Literary Greats of the Three Counties

Famous writers and literary figures connected to Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire

The landscape of the Three Counties has shaped some of the most influential writing of the twentieth century. 

It is a landscape that encourages walking, thinking and observation - qualities that matter as much to writers as libraries and studies.

For visitors with an interest in books and ideas, the region offers a rewarding layer of cultural discovery alongside its towns, hills and countryside.

Malvern: George Bernard Shaw

George Bernard Shaw was instrumental in the founding of what has become Malvern Theatre.

He believed that serious drama should be accessible beyond London and chose Malvern to prove his point.

Malvern Theatre remains a tryout space for pre-London productions and sees many illustrious actors on its intimate stage.

Worcestershire: Lewis and Tolkien

C S Lewis was deeply connected to the Malvern area and loved to walk the hills with his close friend, J R R Tolkien.

We can identify the impact of the landscape and surroundings in their work:  the majestic  countryside of these ancient hills is immortalised in Lord of the Rings while the lighting of a gas lamp [still in place and working to this day] gave Lewis one of the most vivid symbols connected with Narnia

Gloucestershire: Laurie Lee

Laurie Lee was raised in the Slad valley, just outside Stroud and returned to it in later life where he spent many happy hours in the local pub until his death in 1997.

In Cider with Rosie, he turned childhood observation into a lasting portrait of rural life and the book remains so faithful a description of the area that it is almost a guide to walk the lanes with.