Shaftesbury is a former Saxon hill town in Dorest, made famous in recent times for Ridley Scott's iconic Hovis ad which was filmed on Gold Hill.
Shaftesbury is the Shaston of Thomas Hardy's Wessex novels, and it is one of the highest towns in England, despite its proximity to the South coast. Shaftesbury Abbey, founded in 880 AD became one of the most powerful (richest) Benedictine nunneries in England. The remains of King Edward the Martyr were interred there in 979 and for many years the Abbey was the most important in the country, with many royal links. It helps to have relics. More info on Shaftesbury here.

Photograph ©2008 Neil Baird
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