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

In the footsteps of Tess and Angel: A walk around the environs of Wool

On 30/09/2023
Starts 13:30 until 15:30

In the footsteps of Tess and Angel: A walk around the environs of Wool
LOCATION: Wool Station, Station Road, Wool, Dorset, BH20 6BL

Sep2023

The New Hardy Players present, A Rehearsed Reading of Stronghold of Happiness

On 30/09/2023
Starts 19:00 until 20:30

The New Hardy Players present, A Rehearsed Reading of Stronghold of Happiness
LOCATION: Corn Exchange, High East Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1HF.

Sep2023

Dorchester Literary Festival | A Walk Around Dorchester in the Footsteps of Thomas Hardy

On 15/10/2023
Starts 11:00 until 13:00

Dorchester Literary Festival | A Walk Around Dorchester in the Footsteps of Thomas Hardy
LOCATION: The Town Pump, Cornhill, Dorchester DT1 1BA

Oct2023

Ridgeway Singers & Band 10th Anniversary Concert - Ansty

On 21/10/2023
Starts 19:30 until 20:30

Ridgeway Singers & Band 10th Anniversary Concert
LOCATION: Old Brewery Hall Ansty Harfoot Lane Ansty Dorchester DT2 7PN

Oct2023

Latest news

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

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

Aug2023

Recruitment | Thomas Hardy Society Secretary and a Membership Secretary

The Thomas Hardy Society is actively recruiting a secretary and a membership secretary to join its friendly and committed council of management team.

Aug2023

Unlocking Thomas Hardy – opening up the finest Hardy archive in the world

July 2023 - Urgent fundraising appeal

Jul2023

Book Launch | Woman Much Missed: Thomas Hardy, Emma Hardy, and Poetry by Mark Ford

The book launch for 'Woman Much Missed: Thomas Hardy, Emma Hardy, and Poetry' by Mark Ford took place on Thursday, 20th July 2023. The event was held at Waterstones in Dorchester as a joint venture with The Thomas Hardy Society.

Jul2023