Dorchester is a local prison serving the Crown and Magistrates' courts in Dorset and some in Somerset.
The present buildings are of a typical Victoria design with wings radiating from a central hub with galleried landings.
The population varies from day to day with roughly half being remands and half convicted prisoners.
HMP Dorchester operates as a Level 4 establishment and was recently awarded ‘Most Improved Prison for 2008'.
