The Birthplace of Thomas Hardy
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- May I encourage you to visit the birthplace of the much loved author and poet, Thomas Hardy?
It's sometimes asked, "What did Thomas Hardy write?" It was my delight to discover that Thomas Hardy was not only born here, he lived here long enough to write, "Under The Greenwood Tree," and my favourite, "Far From The Madding Crowd."
The book's title is liked to have come from Thomas Gray's poem - "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard." (1751)
'Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife,
Their sober wishes never learn'd to stray;
Along the cool sequester'd vale of life
They kept the noiseless tenor of their way.'
'Madding' means 'behaving madly' or 'frenzied' - and this cottage, its gardens, and the walk through Thorncombe Wood to the cottage is indeed far from the madding crowd. Interestingly, I chose not to use the audio from the woods, however, because the birdsong was overlaid upon the madding noise of the local roads.
ADDRESS
Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QJ
QUOTES FROM NATIONAL TRUST (and their copyright)
A35, from Dorchester and the west: From the A35, at the Kingston Maurward roundabout take the exit signposted Kingston Maurward and Higher Bockhampton. Follow the road to the next crossroads and turn left (there is a small sign for Hardy's Cottage). Look out for a pair of cottages and a red letter box on your right, and turn right into the lane. Follow the lane round to the right and into the Thorncombe Wood car park. A35, from the east: From the A35, take the exit signposted Higher Bockhampton onto Cuckoo Lane. After half a mile, turn left towards Hardy's Cottage. Follow the lane round to the right and into the Thorncombe Wood car park. Coaches: all group visits must be booked in advance of the day with the Visitor Experience Officer (01305 262366 or email hardyscottage@nationaltrust.org.uk). Coach drop-off point is at the junction at the end/start of dual carriage way east of Dorchester. Coaches are not allowed to wait or park on Cuckoo Lane. For parking there is a lay-by with coach spaces on the A35 between the Kingston Maurward roundabout and the Lower/Higher Bockhampton Junction, on a first-come first-served basis. Getting to Hardy's Cottage from the car park: The cottage is a 10-15 minute walk from the car park, either along a bridle path or through the woodland. Bridlepath: From the car park, walk back up the lane and turn right along the gravel bridlepath. The cottage is at the end of the path, on the right hand side. Woodland: A more tranquil approach, but steep and uneven in places. Follow the path up the slope to the left and turn left at the first branch of the path, signposted 'Hardy's Cottage' on a wooden waymarker.
Parking: Car park owned by Dorset County Council; parking is free for National Trust members visiting Hardy's Cottage: inform the staff at the Visitor Centre on arrival. Parking charges for non-members are £1.00 up to 2 hours/£3.00 over 2 hours. 600 yards from Cottage, 150 yards from Visitor Centre. Please note: There is limited parking for blue badge holders and a drop off point outside the cottage by prior arrangement only. Call 01305 262366 or email hardysbirthplace@nationaltrust.org.uk to arrange.
...end quote...
We really enjoyed the Visitor Centre and Café too. There's plenty to do for the whole family. On our visit, the specials on the menu included homemade Smoked Mackerel Pâté, and Smoked Haddock and Cheese Fishcakes. We were very happy with our meal.
I'd give yourself a morning or an afternoon to visit. Nearby is Stinsford Church - St Michael's - strongly associated with the Hardy family - including a dedicated stained glass window, stone carving, and the family graves.
Our habit is to visit Hardy's Cottage first, then have some lunch at the Visitor Centre, and then travel on to St Michael's. We finish up our day at Max Gate where my chief delight is to sit at a desk similar to one Hardy would have written at, look out of the window of his study, and then, inspired, to write a poem.
Watch out for further videos celebrating the Hardy Trail.
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Thank you!
This is one of the most beautiful and moving videos I have yet seen on TH-cam. I visited the birthplace on my first visit to England some years ago but it breaks my heart think I may never see it in the spring as depicted here (including the walk through the woods.) The judicious use of appropriate and sensitive music is also very effective - less is indeed more sometimes - and augmented by your beautifully voiced and also well placed narration.
Wonderful work.
What a wonderfully uplifting comment. Thank you, Anacapa. May you get to see it as you wish.
Thank you very much . It's virtual reliving in Hardy's world.
Beautiful., heart touching.... Thanks a lot.... Far from madding crowd....
Never been there, but it looks like they haven't beautified it too much I'm glad to say. There would have been a pig and a horse there in Hardy's time with all the noise, smells and dirt that goes with them.
I love the opportunity the National Trust has provided to experience the Birthplace of Thomas Hardy. One of my secrets to sustainable productivity is to take time out to recharge - to get inspired - reinvigorated.
Beautiful, romantic-looking cottage and gardens.
Thank you for this fascinating video so much. I'm from Russia and I had to prepare a project about Thomas Hardy. Your video really inspired me and I'm very grateful for the chance to visit this enchanting place regardless of a distance and borders because it is so immersive!
What brilliant news... and sorry your comment has not been replied to earlier.
Beautiful
lovely! Thank you for sharing !
My pleasure... loving Dorset and making videos is a good combination.
A wonderful visit, thank you!
Beautiful video thanks. I visited here last week and had a guided tour. Just as you described and nice to see it in your video with the blue bells out.
My favorite writer ❤️
Those plants at the window belonged to TH ?