Gillingham

Directory Information

Our Shaftesbury/Gillingham/Mere/Sturminster Newton dentons directory (24th edition) is currently distributed to over 17,250 business and residential addresses in the Shaftesbury/Gillingham/Mere/Sturminster Newton area. For more information on our directories, please click here. 

About Gillingham

St Mary The Virgin Church, Gillingham

St Mary The Virgin Church, Gillingham

Gillingham is situated in the Blackmore Vale area of Dorset and is the most northerly town in the county.  The town maintains good links with Shaftesbury, located 7 miles to the south east. Gillingham’s position on the main railway line from London to southwest England, means it remains a popular commuter town. Gillingham is home to North Dorset Rugby Club. Gillingham is twinned with the town of Le Neubourg in France.

History

The Dolphin, Gillingham

The Dolphin, Gillingham

  • There is a Stone Age barrow in the town and also evidence of a second century Roman settlement.
  • Gillingham suffered badly with the Black Death when 50 percent of the two thousand residents died within 4 months.
  • In the Middle Ages, Gillingham was the seat of a royal hunting lodge.
  • In the 1850s, the arrival of the railway to the town brought prosperity and new industries.

Facts

  • Population – 9,340 (2001)
  • Unitary Authority – North Dorset District Council
  • Major Industries – Manufacturing (Dextra Lighting)
  • Post Town – GILLINGHAM
  • Postcode Dstrict – SP8
  • Dialling Code – 01747
  • Police – Dorset Police
  • Fire – Dorset Fire and Rescue Service
  • Ambulance – South Western Ambulance Service

Discover Gillingham – useful links to city guides, what’s on and places to see

High Street, Gillingham

High Street, Gillingham

Share|