Gyles Brandreth explores the landscape that influenced the author and poet Thomas Hardy. Hardy lived most of his life in the Southwest of England, where his most famous novels were set–Tess of the D’Urbervilles, The Mayor of Casterbridge, Jude the Obscure and his breakthrough novel Far from the Madding Crowd. With input from Hardy experts and celebrity fans, Gyles discovers that the locations Hardy describes are influenced by real places: Athelhampton Hall is the inspiration for Bathsheba’s Farm in Far From the Madding Crowd; Hardy’s own home at Higher Bockhampton is the inspiration for Under the Greenwood Tree; Casterbridge is a thinly disguised Dorchester and Stonehenge is the dramatic setting for the end of Tess of the D’Urbervilles. On his journey, Gyles sees the country life that Hardy experienced and described in his books – rounding up sheep, milking a cow, making cider and even enjoying a bit of a dance with a traditional "Hardy Players" tribute act. Finally, Gyles explores Hardy’s personal life and troubled marriage that influenced his stories, issues and characters that are still relevant today.

Travel across Britain and visit the places that inspired some of Britain’s most famous storytellers: Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, the Brontë Sisters, and Thomas Hardy. Host Gyles Brandreth unlocks the secrets behind their novels and uncovers the true-life events that inspired some of the greatest stories ever told.