Not the least
distinguished of this worthy family is Thomas Hardy, the brilliant
author of the famous series of West-country novels, the first of which
was published in 1872, the year after our visit.
Our next stage was Bridport, and we had been looking forward to seeing
the sea for some time past, as we considered it would be an agreeable
change from the scenery of the lonely downs. We passed by Winterbourne
Abbas on our way, and the stone circle known as the "Nine Stones." The
name Winterbourne refers to one of those ancient springs common in chalk
districts which burst out suddenly in great force, usually in winter
after heavy autumn rains, run for a season, and then as suddenly
disappear.
[Illustration: BRIDPORT.]
Bridport was an important place even in the time of Edward the
Confessor, when it contained 120 houses and a priory of monks. It was
the birthplace of Giles de Bridport, the third Bishop of Salisbury,
whose fine tomb we had seen in that cathedral, and who died in 1262; of
him Leland wrote, "he kivered the new Cathedral Church of Saresbyrie
throughout with lead." In the time of the Plantagenet kings Bridport was
noted for its sails and ropes, much of the cordage and canvas for the
fleet fitted out to do battle with the Spanish Armada being made here.
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