The Kings Arms that was immortalised in Thomas Hardy novel The Mayor of Casterbridge [tr]

UK Daily Mail ^ | December 27, 2018 | Charlotte Dean

[C19fan]

A Dorchester hotel immortalised by one of Thomas Hardy's famous novels has been left to crumble away just two years after it was purchased, sparking fury in the local community. The Kings Arms in Dorchester, Dorset, which featured prominently in Hardy's 1886 novel The Mayor of Casterbridge was due for renovation but work on the building has stalled. The Victorian author described in great detail how the former wife of flawed character Michael Henchard looked in through the building's bow-windows to find him as mayor presiding over a feast.

[C19fan]

I read "Mayor of Casterbridge."

[odawg]

Whenever Leo Tolstoy decided to write a novel, he would psyche himself up by reading hundreds of British novels.

I am sure Thomas Hardy was paramount as an inspiration source.

[Peter Libra]

Army child here. Father was in the Dorset Regt. Brought up in Dorchester 1936-8. Scurried past that hostelry five times a week to go to the Grove School. Also the grim assizes where the famous Tolpuddle Martyrs were sentenced to transportation for life (Sent to Australia).

Public demonstrations got them back to England after a number of years. They had refused to work because of a cut in pay. Barely existing on the wages existing. This in 1838. All except one, eventually settled in Canada. London, Ontario.