Hardy Monument
On the hills above Abbotsbury stands this 72-foot tall stone monument dedicated to Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Hardy (not the famous writer), Nelson's right-hand man at the battle of Trafalgar to whom his dying words "Kiss me, Hardy" were addressed. The monument, designed to look like a spyglass, lacks charm, but in clear weather, you can scan the whole coastline between the Isle of Wight and Start Point in Devon, 56 miles away (the Hardy family wanted a monument that could be used as a landmark for shipping.) On open days in May and October, you can climb the 120 steps inside to a viewing platform.
