On the summit of Blackdown Hill, near Portesham, Dorset, is the Hardy Monument. Standing 22m (72ft) high, this tower, resembling an upright cannon, is a memorial to Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy.
It was erected in 1844 and stands on the highest point of Blackdown. The foundation stone was laid by Hardy’s daughters on the 39th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. During the Napoleonic war, this spot was the site of a beacon to give warning of French invasion.
Sir Thomas Hardy's naval career was successful from the start and included a close friendship with Lord Nelson which lasted until Nelson died on the Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar of 1805.
At Trafalgar, the combined French and Spanish fleets were beaten by the smaller British fleet, but Nelson was mortally wounded. As Nelson lay dying he said the famous words ‘Kiss me Hardy’. Hardy bent and kissed his dying friend on the forehead.
We visited this memorial on a very cold and windy day coming home from Weymouth in September.
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Yes we also visited the cottage on this trip - the novelist Thomas Hardy of course! I found that really interesting.