Welcome to Wessex Society, the cultural society for the land of Thomas Hardy, King Alfred, Broadchurch, Hot Fuzz and The Wurzels. Here you can buy merchandise, learn about the region, and read our blog.
Wessex Chronicle (Blog)
Wessex Attractions: Newbury Racecourse
Newbury Racecourse has been located at its current site since 1905, though horse races had been taking place in Newbury for 100 years before that, initially at Enborne Heath and, from 1811, at Woodhay Heath. The racecourse has its own dedicated railway station on GWR’s Reading to Newbury line, with occasional services extending to Bedwyn. …
Wessex Attractions: Saltram
Saltram is a stately homes described by Pevsner as “the most impressive country house in Devon”, and built on the site of a much smaller Tudor house. It came to prominence after the Civil War, when it was purchased by George Parker, whose family continue to occupy it until 1951, when it was transferred to …
Wessex in Fiction: Rebels and Traitors
Rebels and Traitors is a historical novel by Lindsey Davis set during the English Civil War, partly in Oxford. At around 750 pages, it is considerably longer than Davis’s previous novels, and has been compared in its scope to Gone With The Wind. The story centres on that staple of civil war fiction, the couple …
Contact Us
The Society holds events on the closest Saturday to Barnes Night (22nd February), St Ealdhelm's Day (25th May) and King Alfred Day (26th October). However, all events are currently suspended due to the coronavirus lockdown. The next event will be announced once the lockdown is lifted.