Great War history of Tolkein on show in Staffordshire

The fascinating insight into the early years of JRR Tolkien, one of the world's best-loved writers, and his time spent in Staffordshire, has already been seen by over 52,000 visitors.

The JRR Tolkien – Soldier and Myth-Maker exhibition launched in March 2016 and it will be

at Staffordshire Place, in Tipping Street, Stafford, until February 27.

Highlights of the free display include rare photos and copies of original sketches by Tolkien, not seen in Staffordshire since they left with the author in 1918, which have been specially loaned by The Tolkien Estate and Bodleian Library.

Gill Heath, libraries chief at Staffordshire County Council, said: "This is a fascinating exhibition with thousands of people already getting the chance to see it.

"It's clear that Staffordshire had a profound effect on this famous writer's formative years, and we're very proud of this connection.

"The Tolkien in Staffordshire story is one of war, comradeship, creativity, love and loss and this exhibition offers visitors a rare chance to learn more about the author's stay in Staffordshire and what it was like to be a soldier in the Great War."

Arriving in Staffordshire on 17 August 1915, JRR Tolkien would begin a connection with the county that would span the remaining years of the Great War and provide inspiration for the mythology and geography of what we now know as Middle-Earth.

During the Great War, Second Lieutenant JRR Tolkien of the Lancashire Fusiliers trained in Staffordshire before he was sent to serve on the front lines of the infamously bloody Battle of the Somme.

After contracting trench fever at the battle in June 1916, Tolkien was shipped back to Staffordshire to recover with his new wife Edith, in Great Haywood.

The Tolkiens later briefly took up residence in a cottage at Gipsy Green, Teddesley Park, near Penkridge. During this time, he began writing his earliest fantasy works.

For further details on the exhibition visit www.staffordshiregreatwar.com or the Staffordshire Libraries webpages at www.staffordshire.gov.uk.

The exhibition at Staffordshire Place will be available between 8am and 6pm.