Thomas Hardy Tour
Hardy's poetry and novels celebrate all that is quintessentially English, from the countryside, woodlands and farming communities through to major cities and towns, reflecting the changes and juxtapositions which were taking place in Victorian society at the time - traditional values and the rural way of life versus the Industrial Revolution. Also important are the restrictions of birth and fortune and the problems which arise when people form passions out of their social class. This tour visits the locations which inspired Hardy's fictional county of Wessex and important places in his own life.
Highlights
- Dorchester which inspired Casterbridge, Sturminster Newton which gave rise to Stourcastle and Shaftesbury and Salisbury which influenced Jude the Obscure.
- Oxford, the beautiful City of Spires, which inspired 'Christminster' in Jude the Obscure.
- Hardy's Cottage in Higher Brockhampton.
- Dorset County Museum and Hardy memorabilia including his desk.
- Riverside Villa where he lived with his wife.
- The churchyard where his heart is buried.
Photo credits:
Slideshow: Hardy's cottage, Higher Brockhampton; Oxford at dusk © VisitBritain/Guy Richardson; Hardy's tomb, Dorchester.
Photo to the right of the tour: Hardy's desk, Dorset County Museum.
