How Malvern Became Narnia

The spa town and its environs inspired author CS Lewis when he came to write his childhood classic

- Margaret Brecknell

On October 16, 1950, one of the most iconic children’s books of all time was published. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe introduced the enchanted world of Narnia to a captivated audience for the first time. Its author was CS Lewis, an Oxford academic who had hitherto been better known for some well-respected books on Christianity and a science fiction trilogy for adults.

The opening scene in Narnia must rank as one of the most evocative in the whole of children’s literature. When the young Lucy Pevensie arrives in Narnia via a wardrobe, she is greeted by the sight of a faun carrying parcels through a snowy woodland which is lit by an old-fashioned gas lamp. This vision of a far-off magical kingdom has enchanted children and adults alike, but it seems that Lewis’ inspiration for Narnia may have come from much closer to home right here in the Cotswolds.

CS Lewis is now so closely associated with the academic institutions of Oxford and Cambridge that it may come as a surprise to learn that he was born across the water in Belfast on November 29, 1898. Although christened Clive Staples, he was known as Jack from an early age. The story goes that at the age of four he announced to this mother that henceforth he was to be called Jacksie, in tribute to his beloved pet dog which had been recently killed in a tragic accident. Jacksie was later shortened to Jack and the name stuck.

Following his mother’s death in 1908, Lewis was sent away to school in England. He spent two miserable years at Wynyard School in Watford before it was compelled to close because of parental complaints.