agent will help you explore the timber-framed buildings in the pretty narrow streets in the course of your property search.
The town’s name comes from old Saxon: burn means stream and scir means clear. In the Domesday Book it’s listed as Scir Burne.
King Alfred the Great’s older brothers are buried in the abbey – if you’re interested, ask your real estate buyers agent for details. The two castles are the ruined 12th century palace and Sir Walter Raleigh’s 16th century mansion, known as Sherborne Castle.
Education
There has been a school in town since the time of King Alfred the Great, who was educated there. In 1550, the school was re-founded and became King Edward’s grammar school. Sherborne School for Girls was founded at the end of the 19th century.
The abbey, castles and the school may be the most famous buildings in town, but Recoco buying agents can tell you they’re in good company. There are stunning 15th century Almshouses, a hospice, and Lord Digby school. Recoco property finders can help you identify over 375 listed buildings in the town.
Leisure and Events
Sherborne is a hive of activity, as buyers agents will attest, with regular festivals and events for property buyers to enjoy. Recoco property finders will be happy to help you discover the High Street. Its home to many independent shops selling antiques, fashion, gifts, local produce, specialist chocolate confectionery, and wine – enough to brighten the day for any property search company.
The town has lots to offer, as real estate buyers agents can confirm: amateur dramatics, arts lectures, sporting events, quiz nights, wine tastings, and open gardens. Property buying agents can give you details of the pannier market, held on the Parade in Sherborne every Thursday and Saturday, the Thursday morning country market, and a Farmers’ Market on the 3rd Friday morning of every month in Cheap Street.
Should your property search take you to the northern end of the town, Quarr Community Woodland can be found in the old landfill and quarry site. Sherborne has been an official Transition Town since 2009.
Annual events include Pack Monday Fair, a street fair including stalls and a funfair. It starts on Old Michaelmas Day, the Monday after 10 October. For ball game enthusiasts, your property search company can point you towards Sherborne Town FC, the non-League football club; there is also a cricket club and a rugby club.
Celebrity Connections
Real estate buyers agents will be happy to confirm the many celebrities with connections to the town. Alumni of Sherborne Boys’ School include mathematician Alan Turing, author John le Carre, singer/songwriter Chris Martin from Coldplay, and actors Hugh Bonneville and Jeremy Irons. Sherborne Girls’ School alumnae include scientist Rosa Beddington and opera singer Emma Kirkby.
Foodies’ Corner
There are numerous pretty, family-run cafes in Sherborne, and as you’d expect in this part of the world, indulgent cream teas, baked delights, and delectable cakes are often on the menu. Pick up foods to make a gourmet’s face light up at the Pear Tree, enjoy pizza, pasta, and delicious Italian coffees at Tamburino Gold, indulge in a spot of pub grub at gastropubs like the Cross Keys, or enjoy delicious fish and chips from the Abbey Friar.
Fun Fact
The town’s crest shows a double-headed, twin-tailed Wyvern. (The wyvern is a bipedal dragon, with a tail that often ends in an arrow-shaped or diamond-shaped tip.)