Temporary Mary Hardy Statue Installed in Dorchester

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020

A temporary statue depicting Mary Hardy (sister of Thomas Hardy) has been installed in Dorchester. The pop-up statue is one of five that have been erected around the country to celebrate the premiere of the Netflix series Enola Holmes.

Mary was certainly a talking point for curious people passing by in Dorset’s county town today. Did you spot her?

Mary hardy statue enola holmes Netflix dorchester dorset

Why is it there?

Netflix is celebrating the release of Enola Holmes by installing statues of historical women around the UK. All have a shared connection as featuring women whose achievements were largely overshadowed by their more famous brothers.

Enola Holmes premieres on 23rd September 2020 with Millie Bobby Brown playing the lead role. Also starring Helena Bonham Carter, the series focuses on the sister of fictional character Sherlock Holmes. Based on the book of the same name, Enola Holmes plays the part of a true feminist, using her super-sleuthing skills to get the better of her brother Sherlock.

About Mary Hardy

Mary Hardy (1841 – 1915) attended higher education and worked for several years as a teacher. Thomas Hardy said of Mary that “In childhood she was almost my only companion … and she had always been the one with the keenest literary tastes and instincts”.

The statue’s plaque recognises her position as headmistress at Piddlehinton Village School. This being a hugely significant achievement for a woman at the time. Therefore, she earned much respect from the local community and beyond.

Celebrated sisters

The five statues are featured at separate locations around the country for a limited period of time. It is not yet known how long the statues will remain in place.

The following accomplished sisters of some of England’s famous male icons are celebrated:

Enola Holmes sits alongside the Sherlock Holmes statue on Baker Street, London.
Frances Dickens can be seen next to her brother Charles Dickens in Portsmouth.
Mary Hardy, sister of Thomas Hardy, is installed in Dorchester.
Princess Helena Victoria, sister of King Edward VII in Birmingham.
Maria Anna Mozart, stands alongside Wolfgang Mozart in Bath.

See a slideshow of all the statues of Historical Women featured as part of the celebration in the UK.

How to find the Thomas Hardy statue

The Thomas Hardy statue is a much-loved landmark of the town. Taking up pride-of-place near Top o’ Town roundabout in Dorchester, located at DT1 1XT. If you’re visiting Dorchester, be sure to pay the literery great a visit!