Statue of Thomas Hardy

The bronze statue depicts the writer seated on a tree stump, holding a book in his lap with a thoughtful gaze directed forward. The sculpture occupies a grassy setting between The Grove and Colliton Walk in the town center.

The artist Eric Kennington created this monument in 1931, a few years after the writer's death, funded by public donations. Its completion served as a lasting tribute to his literary contributions and deep connection to the town.

The statue represents the bond between the celebrated writer and Dorchester, where he made his home and drew inspiration from the surrounding countryside. It stands as a local tribute to an author whose works shaped how people understand this part of England.

The monument is easy to reach on foot from the town center and sits in an accessible green setting. Visitors should note that daylight hours provide the best viewing conditions, as the statue occupies an open outdoor location.

The dedication ceremony drew notable attention when J.M. Barrie, creator of Peter Pan, performed the unveiling in September 1931. What makes this remarkable is that the event was captured on film, making it one of the few monuments from that era to have its opening preserved this way.

Location: Dorchester

Inception: 1931

Creator: Eric Kennington

Made from material: bronze

GPS coordinates: 50.71518,-2.44155

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:45