Thomas Hardy: That Inspired his Work - The Trumpet Major

'The Trumpet Major' is Thomas Hardy's only historical novel. Set in the first decades of the nineteenth century it tells of the love affair between Anne Garland and three separate suitors: John Loveday, a Trumpet Major in the British Army; Bob Loveday, a sailor and brother of John; and Festus Derriman, the nephew of a local squire. Published in 1880, the book has been sold in various editions and adapted for the stage. But how far are the events of the first half of the nineteenth century reflected in the events and characters depicted in his book? How much does Hardy include events and situations that are historically accurate? In this talk I will explore the events and characters of Hardy's novel and compare their experiences with the actual events of the times. Using evidence, we will see how true the depictions are and look at how far life in England during the Napoleonic Wars was like the life that Hardy's characters experience in the story.