The Kilns

The Kilns, situated in Risinghurst, Oxford, England, presents a fascinating interplay between its physical environment and its profound literary output. The house, constructed in 1922, occupies a site with a distinct industrial past: a former brickworks. This history is not merely a footnote but a defining characteristic of the property, most notably evident in the garden's lake.

This body of water is, in fact, a flooded clay pit, a direct consequence of the land's former use. This unique topographical feature, a blend of natural landscape and human industrial intervention, provided a distinctive setting for C. S.

Lewis. Lewis, along with his brother Warren and Janie Moore, acquired The Kilns in 1930. Lewis's deep affection for the property is captured in his own words: 'I never hoped for the like,' indicating a profound sense of contentment and belonging.

The very terrain of The Kilns, with its man-made lake born from excavation, likely contributed to the imaginative atmosphere that fostered the creation of his fantastical worlds, offering a tangible connection between the earth and the ethereal.

The historical trajectory of The Kilns is a compelling narrative of transformation, evolving from a utilitarian industrial site into a sanctuary for literary genius. Established in 1922, the house soon became the intellectual hearth for C. S.

Lewis. In 1930, Lewis, his brother Warren, and Janie Moore became its residents, marking the beginning of its most celebrated era. It was within these walls that Lewis meticulously crafted his entire Chronicles of Narnia series, a monumental achievement in children's literature.

The profound impact of the house and its surroundings on Lewis's work is undeniable. Intriguingly, Fred Paxford, Lewis's gardener at The Kilns, is widely believed to have been the inspiration for Puddleglum, the iconic Marsh-wiggle in 'The Silver Chair.' This detail underscores how the quotidian realities and individuals at The Kilns were woven into the fabric of Lewis's imaginative universe. The house's location, now on Lewis Close, serves as a permanent memorial to its most influential inhabitant.

The Kilns was more than a mere dwelling; it was a shared home that nurtured C. S. Lewis's creative endeavors.

Lewis resided there with his brother, Warren Lewis, and Janie Moore. Janie Moore held a significant place in Lewis's life, being the mother of his university friend, Paddy Moore, who was killed during World War I. The purchase of The Kilns in 1930 by C.

S. Lewis and his brother, with Janie and her daughter also living on the premises, created a unique domestic ecosystem. This environment, rich with personal history and familial bonds, provided the stable foundation necessary for Lewis's prolific output.

The subtle influence of individuals like his gardener, Fred Paxford, whose character traits may have informed Puddleglum, illustrates the permeable boundary between Lewis's personal life and his fictional worlds. The C.S. Lewis Foundation now stewards The Kilns, ensuring its historical and literary significance is maintained.

Beyond its historical significance as the birthplace of the Narnia saga, The Kilns continues to play a vital role in education and cultural preservation. Under the ownership and operation of the C.S. Lewis Foundation, the house functions as the Study Centre at The Kilns.

This designation transforms the property into an active academic resource, attracting scholars, students, and enthusiasts eager to immerse themselves in the world of C. S. Lewis.

Visitors can engage directly with the environment that shaped Lewis's imagination, fostering a deeper understanding of his literary contributions and philosophical insights. The Foundation's commitment ensures that The Kilns remains a living testament to Lewis's legacy, offering a unique platform for literary study and intellectual exploration. It serves as a tangible link to the past, actively contributing to the ongoing appreciation and study of one of the 20th century's most influential writers.