Gillingham, Dorset
| Gillingham | |
|---|---|
High Street, Gillingham | |
Gillingham Location within Dorset | |
| Population | 11,505 (2021 census) |
| OS grid reference | ST805265 |
| • London | 98.4 mi (158.4 km) ENE |
| Civil parish |
|
| Unitary authority | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Gillingham |
| Postcode district | SP8 |
| Dialling code | 01747 |
| Police | Dorset |
| Fire | Dorset and Wiltshire |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| UK Parliament | |
Gillingham (/ˈɡɪlɪŋəm/ ⓘ GHIL-ing-əm) is a town and civil parish in the Blackmore Vale area of Dorset, England. It lies on the B3095 and B3081 roads, approximately four miles (six kilometres) south of the A303 trunk road and five miles (eight kilometres) northwest of Shaftesbury. It is the most northerly town in the county.
In the 2021 census, the civil parish had a population of 11,505. The parish includes the hamlets of Eccliffe, Huntingford, Madjeston and Milton on Stour. The hamlets of Peacemarsh, Bay and Wyke have become part of the town as it has expanded.
Gillingham is pronounced with a hard initial "g" (/ɡ/), unlike Gillingham, Kent, which is pronounced with a soft "g" (/dʒ/).