In the 1820s High West Street was almost entirely residential. It is now a mix of attractions (Shire Hall Historic Court House Museum, Dorset Museum, Tutankhamun Exhibition), independent shops, cafes and restaurants and professional services.

Look out for the William Barnes statue in the courtyard of St Peters Church, and for the ornate timber framed Judge Jeffreys and Mabbs buildings. Look up at the building on the western corner of Trinity Street to see the entrance sign to Genges former Department Store which traded from 1930’s until 1988 – at one time it was the largest shop in the town.

The entrance to St Peters Church, a mostly medieval building, is Norman, in origin, and is the second oldest stonework remaining in the town after the Roman wall.