St Michael's Church, Stinsford, Dorset - "Mellstock church" in Tess and Under the Greenwood Tree
Hardy's home church.
"At the foot of an incline the church became visible through the north gate, or 'church hatch,' as it was called here. Seven agile figures in a clump were observable beyond, which proved to be the choristers waiting; sitting on an altar-tomb to pass the time, and letting their heels dangle against it. The musicians being now in sight, the youthful party scampered off and rattled up the old wooden stairs of the gallery like a regiment of cavalry; the other boys of the parish waiting outside and observing birds, cats, and other creatures till the vicar entered, when they suddenly subsided into sober church-goers, and passed down the aisle with echoing heels." - Under the Greenwood Tree
Stained-glass window of Elijah, dedicated to Hardy:
God talking to Elijah through the "still small voice" was Hardy's favourite Bible reading, bringing back to him the happy days of his courtship of Emma.
A plaque on Stinsford Church wall; carrying the name "Angel":
The restored original font of St Michael's. The font in which Hardy was baptised has been moved to another church.
The new West Gallery at Stinsford. The old West Gallery, home of the Quire, was removed during renovations after the disbanding of the Quire.
