Nalani Kai LasMarias

Have you ever had the feeling that there is something especially magical and capitating about the air in Gloucestershire? If you nodded a silent yes or jumped up and down with harmonious concord, you would not be wrong. The rich history and breathtaking scenery have inspired many famous literary figures over the years. Robert Frosts' famous poem, “The Road Not Taken,” was inspired by a walk he often took while visiting his good friend, and fellow poet Edward Thomas, who lived in Dymock, Gloucestershire.

Just a minute walk from the Gloucester Cathedral lay the birthplace of the renowned Beatrix Potters, “The Tailor of Gloucester.” A gateway in the former precinct wall of the Benedictine Abbey of St Peter is where Beatrix Potter set her story. Potter was inspired after staying at her cousins, Caroline Hutton's home, where she was told the tale about a local Tailor, John Pritchard. The mysterious Pritchard had closed his shop one afternoon, leaving an unfinished cut waistcoat. Only to wake the next morning to it perfectly sewn together. All that was left with the unexplainable completed waistcoat was a note that read, “no more twist.” Perplexed, Pritchard publicized the magic, attributing it to fairies. After hearing this famed tale, Beatrix Potter made her way to the Tailor shop and begun writing. Presently, if you were to visit the tailor shop, you would be delightly surprised to see that it is now a shop and museum dedicated to the work of Beatrix Potter! Patricia Routledge opened the “Tailor of Gloucester Museum & Shop,” in 2007. In the enchanting museum you will be transported to the colorful world of Peter Rabit, surrounded by books, figurines, toys, and even a replica of The Tailor of Gloucester’s Waistcoat! Just a few steps ahead of the entrance you will see the tailor's kitchen has been brought to life! Modeled, of course, by page 17 & 21 of the book.

I am sure we are all familiar with a certain Laurence Edward Alan Lee, better known as Laurie Lee. His life spent in the Cotswolds' is eternalized in his novel, “Cider with Rosie.” A beautiful memoir of his young days spent in Slad. A coming-of-age novel set right after WW1. Highlighting the indelible mark of industrialization on a rural society in sync with the cruel irrevocability of time. The beautiful rolling hills and wooded valleys heavily influenced all of Laurie Lees novels and poems, resonating with all those who grew up on the countryside. If you, too, share this instinctive bond with nature and want a tangible experience similar to reading his work; you must visit Slad Valley! Here you can visit the Wolfpack Inn. Where Laurie Lee used to drink, you can even see the very seat in which he used to sit! If you want an even more active immersive experience, you can walk the 5-mile Laurie Lee Way. Along this walk you will encounter ten poems inspired by the scene in which they are placed!

My final tidbit of Gloucestershire literary legends is dedicated to Fredrick William Harvey; who coined the title, “Laureate of Gloucestershire.” While serving in the first World War, Harvey's Poetry moved masses with his brilliant, poetic descriptions of Gloucestershire's landscape. While serving in France he published his first collection of poems; “A Gloucestershire Lad at Home and Abroad,” right after being captured by the Germans. He spent the rest of the war in captivity; a period in his life where he wrote prolifically. After returning home in 1919, Harvey wrote a memoir about his time spent incarcerated. You can visit his memorial at Gloucester Cathedral.

No matter where you go; whether this has inspired you to contemplate the divergence in a yellow wood, visit Peter Rabbit on your way to the Gloucester Cathedral, have a cider with Rosie, or just to take a valiant step outside your front door. Whatever the journey, face it with an open heart to the inspiring landscape we get to call home, because all things pass and few ever return.