Attractions and Places To See around Burleston - Top 20

* Historic Structure: The cottage itself was built in 1800 by Hardy's great-grandfather and has remained largely unaltered since the Hardy family left. It offers a glimpse into 19th-century rural life, with its open hearths, small windows, and stone floors. While the furniture inside isn't original to the Hardy family, it is authentic to the period, helping to recreate the atmosphere of his upbringing. * National Trust Property: The cottage is now owned and managed by the National Trust, ensuring its preservation and public access. * Traditional Cottage Garden: The property features a typical cottage garden, complete with roses around the door, which would have been an early inspiration for the author.

* Hardy's Early Life and Works: Hardy lived in this cottage until he was 34 years old. It was here that he wrote some of his early and influential works, including the novels Under the Greenwood Tree (1872) and Far from the Madding Crowd (1874), as well as early poetry and short stories. The surrounding landscape, including the adjacent Thorncombe Wood and the heathland (which inspired his fictional "Egdon Heath" in The Return of the Native), profoundly influenced his writing.

Thomas Hardy's Cottage is a significant literary landmark located in Higher Bockhampton, near Dorchester, Dorset, England. It is a quaint, cob and thatch cottage, notable for being the birthplace of the celebrated author Thomas Hardy in 1840. Here's what makes it special:

A fascinating place with a rich history and unique features. Here's a summary of what makes it special: History: * A church has stood on this site since at least 1190. * The current building dates back to 1776 when it was rebuilt, reusing medieval foundations. It's considered a good example of early Gothic Revival architecture. * The church's dedication changed in 1490 from St Magnus Martyr to St Nicholas. * The north aisle was added in 1841. * In 1940, the church suffered significant damage from a German bomb during World War II.

In his final years, Lawrence lived at clouds hill, a small cottage located just a few miles from Moreton. He sought a quieter life in Dorset, away from the intense public attention he received after his wartime exploits. Moreton was a village he frequented for meals and relaxation.

notable for being one of the first planned settlements in England. In the 1770s, the owner of Milton Abbey, Joseph Damer (later Lord Milton and Earl of Dorchester), decided the original village of Middleton was spoiling his view and commissioned architect Sir William Chambers and landscape gardener Capability Brown to design a new village in a nearby wooded valley. The old village was demolished, and most of its residents were relocated to this new model village, now known as Milton Abbas. The village is characterized by its single, sinuous main street lined with 36 almost identical whitewashed and thatched cottages. These were originally designed to house two families each.

The church was built in 1786. This was during the creation of the new village of Milton Abbas by Joseph Damer, the Earl of Dorchester. He had the original market town of Milton (or Middleton), which was too close to his mansion (now Milton Abbey School), demolished and a new model village constructed to house his estate workers. * Replacing an Older Church: There was an earlier St James' Church serving the parish before the new village was built. Its exact location is uncertain, though some speculate it might have been near the south door of Milton Abbey. Registers of this earlier church date back to 1650. * Materials from the Abbey: It is believed that some of the materials used to build St James' Church came from the demolished abbey barn. * Victorian Enhancements: In 1886, the church underwent significant alterations. The chancel was enlarged, the chancel and tower arches were rebuilt, and a south aisle was added.

Nice coffee stop with good bike rack. Employs My Ability students - a plus in my book. https://walledgardenmoreton.co.uk/the-dovecote-cafe/