Discussing the women in Hardy's book, and visiting the places he was inspired by.
Throughout 2008, fans of Thomas Hardy have been marking the 80 years since he died, and Woman’s Hour has been visiting some of the places which inspired him. Today, we’re in Dorchester for the Mayor of Casterbridge. The novel opens with a drunken Michael Henchard selling his wife. It then follows his rise and fall, as the women in his life gather back round him. Fiona Clampin met guide Sue Clarke and Dr Jane Thomas from the University of Hull at an ancient site on the outskirts of Dorchester where they began their walk.
