Hardy Monument


Hardy Monument Site Plan


Hardy Monument Pictures
The monument sited at 770 feet above sea level was erected in 1844, 5 years after Hardy`s death, at a cost of £450. The 70 foot tall design was the work of Arthur Henry Acland, who had this octagonal structure built out of the local Portland stone. Access to the top is via 121 steps that wind their way up the central spiral stairway, the little light available, coming from narrow 'arrow slits' let into the walls. The view from the top is stunning on a clear day, but on a windy day, it very exposed. The climb is worth it, for the magnificent view of Dorset.

In 1891, the correspondence columns of the Southern Times saw much consideration given to converting the monument to a lighthouse. Although several miles inland, this is one of the highest points on the south coast of Dorset and would have been visible for many tens of miles. Because the monument is so far inland and because of the great distance from which it would have been visible, there ran a risk of confusing mariners rather than aiding them.

National Trust acquisition and refurbishment
The site was originally leased to the National Trust in 1901 from Mr William Hardy Mansfield and John Best, both of Portisham and their mortgagees, The Scottish Provident Institution of Edinburgh. The lease was for a term of five hundred years at a rent of one shilling a year payable without deduction. Later in 1938, the National Trust purchased the freehold for the sum of £15, from Croye Estates Ltd. The monument has recently been refurbished at a cost of over £175,000.00

The surrounding land is owned and managed by Andrew Duke. Much of this land is scheduled as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is managed in conjunction with English Nature.

Links: Martinstown Village