Gedling’s Connection to Tolkien’s The Shire
Residents of a Nottinghamshire suburb believe that the fantastical vision of Hobbiton, created by author J.R.R. Tolkien, may have been inspired by their local landscape. This intriguing connection was brought to light by Gedling resident Francis Rodrigues while he was watching a news segment featuring the auction of a first edition of The Hobbit.
During the broadcast, Rodrigues paused the TV to point out to his wife that an illustration of The Shire by Tolkien closely resembled Arnold Lane, a nearby road. Intrigued, they consulted their local historian experts, who echoed Rodrigues’s sentiment, stating that the evidence supporting this theory was compelling.
A Personal Discovery
Mr. Rodrigues shared his excitement, saying, “I’m very convinced. You can see straight away that’s Arnold Lane. It’s nice to know he walked the streets I walked… and wow, I’m following in his footsteps.” At 75, he believes the imagery linked him directly to Tolkien’s experiences and creativity.
He highlighted certain alignments, such as the bend in the road and the drawn mill that resembled All Hallows Church. The church has historical significance as it offers a vantage point that Tolkien would have frequented during his visits. Rodrigues also noted similarities between the drawn farm buildings and Phoenix Farm, where Tolkien’s aunt lived. This farm is known to have served as a retreat for the author, where he penned poems that laid the groundwork for the expansive universe of Middle Earth.
Although the area has transformed over the years—many original buildings have been lost to time, and new housing has emerged—the comparisons with historical photographs of the road have garnered a response from social media, with many local residents joining the conversation.
Scholarly Perspectives
Though Tolkien stated that the Shire was inspired by his memories of Sarehole in the West Midlands, Tolkien biographer John Garth scrutinized the illustration and tentatively upheld the notion that elements of it could very well be drawn from Gedling. Garth noted, “The place was very special to him. He was happy to put personal references and in-jokes into The Hobbit.” He further mused that even if Tolkien did not consciously draw from his time in Gedling, it would not be surprising if his aunt recognized familiar aspects of her old farm upon seeing the artwork.
Local resident Sarah Smith expressed her hope that Arnold Lane could be recognized for its connection to Tolkien beyond the mundane observation of potholes. Meanwhile, Andrew Morton, author of the book Tolkien’s Gedling, initially harbored skepticism towards the theories linking Tolkien to the local landscape. However, after reviewing the evidence, he remarked, “It’s quite compelling, your readers are on to something here. It’s reasonable to think he’d have dug [Arnold Lane] out of his memory and incorporated it into his landscape.” He cautioned against overly ambitious conclusions, joking that one might end up with Bilbo Baggins residing at Mapperley Top.
| Feature | Location |
|---|---|
| All Hallows Church | Gedling, Nottinghamshire |
| Phoenix Farm | Gedling, Nottinghamshire |
| Arnold Lane | Gedling, Nottinghamshire |
The excitement among Gedling residents about the possible inspiration for Tolkien’s Shire adds an intriguing chapter to the rich lore surrounding one of literature’s most beloved authors. While experts and aficionados may differ on exact connections, the mutual admiration for Tolkien’s work continues to inspire local conversations and connections to the past.
