In the latest of her literary-themed journeys Lorna Hogg visits Dorset, the setting for most of Hardy’s books
Dorchester becomes Castlebridge in The Mayor Of Castlebridge
We all like to see the landscapes and surroundings that inspired our favourite authors – ideally, in their original condition. When it comes to nineteenth century authors, however, that can be a tall order. The passage of time, industry, new builds – all can cut through any inspirational countryside and buildings. However, the county of Dorset, in the south of England, has managed to maintain its original countryside and atmosphere. This has been helped by the fact that its many literary sites and ‘ hotspots’ have produced tourism interest – and protection, on their own, especially those connected to the Dorset literary giant – Thomas Hardy.
Thomas Hardy
Hardy has remained one of the most popular Victorian authors thanks in part to the films and TV series of his works. Just as important, however, is the fact that Hardy countryside still remains largely in its original form, which in itself is a tourist attraction. Thanks to good public transport links, and help from the well informed and friendly Dorchester Tourism Office, (the wise contact them well before travel!) visitors have a wide range of choices, and the world of Thomas Hardy remains easily accessible to his readers.
He was born on 2nd June 1840 to a stone mason and his wife, and was soon joined by a brother. Hardy’s novels often deal with social and class struggles – but it is also his timeless skill at characterisation that continues to draw readers and film goers. His early education came from his mother – he was eight years old when he started school, and well aware of the firm social divisions in that era. His family could not afford university for him – his father was a master builder stone mason, and the young boy helped with architectural drawing. After his schooldays, and then technical college, Hardy became apprenticed to an architect. He also attended evening classes at King’s College, during a London stay, and became a prize winner from the Royal Institute of British Architects.
In his era, Dorset was regarded as somewhat of a backwater, and an area in decline. Now, ironically, it is sought after, for its protected and appreciated countryside – showing that one man’s decline is another man’s unspoilt site of interest. The brooding moors, ancient forests, prehistoric sites, `chocolate box’ thatched houses, pretty villages and picture postcard coastal views now attract visitors, helped by excellent bus and train links.
Thomas Hardy’s first wife Emma Gifford
The young Hardy married Emma Gifford in 1874. He by then knew that he wanted to write. Some of his early works were published serially or commissioned, but his first successful book, encouraged by Emma was Far from the Madding Crowd. It proved popular and sold well, drawing on the surroundings that he knew. It also allowed him to design his own first house, at Max Gate, built by his father and brother, also near to Dorchester, and Hardy and Emma moved in during 1885.
The success of that first book allowed him to consider a career in writing. By this stage he could have been called a Liberal Free-Thinker – and this also affected his writings. Social deprivation, restriction, and limited opportunities were regular themes. He wrote about the countryside which he knew well, often changing local names. Weatherbury became Puddletown, and county town Dorchester morphed into Casterbridge.
Surroundings also subtly mirror the feelings and situations of Hardy’s characters. The swordplay of Sergeant Troy, to impress and win over Bathsheba, and possibly seduce her (and possibly her wealth) into marriage, took place at the ancient and striking site of earlier conquest – Maiden Castle. Talbothays Farm, where Tess was happy, is set in beautiful surroundings and against idyllic summer – in complete contrast with her winter spell of ice and cold at Flintcombe Ash, picking vegetables with her bare hands. Alec D’Urberville literally leads her astray into an ancient primeval forest, home to centuries of hunters and the hunted, at Cranborne Chase. Finally, of course, she sleeps her last night of freedom on the altar at Stonehenge – watched over by Angel St. Clare.
Hardy’s success with A Pair of Blue Eyes, is said to be based on his courtship of hiswife. However, in his case, reality did not match romance. Hardy and his wife enjoyed initial happiness – but later lived estranged lives at Max Gate. However, The Mayor of Casterbridge proved another major success. The idea of a man selling his wife at a Fair was startling to many readers – although it could and did happen in Victorian times. However, when that man becomes a Mayor in later life, slowly and inexorably – rough justice, or the working of fate, is eventually done. These days, readers can still stand at the window at the Royal Hotel in Dorchester, where Mayor Michael Henchard sees his world crumble. Irish actor Ciaran Hinds also won acclaim for his portrayal of Henchard.
Irish actor Ciaran Hinds (right) played the title role in the TV series of The Mayor of Castlebridge
Tess of the D’Urbervilles introduced another challenging topic to Victorian readers. subtitled `The Story of a Pure Woman’, its heroine, Tess was then, of course, seen as a `fallen woman.’ She was duped by a traditional wicked seducer and villain, Alec D’Urberville, who literally leads her astray – into an ancient forest known for centuries of hunting. Hardy, however, followed the Victorian code about the Wages of Sin, and after killing her seducer, Tess has a brief few days of happiness. Her arrest, whilst lying on the altar stone at Stonehenge, was followed by imprisonment and hanging.
After the death of his first wife, Hardy married his secretary, Florence Dugdale, in 1914. His writing success was both literary and financial, and won him acclaim. He could not have known, however, that later generations would also become familiar with his books – not just at school, but through excellent films and TV series, with top directors, and Dorset locations. Some of the top actors and actress of our generation have taken on his characters – which has taken his work to a new audience. Julie Christie, Alan Bates, Terence Stamp, Peter Finch, and Gemma Arterton are just a few to have portrayed his heroes and villains. A century and a half after publication, the new generation of Hardy readers may discuss his works online rather than in person or print – but they still visit the sites, read the books and watch the films!
Dorset, has of course a wider literary legacy. It is also noted for the pretty Lyme Regis, an unspoilt picture perfect seaside town, retaining its ancient Cobb – which forms its harbour. Authors have used it as inspiration, from Jane Austen, in Persuasion, to The French Lieutenant’s Woma. The area also has plenty for contemporary tastes – Ian McKellan sited his novel, On Chesil Beach on the iconic site, which provided background for his novel of that name.
Hardy’s country on TV and film
- Dorchester becomes Casterbridge
- Henchard’s House is now occupied by Barclays Bank
- Puddletown doubles as Weatherbury, and Marnhull changes name to Marlott
- Waterstone Manor was Bathsheba’s house, and Druce Farm, Boldwood’s farm
- Maiden Newton provides the backdrop for Troy’s seductive swordplay,
- Batcombe Hill overlooks the Vale of the Little Dairies, in reality, the Blackmore Vale
- Cranborne Chase is the literary site of the seduction of Tess.
Useful websites
