"Markton" in A Laodicean.
 |
This is a picture of Dunster castle, taken from the grounds of the Luttrell Arms. The castle really dominates the village of Dunster - which is not an impression you get from the early editions of A Laodicean. In these, the castle is a way off from the village. |
 |
As Hardy became more into the "Wessex" concept, the originally vague location of "Markton" (the castle has something in common with Corfe rather than Dunster in the early version), becomes pinned down to Somerset. By the 1912 edition, instead of Mr Somerset staying at the "King's Arms", a Dorchester inn, he stays at the Lord Quantock Arms - this equates to the Luttrell Arms, Dunster, just five minutes' walk from the castle. And worth a visit for the food, beer and real cider.
|
 |
The monuments to the Luttrell family of Dunster castle: the de Stancys are the novels' equivalents, although in fact the Luttrells lasted until well into the twentieth century before they had to give up their castle. Paula's attention is held by the monuments to the de Stancy family in the church. She may be an engineer's daughter but she really wants to be one of the landed gentry... |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
The interior of St George's Church, Dunster, which has the longest rood screen in the country, apparently: |
 |
The gardens around Dunster church, owned first by the priory and then by the Luttrells - now owned by the village. In the foreground are some really old apple trees, which I guess were originally trained as espaliers. |