This website is the result of a deep, lifelong fascination with the writing of Alan Garner. In particular, with The Weirdstone of Brisingamen (1960), The Moon of Gomrath (1963) and the most recent acquisition of the Weirdstone Trilogy – Boneland (2012). It’s purpose is to identify the very real locations which are described in the magnificent landscape writing of Garner’s books.
The site contains a short explanation on the importance of Garner’s landscape writing, a list of the identified locations or journeys in the Weirdstone Trilogy and an interactive map. All photographs were taken by James Wright unless expressly credited to another source.
Although the website is by no means an official page, it has been given the blessing of Alan Garner who wrote: “This is just to say thank you for being the first to give the subject a proper treatment. Up till now it has attracted only those that get the sizzle but ignore the steak… there’s little to dispute.”
Talks
A talk based on the field visits and research for The Weirdstone Walk website is now available for either online or in-person bookings. Entitled Walking the Weirdstone: Archaeology and the Works of Alan Garner, the talk follows James Wright’s attempt to walk the locations from The Weirdstone Trilogy with an especial focus on archaeological sites.
The next opportunities to catch this talk are listed below…
Date / Time: Wednesday 18 September, 7.30pm
Organiser: Family History Society of Cheshire
Subject: Walking the Weirdstone – Alan Garner & Archaeology
To book this talk for an in-person or online event please do get in contact. Further information can be found in the link below…
References
Where possible, the original sources of as much third-party information as possible (including direct quotes) have been included across this website. The following editions of books by or about Alan Garner are the ones which were consulted during its creation:
- Garner, A., 1960 (1989 edition), The Weirdstone of Brisingamen. William Collins / Lions. London.
- Garner, A., 1960 (2010: 50th anniversary edition), The Weirdstone of Brisingamen. William Collins / HarperCollins. London.
- Garner, A., 1963 (1988 edition), The Moon of Gomrath. William Collins / Lions. London.
- Garner, A., 1973 (2098 edition), Elidor. William Collins / HarperCollins. London.
- Garner, A., 1997, The Voice That Thunders. Vintage. London.
- Garner, A., 2012, Boneland. Fourth Estate. London.
- Garner, A., 2018, Where Shall We Run To? A Memoir. Fourth Estate. London.
- Garner, A., 2021, Treacle Walker. Fourth Estate. London.
- Philip, N., 1981, A Fine Anger – A Critical Introduction to the Work of Alan Garner. William Collins. London.
All other references will be referred to directly via either a textual reference or as a link to a website.
Website Author’s Background
My name is Dr James Wright and I first read The Weirdstone of Brisingamen somewhere around 1989, after ordering a copy from a book catalogue that was regularly delivered to my Staffordshire primary school. I do not know how many times I have read the novels, but on every re-reading I seem to find new depths, new angles and new experiences despite their apparent short lengths. I am still immersing myself in the same battered paperbacks that I first acquired aged 11. It would feel far too strange to read any other copies.
I have been a professional archaeologist for over two decades and, despite the rigorous nature of the discipline, I am still able to find great awe in Garner’s mythological landscapes. Consequently, I have relished the opportunity to use my training in reading landscapes to track down the places mentioned in the books.
Initially, this detective work involved a close re-reading of the texts to draw up a list of locations. Some of the places are clearly marked on Ordnance Survey maps. Others proved trickier. I have deployed a great many sources including film footage, information published by the National Trust (who own much of Alderley Edge), the National Heritage List for England, texts on prehistoric monuments, books on holy wells, internet discussion forums and the kindly guidance of several knowledgeable friends. After building up a map remotely, I then “ground-truthed” the locations by walking the land (often book in hand).
Where possible, I will offer the source of my information throughout this website so that it is possible to follow my working out. Some of the locations are open to debate. Where this has been the case, I will always outline the various options.
Dr James Wright
Nottingham, May 2022
Please feel free to get in contact.