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Chronology of Hardy's Times 1840 -- Thomas Hardy is born on June 2 at Higher Bockhampton, Dorset in a cottage built by his grandfather 1841 -- Birth of his sister, Mary 1848 -- Attends Julia Martin’s village school at the age of 8 1849-56 -- Attends school in Dorchester at the age of 9, and learns Latin and the violin 1856 -- Articled to John Hicks, a Dorchester architect and church-restorer. Studies Greek with the assistance of Horace Moule of Trinity College, Oxford and Queen’s College, Cambridge, Hardy’s senior by eight years 1858 -- He writes his first surviving poem, ‘Domicilium’ at the age of 18 1860s -- Throughout this decade Hardy steadily loses his religious faith 1862 -- Removes to London and enters the office of Arthur Blomfield, restorer and designer of churches. Reads extensively and becomes aware of the ‘advanced thinking’ of the age; discusses philosophical and theological problems with his fellow students 1862-7 -- Living in London, working as an architect; writes poetry but fails to get it published 1865 -- A short fictional piece called ‘How I Built Myself a Home’ is published in the Chamber’s Journal 1866 -- Writes ‘Hap’, one of the poems of the Wessex Poems 1867 -- Returns to Dorset to help Hicks; begins his first novel, The Poor Man and the Lady, at the age of 28 1868 -- Romantic affair with his cousin, Tryphena Sparks (born 1851). The Poor Man and the Lady is rejected by publishers. Begins Desperate Remedies, a sensation novel in the manner of Wilkie Collins.
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