LOTR IRL: Sites of Tolkien’s Inspiration in England

Alyssa Hollingsworth | November 27, 2015

York and Countryside

During the early part of their marriage, Tolkien and Edith lived in Yorkshire. As you wander the countryside—especially the woodland of Dent’s Garth and the meadows around Roos—you can easily see how the natural beauty would have fed Tolkien’s love of nature. It’s said during one outing, Edith sang and danced for Tolkien in a field. He was so inspired, he wrote The Lay of Luthien for her afterward (we got to do it again: D’AWWWWW).

Andrew Fletcher / Shutterstock.com

York itself is a veritable white city, much like Gondor, and a visit to York Minster can feel like stepping into Minas Tirith’s citadel. When all the church bells toll, the streets ring with echoes that shake the ground. Walking through this medieval city is a lot like walking into a fantasy world.

Alyssa Hollingsworth / Own Work

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