Puddletown

This little village featured as ‘Weatherbury’ in Thomas Hardy’s ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ is one the most attractive in Dorset, with half-timbered thatched houses and a lovely rectory.

In 1847 Dr Sewell started Radley College in the 18^th century manor house, believing that boys would benefit from the surrounding beauty.

A mile to the east is Athelhampton Hall dating from the 15^th and 16^th century.

The Church of St Mary is mainly Perpendicular with some fine arches and pillars in the south arcade. The pulpit canopy is also Perpendicular and the stalls are 17^th century. There is some interesting heraldic and 16^th century glass, and a Norman font.