Answer: wessex

AnswerCrossword Clue
WESSEX

Hardy novel locale, usually

WESSEX

Old English kingdom

WESSEX

Setting of "The Return of the Native"

WESSEX
Alfred the Great's domain
WESSEX
Old British kingdom
WESSEXSaxon kingdom that lasted up to the Norman Conquest
WESSEXAlfred the Great's kingdom
WESSEXPrince Edward's earldom
WESSEXSetting for Thomas Hardy novels
WESSEXKingdom of ancient England
WESSEXSite of many Hardy novels
WESSEXLocale of Hardy novels
WESSEXScene of Hardy novels.
WESSEXKingdom splintered by the Norman Conquest
WESSEX"Far From the Madding Crowd" region
WESSEXThomas Hardy setting
WESSEXLocale of many Thomas Hardy novels
WESSEXSetting for many Thomas Hardy novels