Thomas Hardy and John Hicks (1815 - 1869)

Hicks was a Dorchester architect. Hardy on 11 July 1856, became articled to Hicks for three years. As Hardy's father was a local builder he was probably a business associate of Hicks. It is likely that Hicks became interested in Hardy after observing him assist on a survey.

The ground floor of 39 South Street, Dorchester was where Hicks's office was located (next door to William Barnes's school). Hicks was a genial, well-educated, informal, and indulgent, whilst Hardy soon struck up with a fellow-pupil, Henry Bastow, one of his earliest and closest friendships. Son of a clergyman, Hicks specialized in ecclesiastical architecture, more specifically construction arid restoration in the Gothic style. Hardy worked on many projects whilst working with Hicks. Some of Thomas's work included churches at Athelhampton, (St Mary's) Bridport, Coombe Keynes, (St Peter's) Dorchester, Powerstock, Rampisham, and Shipton Gorge. Reports on these projects that appeared in the Dorset County Chronicle are thought to have been written by Hardy. Hardy's responsibilities as an articled pupil would have included making measurements and surveys: Hicks particularly valued Hardy's gifts as a draughtsman, and Hardy copied or traced existing plans as well as 'improving' that is, adding detail to Hicks's initial sketches.

As Thomas was considered young for his years his time with Hicks was extended for a further year. Hardy entered Hicks's employment as a paid assistant in the summer of 1860 and remained with the practice until departure for London in April 1862. Hicks supplied letters of introduction which brought Hardy to the attention of Arthur Blomfield, and when Hardy decided to leave Blomfield's London practice in July 1867, Hicks offered him employment as an assistant with church restoration projects, the terms being favorably arranged to allow Hardy opportunity for time in which to write. G. R. Crickmay took over the practice after Hicks's death.

The poem 'The Abbey Mason' is dedicated to John Hicks.

Florence Hardy noted in 1927 Hardy's comment that 'if he had his life over again he would prefer to be a small architect in a country town, like Mr Hicks at Dorchester'.