Walk around Dorchester and Fordington in the footsteps of Hardy. There will be readings of his poetry and prose as we tour around the town and we will discuss the hanging of Martha Brown who could be argued to be the inspiration for ‘ Tess’. We will also consider the Roman settings for his work as described in ‘ The Mayor of Casterbridge’. We will look at the buildings and monuments that inspired Hardy in his writing such as the King’s Arms Hotel alongside looking at his critical role as an architect of literature.

Mark Damon Chutter is the Chairman and Academic Director of the Thomas Hardy Society. He is a member of the Dorchester Civic Society and the Dorchester Town Council Heritage Committee.

Meet outside The Keep Military Museum. The walk ends outside The Keep Military Museum.

Tickets: FREE

Please book tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dorchester-heritage-open-day-free-guided-walk-thomas-hardy-tickets-704563036007

Event location map

• Associated pages
Members portalLog out

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

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

Going the Rounds 2023 - Sold Out

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

Thomas Hardy Society Wreath Laying Service

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

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

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

The Kings Arms

Nov2023

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

Oct2023

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

Aug2023