From 1920-1925; Tolkien held his first academic position at the University of Leeds. It was during this period that he co-released Sir Gawain and the Green Knight - for many the definitive academic piece on this topic.
Though his time at the university was brief; he had already advanced to Professor by the time that he relocated to Oxford to take up the Rawlinson and Bosworth Chair of Anglo-Saxon.
For the final year of his sojour in Leeds; he and his family lived at No 2 Darnley Road, West Park - indeed, his youngest son Christopher was born here.
Yesterday - Monday the 1st of October - a Blue Plaque was unveiled at this address arranged by Leeds Civic Trust (with sponsorship from a variety of places)by Dr Kersten Hall - a visiting Fellow at the University of Leeds; who spoke eloquently about the author and city.
The rain just held off and it was lovely to see members of the Tolkien Society - many of whom had traveled from around the country to attend. After the unveiling, Weetwood Hall hosted a reception with refreshments and a chance to chat.
I had been invited to attend by the Tolkien Society who were aware of a visit that Daragh Corcoran of BBC Radio Leeds and I had madeto the house last year. We had agreed that a Blue Plaque for Leeds would ensure that Tolkien and his works can truly be regarded as national treasures.
It was an honour to be part of a day that marks a literary icon and his links to Leeds.
Just so you know - this is an actual residence; so if you do pay a visit; make sure you don't worry those who live there!
Visit the Tolkien Society HERE
Considering membership? That's right HERE
1 comments :
We were all very pleased that the great man has been honoured in this way!
Richard Wilcocks
Headingley LitFest
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