Tuesday 3rd March – Eldridge Pope: Thomas Hardy’s Land Developer?

Tuesday 3rd March 2026

Talk on ‘Eldridge Pope: Thomas Hardy’s Land Developer?’ by Joe Doak, Vice Chair, Dorchester Civic Society and Visiting Fellow, University of Reading

Venue: Dorford Centre (upstairs Activity Room)

Time: 7.30 – 8.30pm

Tea, coffee and biscuits provided (please bring own mug to reduce unnecessary waste).

Joe will present his initial research findings on the land development activities of Alfred Pope in south and west Dorchester. This will include the planning and development of the Cornwall Estate, Dorchester Brewery, Prince of Wales Estate, South Court Estate, and Alfred’s involvement in the syndicate that developed Victoria Park. As further work is required on this topic, Joe would welcome contributions from the audience to elaborate, correct or modify his research findings.