Dorchester (UK Parliament constituency)


Dorchester was a parliamentary constituency centred on the town of Dorchester in Dorset. It returned two Members of Parliament to the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom from 1295 to 1868, when its representation was reduced one member.
The constituency was abolished by the Redistribution of Seats Act 1885, after which Dorchester was placed in the new Dorset South constituency. In 1918 it was transferred to Dorset West, where it has remained since.

Members of Parliament

1295-1629

1640-1868

1868-1885

Election results

Elections in the 1830s

Ashley-Cooper resigned, causing a by-election.

Elections in the 1840s

Graham was appointed Home Secretary, requiring a by-election.

Elections in the 1850s

Sturt resigned in order to contest the 1856 by-election in Dorset, causing a by-election.

Elections in the 1860s

Seat reduced to one member

Elections in the 1870s

Elections in the 1880s