A to Z of Leeds: The city's J.R.R. Tolkien connection

There are many reasons for this bold claim, from the people who've called this place home, to the history of the region, the developments underway and the talent and creativity we see on a daily basis. Here, we go through the alphabet to give you some reasons to be proud.

J IS FOR J.R.R. TOLKIEN

Lord of the Rings creator J.R.R. Tolkien became a professor of English Language at the University of Leeds. His first post was as a member of a university faculty, an appointment that started in 1920.

He came to live in the city with wife Edith.

They lived briefly at Hollybank, just north of Shaw Lane, after which they moved to St Mark’s Terrace, Woodhouse. He later lived on Darnley Road at West Park and it is here that he would tell his children, John, Michael and Christopher, fantastic tales. One of these was about a lost toy dog which would be later written down as Roverandom.

These would later be written down as The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

In what year did he move to Leeds? Answer: 1921.

MORE A TO Z OF LEEDS:

A: How Arthur Aaron became a war hero .

B: Ivy Benson - Leeds's own pioneer of 'girl power'

C: The curious custom of Leeds Town Hall clock

D: The city landmark made of 18 million bricksE: Briggate's Empire TheatreF: The Farnley Wood Plot

G: The suffragette who valiantly fought for women’s right to voteH: The vicar who helped rebuild Leeds Parish Church

I: The Leeds hotel known as 'The Imp'

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Laura Collins