Hardy Monument - Information & Photographs

Dorset is famous for two Thomas Hardys: the author and Vice-admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy Bart GCB known best for snogging Nelson on his deathbed aboard HMS Victory.

The Hardy Monument on Black Down between Portesham and Martinstown was erected by public subscription in 1844. Quite why those responsible thought that something that looks like a large factory chimney would be a suitable memorial for a sea-going man isn't, as far as I know, recorded.

The monument was open at weekends in the summer, but was closed for restoration in 2011 (check the National Trust site for the current position). The views from the top are stunning.

If you are there at other times, the views to the south and east are equally spectacular, and it is worth taking a short walk down the narrow track across the heath on the other side of the road to the northern edge of the hill. From here you can see right down into Lyme Bay and round to Bulbarrow Hill near Blandford.

Comments

Andrew Duke26/10/2006

Dear Sir, The National Trust own the monument and a small plot of land immediately surrounding it. The car park and the remainder of the heathland to the south of the road belong to me. This car park is kept open entirely at my expense and the contributions box thereon is seldom used. In answer to the query about the form of the monument, it is shaped to represent a spyglass or telescope that Admiral Hardy would have used on board ship. Its octagonal form is orientated such that each of the corners is a point of the compass. The corner to the right of the door as you look at it from the north is due north. yours sincerely Andrew Duke

Strolling Guide27/10/2006

Thanks for the information. Very interesting. I noticed the contributions box when I was there and made use of it. I would urge others to do the same.

Dog Walker21/01/2011

Sadly, this wonderful spot is often tarnished by the terribly rude people who drive their 4x4's all over it and harrass dog walkers. I my self have been victim to these people who even threaten to run peoples dogs over. I'd glady pay a contribution if Mr Duke deserved it but sadly due to his, and his colleagues threat to dog walkers i will not. It's such a shame this beautiful place is ruined by these horribly negative people. It's also a shame that these people are renowned for it in the surrounding community.

Katie Palmer Martinstown31/05/2011

I was very interested to read the comments on your site concerning Dog Walkers up around the beautiful area of Hardys Monument. I have been walking in the area for over 20 years and have seen a huge change recently in the amount of people using the area for walking or should I say letting dogs run loose.Mr Duke is always very pleasant and so are the people who the person refers in a previous comment, I think they keep some pheasants around the site.In fact I recently had to ask for some help as I twisted my ankle and the lady I luckily met(in her wonderful 4x4) was so kind to me and took me home.We are very previledged to be able to walk around the tracks at Hardys Monument I really enjoy the place and find it very special.Long may it continue and Thank you to Mr Duke and his colleuges. Katie Palmer.

nick atkinson15/06/2011

I visited this site recently. If he has not done so, Mr Duke should consider coming to an arrangement with the National Trust for them to take over the whole site. They would manage the dogs situation and attend to the general air of dereliction and eyesore which surrounds the car parking area (rusty signs, erosion, tacky refreshment van, horrible steel gate etc. What a blighted piece of Dorset's history. But the views are fantastic, and good to see the Trust restoring the monument.

Vere, Yandina31/10/2015

What a wonderful day it was last March as we (both 65 yrs) hiked from The Old Ship Inn, snacking at The Upwey Wishing Well before taking the Ridgeway, to Hardy's Monument. We enjoyed the wonderful views, posed in front of the monument, enjoyed a hot cuppa from the van, took loads of photos and left a few foot prints before sauntering down to Martinstown. The local buses from Weymouth and then to Dorchester worked a treat. Many thanks to the N T, the land owner and the refreshment van. We were lucky to meet a very helpful librarian in Weymouth for directions/hints as there was little help for hiking tourists elsewhere.

Chris Parry01/10/2020

The Hardy Monument is very clever, it is actually a representation of a telescope, as used by the Royal Navy in the 19th century. A very important part of an officers equipment.

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