THOMAS HARDY GENTLY AT REST
This Review is about Stinsford, St Michael's and All Angels' Church near Dorchester.
Having parked my car in the small car park, a few paces, up the slope behind me, my hand is drawn to the gnarled old wood of the little 'latch gate', probably a hundred years old. Did the great man's hand touch the wood as mine does now and did he bend forward a little to lift the latch as I do? I have been here many times; not on a 'pilgrimage' you understand, just as a humble man in respect of a genius of English litterateur.
Now I am very aware as I sit here on this bench in this quiet 'Garden of Rest' of Stinsford Church, Hardy's 'Mellstock', a few miles East of Dorchester and his 'Casterbridge', that I can only do my best with words that I can just about cobble together.
I sense he is looking over my shoulder whispering, 'no, no, not like that…'. Now the others come along, up the slight slope, chattering to each other…Bathsheba from 'far from the madding…', poor Rhoda in 'the withered arm', the lovers from 'two on a tower', so many, so many. And oh, is that the red tunic of Sergeant Troy in the mist? All of them there, a joy to humanity forever. He was full of love for all humanity, as he knew it, but stood against harm cruelty and wickedness. I don't think he was 'religious' but he obviously, certainly understood the 'good and bad' found within church communities and all cultures.
YOUR VISIT
Now onto the practicalities of your visit. Do have a look at my Trust Pilot Reviews on the impressive Dorset County Museum with its little café in Dorchester. The TITLE is 'TOP CLASS WELCOME AND SERVICE' updated on 28th February 2026
Here at Stinsford Church DT2 8PT you will likely be able to park at; 50.718688° -2.410213°
BLUE BADGE
Disabled access is easy as far as the latch gate mentioned above in my text but after that, and into the Church, I suggest you have assistance.
THE CHURCH
Architecturally it is essentially 13th Century. There are many connections with the Hardy family going back several generations. An excellent free leaflet gives lots of information for the enthusiast.
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