Tolkien’s Gloucestershire – The Real Middle Earth, Talk by Andy Meller, Thursday 23 October, 7.30pm

From the famous tree-lined ‘Tolkien door’ of St Edward’s Church, Stow to the grounds of Lydney Park and the Scowles in the Forest of Dean (above), the landscape of Gloucestershire profoundly shaped J.R.R. Tolkien’s imagination – and particularly his vision of Middle Earth.

Join historian Andy Meller for this intriguing illustrated talk uncovering Tolkien’s lifelong passion for archaeology, myth and the landscapes from which he drew inspiration.

Note: This is a Pay As You Feel event, and donations are invited to help cover our running costs. Space is limited. Please book your seat using the ticket form below.

Andy Meller’s fascination with all things Tolkienian began when he first read The Lord of the Rings as a student in the early 1980s. Whilst working at Waterstones in Gloucester, Andy discovered that Tolkien’s wife, Edith, was born just a stone’s throw away in Arthur Street. Delving deeper, he soon realised just how much of a part Gloucestershire and the surrounding area had played in Tolkien’s personal life and writings.