In the Footsteps of Thomas and Emma Hardy
 
Thomas Hardy (then a young architect) first came to Boscastle in 1870 to oversee the restoration of St. Juliot Church. He stayed as a guest of the Rev. Caddell Holder at the parish Rectory where he met Emma Gifford, his future wife. Their courtship was played out among the rugged landscape of North Cornwall, and this happy, formative period in his life made a lasting impression on Hardy. This book looks at the importance of these Cornish sojourns, and how the memories of them influenced Hardy's later work as poet and author. A circular walk is included for you to enjoy, from Boscastle to St. Juliot Church and back via the Valency Valley. This route follows in the footsteps of Emma and Thomas Hardy and visits many of their favourite places. It is complete with numerous quotes from Hardy's writings, as well as maps, directions and interesting historical facts, giving an insight into how the area would have appeared during the 1870s.