June 2, 1840: Thomas Hardy is born in Higher Bockhampton, Dorset, England.

1856-1862: Hardy works as an apprentice architect in Dorchester, an experience that influenced his
understanding of social class and architecture, present in his novels.

1871: Publication of his first novel, "Desperate Remedies".

1874: Publication of "Far from the Madding Crowd", one of his best-known works.

1874-1875: Marries Emma Gifford.

1878: Publication of "The Return of the Native".

1886: Publication of "The Mayor of Casterbridge".

1889: Publication of "Jude the Obscure", which turns out to be his last novel.

1891: Publishes "Tess of the d'Urbervilles".

1895: Hardy separates from his wife Emma, causing controversy due to the themes of his works
and public opinion.

1902: Emma Gifford dies, and Hardy marries Florence Dugdale.

1910: Hardy is knighted and receives the Order of Merit.

1910-1913: Writes lyric poetry, including "Poems 1912-13".

1912: Publication of "Poems of War and Patriotism".

1914-1918: World War I, during which Hardy writes patriotic poems.

1920: Publishes his collection of poems "Satires of Circumstance".

1923: Florence dies, leaving Hardy in deep sadness.

1928: Thomas Hardy dies in Dorchester, at the age of 87 years.

1930: His remains are buried in Westminster Abbey.

in London.

1930s: His house, Max Gate, becomes the property of the National Trust.

1931: Posthumous publication of "Late Lyrics and Earlier".