The prison was built on the site of a Roman town house, the remains of which included a mosaic which is now in Dorset Museum.

Though cannabis was the most commonly detected drug, a number of inmates had tested positive for opiates such as heroin.

The physical education department also offered recognised qualifications for some heath and training programmes, as well as recreational activities.

[5] The site of the prison was put up for sale by the Ministry of Justice, and in August 2014 Dorchester Town Council and the Dorchester Civic Society published a blueprint that is aimed at guiding the redevelopment of the prison site into a residential led mixed-use development.

[9] In December 2015 City and Country submitted a planning application to West Dorset District Council to redevelop the prison site into 190 homes.