The Dorset Historic Towns Project report on Abbotsbury.
The local distinctiveness of Abbotsbury is formed from perhaps three main components: the layout of the historic town and former monastic precinct, the historic buildings, and the landscape setting. The medieval town plan survives almost complete, and elements of the late Saxon plan which preceded it may also survive in the modern layout.
Good survival of the historic structure is complemented by the high quality and large number of historic buildings. The survival in the historic core of many unbroken groups of buildings, with little disruption from modern development, is a major factor which highlights the contribution made by historic elements to Abbotsbury's urban character. The large number of surviving medieval buildings in the former monastic precinct also sets Abbotsbury apart from other towns in the region. The harmonious use of a range of local building materials helps underscore its local setting and emphasises links to the surrounding landscape.
The landscape and topographic setting of the town is fundamental to its character. In particular the visual impact of St Catherine's Hill and its associated late medieval chapel sets Abbotsbury apart.
Here is a summary of the report (February 2011)
Detailed sections of the report
We have broken down the full report into individual sections, please select one of the parts to read: