The Thomas Hardy Society

The Thomas Hardy Society was founded in 1968 to promote understanding and appreciation of the life and works of the novelist and poet Thomas Hardy (1840-1928).

One of the largest literary societies in the world, the Thomas Hardy Society is a community of general readers and enthusiasts as well as students and academics.

Based in Dorchester, the Society organises a lively programme of public engagement and academic events including lectures, Study Days, guided walks through Hardy’s Wessex and in London and elsewhere, concerts, poetry readings, and more. With an international membership, three journals a year, a biennial festival and conference, and strong links to other organisations promoting Hardyan themes, the Thomas Hardy Society acts as a hub for the education and enjoyment of anyone with an interest in Thomas Hardy.

"At once a voice arose among The bleak twigs overhead In a full-hearted evensong Of joy illimited;" The Darkling Thrush by Thomas Hardy

Upcoming events

Ridgeway Singers and Band present ‘To Keep Old Christmas Up!’

From 08/12/2023 until 20/12/2023
All day event

Ridgeway Singers and Band present ‘To Keep Old Christmas Up!’

Dec2023

Going the Rounds 2023 - Sold Out

On 16/12/2023
Starts 18:30 until 21:30

SOLD OUT - Going the Rounds 2023
LOCATION: Hardy's Birthplace Visitor Centre, Thorncombe Woods Dorchester DT2 8QH

Dec2023

Thomas Hardy Society Wreath Laying Service

On 13/01/2024
Starts 13:00 until 14:00

Thomas Hardy Society Wreath Laying Service
LOCATION: Westminster Abbey, Dean's Yard, London, SW1P 3PA

Jan2024

Tess, a feminist vision of Thomas Hardy’s classic novel

From 31/01/2024 until 24/06/2024
All day event

Tess uses the original text combined with the physical language of circus, allowing the performers to retell the well-known story of power, loss and endurance through a feminist lens.

Jan2024

Latest news

The Kings Arms

Welcome to The King's Arms, a real hotel fictionalised in The Mayor of Casterbridge.

Nov2023

Unveiling Newbury's ThomasHardy Blue Plaque, at the Chequers Hotel

Newbury town is finally on the Hardy trail

Oct2023

NEW BOOK: Thomas Hardy's Berkshire (And a little bit of Wiltshire) by Carolyn Jones

NEW BOOK: Thomas Hardy's Berkshire (And a little bit of Wiltshire) by Carolyn Jones

Oct2023

Call For Papers: The Twenty-Sixth International Thomas Hardy Conference & Festival

Call For Papers: The Twenty-Sixth International Thomas Hardy Conference & Festival

Aug2023