Dorset is renowned for its rolling hills, natural beauty and Jurrasic Coast.
But what about everything in between all of that?
Full of notable historical characters who have invented or achieved things that have changed the world.
Or Homer Simpson on a hillside and the area of Scratchy Bottom; you’ll be amazed by these quirky facts.
Here is a list of some of the most notable and unique facts that are sure to surprise you.
Table of Contents
The Lava Lamp Was Invented In Dorset
The iconic lava lamp was invented in Dorset by Edward Craven Walker in 1963. Inspired by a quirky egg timer seen in a local pub, he transformed it into a mesmerising lamp.
The Astro Lamp became a symbol of 1960s style.
The lamps are still produced in Poole by Mathmos, ensuring this piece of Dorset creativity continues to light up homes.
Dorset Holds World Record For Most Complete Pliosaur Skull
The skull of a colossal sea predator has emerged from Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. This Pliosaurus skull, around 95% intact, is noted for its enormous size—measuring 2 metres (6ft 5in) long and 0.6 metres (2ft) wide.
The skull, now on display at the Etches Collection in Kimmeridge, boasts fierce features like 130 razor-sharp teeth and massive jaw muscles, likened to a T. Rex in bite force.
Experts excavated it from a crumbling cliff, making it one of the most complete and well-preserved pliosaur specimens ever found.
Dorset Is Home To One Of The World’s Hottest Chillies
Dorset boasts the Dorset Naga, a chilli with an average heat level of over 1,000,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
Developed from the naga morich, this fiery chilli is among the world’s superhots.
Originally sourced from an Asian shop in Bournemouth, the Dorset Naga combines intense heat with a unique fruity aroma.
Cultivated in the UK, it has gained popularity, especially within the Bangladeshi community, for its use in spicy dishes.
The World’s First Underwater Photograph Was Taken In Dorset
In 1856, William Thompson took the first underwater photo in Weymouth Bay. During a storm, he was stuck in the Portland Ferry Bridge House and worried about potential damage to the bridge’s supports.
He built a waterproof box for his camera and lowered it into the bay.
On his second attempt, Thompson captured a faint image of boulders and seaweed.
This historic moment marked the beginning of underwater photography.
2 Of The 5 British Miss World Winners Are From Dorset
Dorset proudly boasts two Miss World winners among the five British titleholders.
Ann Sidney from Poole was crowned Miss World in 1964. She worked as a hairdresser in Bournemouth before winning the title.
The following year, Lesley Langley from Weymouth took the crown in 1965. She succeeded Ann Sidney, making it two consecutive wins for Dorset.
The UK’s Oldest Post Box Is In Dorset
The UK’s oldest post box is located in the quaint village of Holwell, near Sherborne, Dorset. This historical post box dates back to 1853 and stands tall at 5 feet.
Crafted by John M Butt & Co, it features an octagonal design and a narrow vertical posting slot. Remarkably, it still bears the initials of Queen Victoria.
The post box is a cherished landmark, attracting many visitors each year.
The First Woman Of Palaeontology Is From Dorset
Mary Anning, from Lyme Regis in Dorset, is hailed as the first woman of palaeontology. Born in 1799, she began collecting fossils as a child to support her family.
Despite facing poverty and limited formal education, Mary discovered extraordinary fossils like ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs.
Her keen eye and dedication earned her a reputation among the leading scientists of her time, even though she rarely received proper credit.
Mary’s work laid crucial foundations in the field of palaeontology, making her a true pioneer from Dorset.
Scouts Started In Dorset
Scouting began during the first nine days of August 1907 on Brownsea Island.
Lord Baden-Powell, a retired lieutenant-general, held an experimental camp with 20 boys from different backgrounds.
This camp tested his ideas, forming the foundation of the Scouting Movement.
Baden-Powell’s experiences in the British Army, particularly during the Second Boer War, inspired him.
Realising that boys at home could benefit from similar activities, he created Scouting, focusing on outdoor adventure and helping others.
Today, the Dorset Scouts continue to uphold these traditions, offering fun, challenge, and adventure.
Dorset Has A Scratchy Bottom And A Happy Bottom
In Dorset, you’ll find a place called Scratchy Bottom. This clifftop valley lies between Durdle Door and Bat’s Head.
Known for its rough, hollow, and amusing name, it was even featured in the 1967 film Far from the Madding Crowd.
Equally intriguing is Happy Bottom, a nature reserve between Corfe Mullen and Wimborne.
This spot is rich in history and wildlife, forming part of the Corfe Barrows Nature Park. The cheerful name adds to its charm.
The UK’s Bendiest Road Is In Dorset
Zig Zag Hill on the B3081 in Dorset is known as the UK’s bendiest road. This hairpin highway near Shaftesbury attracts drivers from all over to experience its sharp bends.
Rising steeply, Zig Zag Hill features two severe turns that nearly reach 180 degrees.
The road also has a challenging 13% gradient, making it a thrilling drive for motorists.
Drivers need to be cautious, especially larger vehicles, which must use low gear for both ascent and descent.
Britain’s First Olympic Athletics Champion Is A Dorset Train Driver
Charles Bennett, born in Shapwick, Dorset, made history in 1900. This local train driver became Britain’s first Olympic athletics champion by winning the 1500 metres at the Paris Olympics.
Bennett’s time of 4:06.0 set a world record.
Bennett also triumphed in the 5000 metres team event, setting an unofficial world record of 15:29.2. He earned a silver medal in the 4000 metres steeplechase, too.
Bennett’s achievements were forgotten for a century until his grandson discovered his neglected grave. In 2011, a proper headstone was unveiled to honour his legacy.
The World’s First Pier To Shore Zip Wire Is In Bournemouth, Dorset
The PierZip in Bournemouth, Dorset, boasts the world’s first pier-to-shore zip wire. It features a 250-metre dual zip line, enabling guests to race from the Zip Tower 25 metres above the sea to the beach.
Thrill-seekers leap from the 60ft platform and soar over the waves in an unforgettable experience.
Operated by RockReef, it offers stunning panoramic views of Bournemouth’s coastline.
Bournemouth Is Regarded As The Birthplace Of The Traditional Beach Hut
Bournemouth is celebrated for introducing some of the first purpose-built beach huts in the UK.
Designed by Frederick Percy Dolamore in 1909, these huts were initially available for hire at £12 per year.
By the time World War I began, 160 huts were in place along the beach near Bournemouth Pier.
Today, Bournemouth boasts around 520 council-owned beach huts and approximately 1,200 private ones.
They range from classic wooden designs to modern concrete terrace styles, such as the revamped 1950s Overstrand beach huts. Beach Hut 2359 even features a plaque, marking Bournemouth’s pivotal role in Beach Hut history.
Giant Homer Simpson Once Joined Cerne Abbas Giant
In 2007, the ancient Cerne Abbas Giant had an unexpected neighbour: Homer Simpson. Promoting The Simpsons Movie, a large figure of Homer, wearing Y-fronts and holding a doughnut, was painted beside the giant.
The figure, drawn in water-based biodegradable paint, sparked outrage among local Pagans.
They even promised to summon rain to wash away Homer’s image. This temporary addition added a modern twist to the historic scene.
Chesil Beach in Dorset Was the Testing Ground of the World War II Bouncing Bomb
Chesil Beach was a key site during World War II for testing the famous bouncing bomb invented by Sir Barnes Wallis.
The beach’s low population and proximity to the naval base in Portland made it ideal.
Testing began in late 1942, with metal spheres dropped from Wellington bombers. Chesil Beach’s unique conditions enabled effective trials, although shallow waters later required moving some tests to other locations.
Today, remnants like anti-tank blocks and pillboxes still line the beach, serving as a testament to its crucial wartime role.
Exploring All Scheduled Sites In Dorset For A Day Each Would Take You About 3 Years
Dorset boasts over 1,000 scheduled monuments, ranging from Neolithic barrows to medieval abbeys.
Each site, rich in history and culture, tells its own unique story. These protected sites span various periods and include stone circles, hill figures, and ancient Roman ruins.
If you spend a day exploring each site, it will take you about three years to visit them all.
Imagine the historical wonders and the journey through time you would experience!
The sheer number of sites highlights Dorset’s immense cultural heritage and makes it a fascinating place to explore.
Dorset Is Home To The World’s Second Largest Natural Harbour And The Largest In Europe
Poole Harbour, located in Dorset, is Europe’s largest natural harbour and the second largest in the world after Sydney.
This stunning harbour covers around 36 square kilometres.
The harbour is home to several islands, with Brownsea Island being the largest.
Visitors often enjoy recreational activities like sailing and boating, making it a vibrant spot for both locals and tourists.
Coldplay’s Yellow Music Video Was Filmed At Studland Bay, Dorset
Coldplay’s iconic music video for “Yellow” was filmed at Studland Bay in Dorset on 23 May 2000.
The video features lead singer Chris Martin walking along the beach in one continuous, slow-motion shot.
Martin is seen wearing waterproofs with wet hair and singing as the sun rises.
This minimalistic video captures the stunning golden sands of Studland Beach. The location has become a must-visit for fans.
First Airman To Receive Victoria Cross Lies In Beaminster’s Aeroplane-Shaped Grave
William Barnard Rhodes-Moorhouse was the first airman to be awarded the Victoria Cross. He completed his heroic mission during World War I and continued to fly despite severe injuries.
He was buried at his family home in Beaminster, Dorset.
His unique airplane grave can still be visited, a tribute to his brave service.
2 comments
Dorset has a patron saint
Ohh that’s interesting! I didn’t know that. We’ll add that to the list soon. Thanks for sharing! 🙂