Max Gate is the home of Thomas Hardy and not only that he lived in this building from 1885 to 1928, the year of his death, but he also designed the building. This is the place where he wrote his famous Tess d'Ubervilles, Jude the Obscure, The Mayor of Casterbridge and a great part of his poetry. The city of Casterbidge which appears in his novels is based on Dorchester and the surroundings of his beautiful home near Dorchester Railway Station. Max Gate is now owned by the National Trust and still carries some of the writer's objects inside, after some furniture and his study were donated to the Dorset County Museum.
The Hardy Monument stand for another Thomas Hardy, but not the writer. Near Dorchester Railway Station is located the monument erected in honor of Vice Admiral Sir Thomas Hardy, commander at the Battle of Trafalgar. You can climb the monument and admire the scenery. From its top you can also see the Dorchester Railway Station.
The Dorset County Museum is another place near the Dorchester Railway Station where you can spend a few lovely hours learning about Dorchester's 6000 years history. Take some hours to relax in this interesting place before heading to the Dorchester Railway Station to continue your journey.
