About

Marnhull Heritage Initiative is a voluntary group established in 2025 in response to Marnhull’s Neighbourhood Development Plan. In the preparation of the plan local people expressed a strong attachment to the character of the village, its rural setting, landscape and history.

Marnhull Heritage Initiative aims to preserve, promote and celebrate the heritage of Marnhull in all its forms – built, natural and cultural.

We will focus on locally distinctive features of Marnhull’s historic character, as well as local stories that have helped shape the village that we enjoy today. If you have a topic you’d like us to know about or investigate, please get in touch via our contact page.

Our first project concerns Marnhull’s important association with Thomas Hardy and his novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles. It involves improvements to the Hardy Way; a Hardy trail through the village; the publication of a more detailed guide to Hardy and ‘Marlott’; upgrading the information panel at The Crown, and information for visitors to St Gregory’s church.

We are grateful to the following for financial and other support:

Please send enquiries to info@marnhullheritage.org.uk