The Eagle and Child

The Eagle and Child

The Eagle and Child is a pub located in Oxford, England. It is also known as The Bird and Baby or simply The Bird. The pub has been a part of Oxford's rich history since the 17th century and is best known for its association with the Inklings, a literary group that included famous authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.

History

The Eagle and Child was built in the 17th century and has been serving patrons in Oxford ever since. The pub's unusual name is believed to be derived from the crest of the Earl of Derby. Over the centuries, it has become a beloved institution in Oxford, known for its traditional English pub atmosphere and its historical significance.

The Inklings

The Eagle and Child is perhaps best known for its association with the Inklings, a literary discussion group that met at the pub from the 1930s to the 1950s. The group included several prominent authors, most notably J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. The Inklings would gather in a private room at the back of the pub, which they nicknamed "The Rabbit Room", to discuss their works in progress and to engage in lively literary debates. It is said that both The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia were discussed and developed during these meetings.

Today

Today, The Eagle and Child continues to be a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Visitors can enjoy traditional English pub fare in the same room where the Inklings once met, and the pub hosts regular events to celebrate its literary heritage. The Eagle and Child is not just a pub, but a piece of living history, a testament to the enduring power of literature and the importance of intellectual discourse.

See also

• Inklings
• J.R.R. Tolkien
• C.S. Lewis
• Oxford

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