AN iconic statue has been restored to its former glory at a new development in Dorchester.

The white hart statue was unveiled yesterday at Eastgate, a 10-home development on the site of the former White Hart Inn on the eastern entrance to the town.

The 2.6 metre-high stag statue is part of Dorchester’s history. It once stood above the entrance to the White Hart Inn, which dated back to the 18th Century and features in a short story by Thomas Hardy, A Few Crusted Characters.

It was rebuilt in 1926 following a fire and the building remained until it was demolished to make way for the current development. The pub closed its doors in 2006.

Now the statue takes pride of place at the new collection of townhouses by Metis Homes on High East Street.

Councillors from Dorchester Town Council, together with staff from Metis Homes and members of the Dorchester Civic Society and the Thomas Hardy Society came together to celebrate the white hart’s homecoming. 

Dorchester town crier, Alistair Chisholm also marked the occasion with a traditional cry.

Andrew Sinclair, operations director at Metis Homes, welcomed the guests. He said: “We are honoured to restore such an important symbol of Dorchester’s past. It’s a beautiful statue and we hope it will be enjoyed for many years to come.”

Peter Mann of the Dorset Civic Society also said a few words and Helen Lange from the Thomas Hardye Society read an extract from A Few Crusted Characters.

Mayor Tim Harries said: “It’s a great pleasure to be here. It’s lovely to see this addition to the development, it is part of Dorchester and its history. This part of Dorchester has been in need of renovation and this is a fantastic start.”

Eastgate is a collection of nine luxury three and four bedroom town houses and one two-bedroom coach house at the far end of High East Street.

The homes are traditionally designed using local materials, including natural Portland stone and Marnhull rubble stone, and are arranged around a central courtyard behind a secure gated entrance with private parking provided.

The homes have only very recently been finished and buyers can move in immediately. Prices start from £320,000.

Two show homes and an unfurnished view home are open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. 

For more information visit metishomes.co.uk