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

2025/2026 THS Dates for your diary

From 09/05/2025 until 01/08/2026
Starts 17:30 until 18:00

Paula Byrne Lecture: Hardy Women: Mother, Sisters, Wives, Muses

On 30/05/2025
Starts 18:00 until 19:00

Thomas Hardy Birthday Weekend

From 31/05/2025 until 01/06/2025
Starts 12:00 until 21:30

Thomas Hardy - Justice of the Peace

On 31/05/2025
Starts 14:00 until 15:00

A Few Crusted Characters

May2025

Thomas Hardy at Stonehenge

May2025

Music at St Peters Summer 2025

May2025

A Beautiful Thread - The Wessex Tour

May2025