1. The Architect

The autobiographical nature of Thomas Hardy’s early novel caused much intrigue when it was first published.

Set on the wild Cornish coast (where Hardy courted his first wife), it tells the story of Elfride.

She is the beautiful daughter of a local parson, whose fate it is to be loved by two very different men.

Her first suitor is a young architect working on her father's church, but a mystery surrounds his past which - when revealed - is to cause her much anguish.

Starring Janet Maw and Michael Maloney.

Dramatised in three parts by Jane Beeson.

Elfride Swancourt ..... Janet Maw
Stephen Smith .... Michael Maloney
Parson Swancourt .... Nigel Stock
John Smith .... Alan Dudley
Mrs Smith .... Katherine Parr
Martin/Driver .... Sean Arnold
Postman .... Michael Tudor Barnes
Kate .... Jill Lidstone
Polly .... Patience Tomlinson

Pianist: Stuart Hutchinson

Director: Cherry Cookson

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 1982