Thomas Hardy's Cottage

Thomas Hardy's Cottage

Evocative cob and thatch cottage - birthplace of Thomas Hardy

Few authors have such strong associations with the natural and cultural heritage of their local area as Thomas Hardy. This cottage, where Hardy was born in 1840, was built of cob and thatch by his grandfather and has been little altered since the family left.

Despite training as an architect, writing was Hardy's first love, and it was from here that he wrote several of his early short stories, poetry and novels including 'Under the Greenwood Tree' and 'Far from the Madding Crowd'.

The garden reflects most people's idea of a typical cottage garden, with roses around the door, and the sound of birdsong, even in winter. Once inside you will discover that 19th-century rural life, with its open hearths, small windows and stone floors, was not always idyllic.

The cottage sits next to Thorncombe Woods, owned and managed by Dorset County Council. This is an ancient woodland and nature reserve that opens out onto heathland and the beginning of Hardy's Egdon Heath.

Thomas Hardy Visitor Centre

Set in the heart of Hardy Country, the new visitor centre was opened in September 2014 as a gateway for local people and visitors alike to discover more about the life and works of Thomas Hardy and the local landscape. It is located on the edge of Thorncombe Wood and is a short walk from Hardy's Cottage, where he was born and lived until he was 34 years old.

With new interpretation displays, learning and community space and ranger's workshop, the visitor centre provides opportunities for everyone to discover more about what life was like for the Victorians and what the rangers are doing today to preserve this special place - such as offering green wood work taster days, wildlife spotting walks, seasonal activities and traditional craft workshops.

Venue Category: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Associated Organisation: 
Activities provided: 
Bird Watching
Exhibitions
Historic Re-enactments
Curriculum: 
Citizenship
Drama
English
History
PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education)
Suitability: 
Key Stage 2 (8-11)
Key Stage 3 (12-14)
Key Stage 4 (15-16)
Key Stage 5 (17+)
Residential?: 
No
Locality: 
Overall Rating: 
0
Educational Experience: 
0
Safety: 
0
Fun Factor: 
0
Value for Money: 
0
Venue Address: 
Higher Bockhampton
Dorchester
Dorset
DT2 8QJ
United Kingdom
Venue Contact Number: 
01305 262366

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