The Dorking is a heavy soft feather, available in large and bantam. If you want a piece of history in your backyard you would be hard-pressed to do better. Although their specific origins remain unclear, records suggest they have been around for about 2000 years, stretching back to the Roman invasion of England.
One of the Dorkings' distinguishing features is its' five-toed feet. They are a large, rectangular bodied bird set on short white legs, with a long, horizontal back. They come in red, white, cuckoo, silver-grey and dark (single and rose-comb). 
The Dorking is a dual purpose fowl that is still a good layer and provides good meat. However, like so many other breeds, it is a pale imitation of its' original form, having been modified by show fanciers to suit their own purposes. Although they are cold hardy, they are only reasonably hardy overall, and chicks are delicate and slow to mature.
They are happy foraging but do not scratch excessively and, although they adapt to confinement, they are not really happy in cramped conditions. The hens make good broodies, they are gentle, docile, friendly and are usually happy to be handled.
Overall the Dorking is a great domestic fowl.