Gillingham Town Clerk Julie Hawkins shares her love of the town’s rich cultural history
Dorset’s most northerly town, Gillingham is situated on the London to Exeter railway line, just 6km south of the A303. It was the town’s rivers that first attracted industry to Gillingham, and in 1769 a silk mill was established next to the existing corn mill, capitalising on the power available from the water. Following the arrival of the railways, the Gillingham Pottery, Brick and Tile Company operated from land adjacent to the station. Today, the Brickfields Business Park is home to many thriving businesses, including two of Gillingham’s main employers: Dextra, the UK’s largest privately owned luminaire factory, and Merck, a science and technology company. Neal’s Yard Remedies, the natural and organic health and beauty brand, also have their headquarters in Gillingham.

Artistic history
When John Constable visited Gillingham in 1823 he wrote: “It is beautiful, full of little bridges, rivulets, mills and cottages – and the most beautiful trees and verdure I ever saw.” During his visit, Constable sketched Eccliffe Mill and painted Parham’s Mill and Gillingham Bridge.
If local history is your thing, Gillingham Museum is free to visit and tells the story of the town, the immediate parishes, and their people, from a Neolithic settlement to the bustling Gillingham of today. The town has a rich heritage, and is home to over 60 Grade II listed buildings, four conservation areas, as well as the Grade I listed Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin. There are also four scheduled monuments, including Kings Court Palace and the Park Pale.
If you are interested in sport, Gillingham is a haven of opportunity. There is a great swimming pool, gym, and a good selection of exercise classes at RiversMeet Leisure Centre, and the town boasts some great sports clubs including football, rugby, hockey, netball, bowls, and fishing.
Gillingham is a town with a big future, a wonderful community spirit and a warm welcome. With easy access to the countryside, excellent schools, great cafes, historic local pubs, and many successful businesses, it is easy to see why Gillingham is such a great place to live.