C.S.Lewis Tour - Easter 2008

During the Easter period, My husband asked if I wanted to drive out to Headington to visit the Kilns, where C.S Lewis lived, and on to some other C.S.Lewis places. Well, being a C.S Lewis fan, how could I refuse!!! So we did and I am delighted to share my pictures and tell you all about it.

This tree is either in or very very close by to C.S Lewis home. I read somewhere that he may have written the Chronicles of Narnia from his garden. So he must have gazed up at this tree on several occasions, maybe to give him inspiration when he had writers block...It looks like the one outside my window...

Here is the side view of his house, The Kilns. It was great just to be there and see where he lived. It felt strange going there and getting so close. I believe if you ask permission and book an appointment you can actually go inside. I think I would pass out though...It would be too cool and cool again to do that...Actually I will book an appointment and go next time. Anyway, the place is real and wonderful and it was great.

We did visit his grave. I thought I would be a bit freaked out by this, but when we got there, it was like visiting a passed over friend or family member. It was strange. Obviously I have never met the guy (I am only 21...yeah right) but because I have read so many of his books and he is a bit of a major influence in my life, I felt very warm and emotional when I was there. And another thing. It was grey and cloudy but the sun opened up for a brief moment and shone on to his grave. It was miraculous but also 'well it would shine on his grave, he is one cool dude'. AND another big thing. I noticed, which I must mention, his brother Warren, is also buried with him. This is beautiful. They both lost their mother at an early age. Both fought in the War, both had a rather tough time I'd say and had an amazing relationship. They were incredibly close, even though they did not always see eye to eye, and here they are, two Irish born lads now rest together eternally. That is something very special and wow, brotherhood...I wish to write no more on the matter, for I feel quite overwhelmed by it all. I have 2 brothers myself. Perhaps despite the differences my brothers and I have, we should try and be more like them. Although, I don't want to be buried with them thank you very much. no no no. I don't mind same church yard but not grave... Anyway, back to the tour.

As we drove out of Headington and in to Oxford city centre, my husband asked me where next. Hmmm, lets just get as close to it as poss and find somewhere to park... Well, on route, Magdalen College (The college C.S Lewis was based) came in to view. I was so excited I jumped up and down in my car...Wah hey - I think not, although the people behind me must have been very scared. I tried hard to get a photo but there were cars behind us so this is all I could get in my moment of sheer excitement. We then found a perfect parking space down Keeble Rd and I could not believe it when I walked around the corner!!!!!!!!!!IT WAS THE BIRD AND BABY!!!

This pub is such a delight... It has so much character and as soon as you walk in, you can imagine it all. Ok, for those who do not know, JRR Tolkien, C.S Lewis, his brother, Dyson to name but a few met here frequently, as a group called the Inklings, to discuss their books (Lord of the Rings, Lion Witch and the Wardrobe...Oh to have been a fly on the wall, that would have been the best time), have debates and drink beer. Sounds fab. I am going to start my own Inklings. a 21st century writers group... anyway, on the wall, above the fireplace you will find pictures and letters etc. It is a wonderful place. And that is where the tour ended. Well for now. I will go back and do more next time, like go in to the Kilns and Magdalen College and eat some yummy food in the Inklings. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh. Was such a fantastic day.

I love C.S.Lewis...