I will never understand why a man and wife with no children would want to live in such an oversized pile. I am not saying it isn't nice, just why. I don't read novels, and poetry does nothing for me. I have come to appreciate this man, his need for privacy and solitude, that I do understand. I also appreciate the credit given to his father Thomas Hardy and his brother Henry Hardy in the building and design of this house. It is also a contradiction, Hardy was what can be called working class, and riled against the British class system, yet he succumbed to it by building that house, having maids and servants, and I doubt either Emma or Florence cooked anything in the kitchen. I also think they should tidy up the grounds, you can have a wild looking garden just neater without excessive Ivy, and probably Nettles and Deadly Nightshade. I feel had he and Emma married younger, they would of had children, and had a different life, a happier life together.

Beautiful, this. Have loved Hardy all my life - the greatest of the many great Victorian novelists.

I've really enjoyed these insights into Hardy's early life: thank you💯

You have imbibed Thomas Hardy wonderfully well.

Gloria! What a beautiful tour of Max Gate! 🌹✌️

Discovered your period music just as I began delving into "The Return of the Native"!

What a lovely video. Is someone able to say who was the 'Grandmother' at 4m 30s with the children? Although this is dated 2021, it very much looks like Norrie Woodhall, the last of The Hardy Players, who passed away in 2011.

Hi Tracy Hope you are well. Any events taking place Summer 2024?

I’m soooo happy I found it before visit Very informative Thank you 😊

What a lovely portrait of life at the time of the wonderful writer Thomas Hardy. It appears now as a time of innocence. I'm not sure that despite our labour saving devices and the internet that we are any better off, and probably in most cases, no happier. I just noticed Furze Swann is amongst the cast. He lectured in English at Newton Park College when I was there in the late sixties.

Love the scarf❤❤

🇦🇺👌🏼😎❤️

your drama really brings the period to life excellent

Looks like we have to thank the National Trust and the good folk of Dorset for this, it's lovely to keep this era alive, we have lost so much and these people are rekindling it.

Thank you so much. TH is my favourite writer.

This is wonderful. Thanks for sharing. I will be watching again ❤

I'm sure that first guy asked Claire Tomalin a question on the BBC Book Club Podcast.

Thank you, I've really enjoyed this after reading 'Winter ' by Christopher Nicholson .

I'm a massive fan of Thomas Hardy, thanks for uploading

Very informative! Thx!

well done gloria very professional and you allow your enthuasm to come through which brought it too life.

Brilliant video, thank you to all involved in the making of it .

So sad this is what Thomas' birthday has come too, an online spectacle. But am grateful. Thank you for giving us this video

🎉🎂🎈