A VICTORIAN romance which led to some of the greatest literature in the English language and a tiny North Cornwall community's 1500 years of history are being brought together for a special celebration.

It was in 1870 a then unknown church architect arrived at a remote rectory in St Juliot, near Boscastle after a tedious 100 mile journey from his home in Dorset. Emma Gifford who answered the door to him, not only went on to be Thomas Hardy's first wife but the inspiration for his first published novel and a key figure behind the many that followed.

'A Pair of Blue Eyes' is set among the rugged scenery of the Cornish coast and like many of Hardy's later novels uses, though with slightly changed names, the

locations and landmarks found all around him.

To commemorate that first meeting on March 7, 140 years ago, the Thomas Hardy Society is organising a 'Boscastle Weekend.'

As well as walks taking in locations which would have been familiar to the author, like Beeny Cliff and Valency Valley, prose and poetry readings are planned at St Juliot's Rectory where the romantic rendezvous took place. There will also be a reading of his rarely performed and little known play, 'The Famous Tragedy of Queen of Cornwall' at Tintagel Castle, where it was set. Another highlight will be a dinner at Boscastle's Wellington Hotel which Hardy also visited and presented with two lamps still to be seen in the hotel bar.

Sally Searle, whose home at the Old Rectory is one of Cornwall's most sought after and highly commended places to stay, is delighted that the society is returning.

"Its just wonderful to live in such an historic house and its very important to us to continue Hardy's link with it," she said. "We receive visitors from all over the world who've been attracted by his famous novels and beautiful poetry and to host an event like this which brings them all to life is a great honour."

Tony Fincham, chairman of the Hardy Society added: "The weekend will be a celebration of the Cornish aspects of Hardy's life and works, performed in the magical setting of his 'wild, weird western shore'."

And the Hardy link is playing an important part in yet more celebrations at St Juliot's. Two information panels illustrating the church's 1,200 year history, together with pictures and artefacts relating to the author have been commissioned from the Pelican Design Studio, the same partnership involved in art

projects at the Bocastle and Tintagel visitor

centres.

The church's history can be traced back to the fifth century and the panel includes extracts from its first mention in the Domesday Book in 1086, together with pictures and photographs. To coincide with its completion, a drawing of a unique silver chalice

resented to the church in by one Nicholas Mussel Esq in 1576 is to be displayed for the first time.

The Hardy panel includes writings and sketches by the author, a reminder of his last visit there in September 1916, and a bookmark hand-painted by his bride-to-be Emma Gifford.

Mrs Searle, who together with husband Chris, is also closely

associated with the church, says that as its congregation on most Sundays rarely gets above eight, its been quite a challenge to take on.

"It's been a bold decision," she added, "and a remarkable tribute to this small congregation. We're truly grateful to Ginny and Heulyn Lewis from the studio for all their help and we're looking forward to seeing the completed work."