Overview of Sherborne

Sherborne is a market town in northwest Dorset, England. It is sited on the River Yeo, on the edge of the Blackmore Vale, 6 miles (9.7 km) east of Yeovil. The A30 road, which connects London to Penzance, runs through the town. The population of the town is 9,350 (as of 2001). 27.1% of the population is aged 65 or older. Sherborne is famous for its historic buildings, including its abbey, a manor house, its famous independent schools, and two castles (the 'old castle' ruins of a 12th century fortified palace, and a 'new' 16th century mansion, known as Sherborne Castle, built by Sir Walter Raleigh). Much of the old town, including the abbey and many medieval and Georgian buildings, is built from the distinctive ochre-coloured ham stone. The picturesque town is a popular, though relatively unknown, tourist town. The town is served by Sherborne railway station.