Information for Far From the Madding Crowd at The Winding Wheel, Chesterfield (Play). The loves of Bathsheba Everdene are brought to life in this story of three rival suitors in rural nineteenth century Wessex. From the steadfast Gabriel Oak to the handsome Sergeant Troy and the lovesick Farmer Boldwood, Bathsheba's journey is one of tragedy and wrong-turnings before she finally finds true love.