Culture, Dorchester, Eco & Environment, History | Posted on September 25th, 2024 | return to news
Neolithic site under Thomas Hardy’s Dorset home granted protection
The site, which is under the garden of Max Gate in Dorchester, could be one of the earliest identified archaeological sites in the county town.
Neolithic remains under author Thomas Hardy’s home in Dorchester have been scheduled by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on the advice of Historic England, ensuring their protection.
The circular enclosure is almost 100m in diameter and is made up of ditches and pits. Some of these pits contain sarsen stones covering human remains and others have walls inscribed with rare Neolithic spiral designs. It is located under the garden of Max Gate, the home of the celebrated author of ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles’. The enclosure itself is from the Middle Neolithic period (3365–2960 BC), however, evidence uncovered during excavations in 2022 confirmed that the site was already in use during the Early Neolithic period. This suggests it is one of the earliest identified archaeological sites in Dorchester, being between 5,500–5,800 years old.
The remains beneath Max Gate make up half of the wider structure known as Flagstones, the other half having been excavated and subsequently destroyed in the
1980s during the construction of the Dorchester bypass. This recent scheduling provides the protection needed to ensure the structure and the remaining eastern half of the enclosure will survive undisturbed.
Thomas Hardy, who trained as an architect as well as being an author, designed and built Max Gate in 1885 where he lived until his death in 1928. While living at Max Gate, Hardy wrote many of his most important works including ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles’ and ‘Jude the Obscure’. During the construction of the house, several Iron Age and Roman burials were discovered.
In 1891, following work on the garden, a sarsen stone was uncovered. It took seven men to retrieve the stone from the ground after which Hardy placed it in his garden. He named the stone the Druid Stone and, so inspired by the discovery, he penned the poem ‘The Shadow on the Stone’.
The excavations in the late 1980s revealed another sarsen stone. Both stones have been placed and re-erected in the garden and are included within the scheduling.
Max Gate was gifted to the National Trust by Thomas Hardy’s sister Kate Hardy in 1940, and the house formally opened to the public in 2011.
The excavations in 2022, led by National Trust Archaeologist Dr Martin Papworth, enabled local people, Trust volunteers and visitors to experience the excitement of archaeological discovery as evidence of Neolithic activity was revealed.
Today, visitors can still see the sarsen stone excavated by Thomas Hardy and learn more about the Neolithic site beneath their feet that Hardy discovered as he constructed his home.
Sir Chris Bryant, heritage minister, said: “The multilayered importance of this site is very special, as Thomas Hardy’s discoveries at Max Gate influenced him and shaped his poetry. It shows how our historic landscape often inspires art and how the two can work beautifully in harmony.
“These Neolithic remains form one of the earliest identified monuments in the Dorchester area. Scheduling the site will ensure this piece of our history can continue to capture people’s creative imagination for many years to come.”
Duncan Wilson, Historic England’s chief executive, said: “The remains of the site known as Flagstones under Max Gate are a rare example of a Neolithic monument, which can significantly contribute to our understanding of the prehistoric ceremonial landscape around Dorchester.
“But just as important, is the site’s connection with Thomas Hardy, which highlights the ability of the past to capture the imagination of the present. The discoveries at Max Gate inspired one of England’s most important writers, and the protection of the site ensures its survival, allowing it to continue to inspire generations to come.”
Hannah Jefferson, National Trust’s general manager for North and West Dorset said:
“Thomas Hardy’s own archaeological discoveries at Max Gate featured significantly in his poems and stories, but he was also inspired to write papers, give talks locally, and display many of the artefacts found at Max Gate.
“We’ve no doubt Hardy would approve wholeheartedly with the scheduling of the Neolithic monument, and we’re delighted that we can share with visitors the true significance of his discoveries here and their connection to his creative works.”
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