Thomas Hardy's Cottage facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thomas Hardy's Cottage |
|
|---|---|
Thomas Hardy's Cottage
|
|
| Type | Cob and thatch building |
| Location | Higher Bockhampton, Dorset, England, United Kingdom |
| Built | 1800 |
| Original use | Birthplace of author Thomas Hardy |
| Governing body | National Trust |
Thomas Hardy's Cottage is a special little house in Higher Bockhampton, Dorset, England. It's famous because it's the birthplace of a well-known English writer named Thomas Hardy.
Thomas Hardy was born here in 1840. He lived in this cozy cottage until he was 34 years old. During that time, he wrote some of his early novels, like Under the Greenwood Tree (1872) and Far from the Madding Crowd (1874). He left the cottage when he married Emma Gifford.
The cottage was built in 1800 by Thomas Hardy's great-grandfather. Today, it is looked after by the National Trust. It's a popular place for people to visit.
The house has a lovely cottage garden outside. Inside, you can see furniture from the time Thomas Hardy lived there. The cottage is located next to Thorncombe Wood. It's also only three miles from Max Gate, another house that Thomas Hardy designed and lived in later.
About Thomas Hardy's Cottage
Thomas Hardy's Cottage is a small building made from cob and thatch. Cob is a natural building material made from soil, straw, and water. Thatch is a roof covering made from dried plant materials like straw.
This type of building was common in the countryside long ago. It shows how people lived in England during the 1800s. The cottage helps us understand more about Thomas Hardy's early life.
A Protected Historic Site
In 1956, Thomas Hardy's Cottage was given "listed building" status. This means it's an important historic building that needs to be protected. It is listed as Grade II on the National Heritage List for England. This protection helps make sure the cottage stays safe for future generations.
Visiting the Cottage Today
The cottage is a great place to visit if you want to learn about Thomas Hardy. You can see where he grew up and imagine him writing his famous stories. The National Trust takes care of the property.
In 2012, a plan was approved to build a new visitor center near the cottage. This project also created new walking paths in Thorncombe Wood. The project received money from the Heritage Lottery Fund. It was a team effort between Dorset County Council and the National Trust. The new visitor center opened in September 2014. It helps visitors learn more about the cottage and the surrounding area.
See also
In Spanish: Casa de campo de Thomas Hardy para niños
