Dorset Districts and Grade II* Listed Buildings (1974-2019)
The administrative landscape of Dorset has undergone significant changes over the decades. Between 1974 and 2019, the county was organized into a system of districts and unitary authorities, which served as the primary framework for local governance and the cataloging of the region's architectural heritage.
A primary focus of these administrative divisions is the preservation of Grade II* listed buildings. These are particularly important buildings of more than special interest, representing a high tier of architectural or historic significance. In Dorset, there are a total of 508 such structures, which are categorized by their respective former districts to ensure detailed record-keeping.
Key Facts
- Dorset previously consisted of 8 distinct districts and unitary authorities before 2019.
- There are 508 Grade II* listed buildings across the county.
- The county is currently divided into 2 districts.
- Listed buildings are categorized by their former district for archival purposes.
The Administrative Structure (1974-2019)
From 1974 until the restructuring in 2019, Dorset's governance was split between several district councils and two unitary authorities—entities that handle both district and county-level functions independently.
Unitary Authorities
The two primary unitary authorities during this period were Bournemouth and Poole. These areas operated with a higher degree of autonomy compared to the standard districts.
District Councils
The remaining areas were managed by six district councils: Weymouth and Portland, West Dorset, North Dorset, Purbeck, East Dorset, and Christchurch.
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Architectural Heritage by District
Because of the high volume of historic sites, the 508 Grade II* listed buildings are split into separate lists based on the former district boundaries. This allows historians and planners to manage the heritage of each specific locale more effectively.
| Administrative Category | Former District/Authority |
|---|---|
| Unitary Authority | Bournemouth |
| Unitary Authority | Poole (Borough) |
| District | Christchurch |
| District | East Dorset |
| District | North Dorset |
| District | Purbeck |
| District | West Dorset |
| District | Weymouth and Portland |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many districts were in Dorset before 2019?
Before the 2019 changes, there were 8 districts, including the unitary authorities of Bournemouth and Poole.
How many districts does Dorset have now?
The county of Dorset is currently divided into 2 districts.
What is a Grade II* listed building?
A Grade II* listed building is a structure identified as being of more than special interest, forming a select group of the most important historic buildings in England.
How many Grade II* listed buildings are there in Dorset?
There are 508 Grade II* listed buildings located throughout the county.
Why are the listed buildings split into different lists?
The buildings are split into separate lists based on the former districts to provide a structured and organized way to catalog the 508 significant sites across the region.