Piddletown, Puddletown whichever way you want to spell it is an extensive parish and town o the River Piddle about 5 miles northeast of Dorchester, it was once dominated by the Martin family as they owned two manorial houses in this area, one being at Athelhampton and the second at Waterson and their graves fill most of the south chapel of the Church which has been dedicated to St Mary.

Puddletown was Thomas Hardy's Weatherbury and its church has seen very little change over the centuries. The tower is embattled and there is Norman Font. Near to Heedless Williams pond an be seen the remains of a cross and Islington House is a mansion within the parish.

The local Inn has been named the Blue Vinny after the famous Dorset cheese but the cheese was not made for at least a hundred years but now it is starting to appear in circulation once more.

The Romans landed at Bowleaze Cove which is nearby and remains of a Roman temple have been found here. Redcliffe Point is now a well known and popular caravan park