[Hardy-l] Findon Sheep Fair

[Rosemarie Morgan]

Thank you for this, Patrick -- and also for the details of Hardy's love 
affair with Eliza Nicholls. It's the most substantial account I've ever 
read. If he *did* father her child (as well as Tryphena's) it's no wonder 
he felt so bitter about remaining childless in marriage. That has to be one 
of life's greater ironies.

Best,
Rosemarie



At 07:12 AM 8/31/2008, you wrote:
>Those within striking distance of Sussex between 12th and 14th September
>this year, might contemplate a visit to the annual Findon Sheep Fair at
>Nepcote Green near Findon Village.
>
>TH visited Nepcote/Findon in his early years and some of his poems are
>connected with the area.  I wonder if he knew of the fair then.  With its
>dog show, barn dancing and, of course, great flocks of sheep, it might have
>been the kind of event he enjoyed.
>
>Details are here:
>
>http://www.findonsheepfair.co.uk/History.htm
>
>Some of the background to Thomas Hardy at the Findon hamlet of Nepcote are
>here:
>
>http://www.findonvillage.com/0357_thomas_hardy_in_nepcote.htm
>
>
>Patrick Roper