Oxford is steeped in history, but for lovers of literature, one of its most fascinating stories is that of The Inklings—a group of writers, scholars, and thinkers who shaped modern fantasy and Christian thought. Meeting in the pubs and colleges of Oxford, these writers—including C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien—shared ideas, debated philosophy, and read aloud early drafts of works that would become literary masterpieces.
This article will take you through the origins, key figures, and meeting places of The Inklings, as well as their role during the Second World War and the group’s eventual decline. If you’re an admirer of The Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia, Oxford is the place to walk in the footsteps of these literary legends.
How Did The Inklings Begin?
The Inklings started as an informal literary discussion group in the early 1930s at Oxford University. It was founded by C.S. Lewis, a tutor in English at Magdalen College, and his close friend J.R.R. Tolkien, a professor of Anglo-Saxon at Pembroke College.
Lewis and Tolkien shared a deep love of myth, language, and storytelling, and they lamented the lack of imaginative fiction in contemporary literature. They were drawn together by a shared belief that storytelling should be meaningful and steeped in deep, universal truths. In many ways, The Inklings were their response to the literary modernism of the time, which often rejected traditional narratives and moral themes.
Originally, the group consisted of Oxford academics and students who enjoyed discussing literature, philosophy, and theology. While the members varied over the years, The Inklings became a tight-knit community of intellectuals who met regularly to share ideas and support one another’s creative work.
The Inklings Structure and Members
Unlike formal literary societies, The Inklings had no official membership list, no set rules, and no hierarchy. The group functioned as a friendly, informal gathering of like-minded individuals, all of whom shared an interest in storytelling, language, and faith.
While Lewis and Tolkien were the most famous members, several other key figures contributed to the group’s dynamic:
- C.S. Lewis – Author of The Chronicles of Narnia, The Screwtape Letters, and numerous works on Christian apologetics. He was the heart of the group, known for his booming voice and animated discussions.
- J.R.R. Tolkien – Creator of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien was passionate about world-building and the power of myth.
- Charles Williams – A novelist and poet whose works blended theology, mysticism, and Arthurian legend.
- Owen Barfield – A philosopher and writer who greatly influenced Lewis’s thought on imagination and meaning.
- Hugo Dyson – A literary scholar and a lively critic of Tolkien’s work (famously complaining about The Lord of the Rings).
- Warnie Lewis – C.S. Lewis’s brother, a historian and writer, who was also a regular attendee.
Meetings were often lively, filled with laughter, debates, and even heated disagreements. The group was known for brutally honest critiques—something Tolkien, in particular, found both useful and frustrating.
Where Did The Inklings Meet in Oxford?
The Inklings had two primary meeting spots:
1. The Eagle and Child (or ‘The Bird and Baby’)
One of the most famous locations associated with The Inklings is The Eagle and Child, a pub on St Giles Street. The group met here regularly on Tuesday mornings, gathering in the back room known as the “Rabbit Room”.
The pub provided an informal and relaxed setting where they could drink beer, share laughter, and discuss their latest writing. It was here that Tolkien read aloud early drafts of The Lord of the Rings, receiving feedback—both enthusiastic and skeptical—from his fellow Inklings.
Today, The Eagle and Child remains a popular stop for literary enthusiasts, and visitors can still see memorabilia and plaques commemorating The Inklings.
2. C.S. Lewis’s Rooms at Magdalen College
In addition to pub meetings, The Inklings also gathered in C.S. Lewis’s rooms at Magdalen College on Thursday evenings. These meetings were more formal and literary-focused, with members reading aloud their works-in-progress.
The setting of Magdalen College, with its grand halls and historic atmosphere, provided the perfect backdrop for deep discussions about storytelling, mythology, and faith. Visitors to Oxford can still explore Magdalen’s beautiful grounds, imagining the conversations that once took place within its walls.
The Inklings During the Second World War
The outbreak of the Second World War cast a shadow over Oxford, but The Inklings persisted. For many members, the group provided a sense of stability, camaraderie, and intellectual refuge during difficult times.
C.S. Lewis volunteered for the Home Guard and gave powerful wartime radio broadcasts on faith and hope, later published as Mere Christianity. Tolkien, meanwhile, continued working on The Lord of the Rings, though wartime pressures slowed his progress.
Despite the war’s challenges, The Inklings’ gatherings remained a vital part of Oxford life, offering an escape into literature and storytelling even as the world around them was in turmoil.
The End of The Inklings
By the late 1940s, The Inklings had begun to fade. The group’s last official meeting took place in 1949, though informal friendships continued.
Several factors contributed to its decline:
- Charles Williams’s death in 1945 left a void in the group’s dynamic.
- Tolkien grew increasingly frustrated with critiques of his work, especially from Hugo Dyson, who famously groaned, “Oh no, not another elf!”
- C.S. Lewis’s marriage to Joy Davidman in the 1950s also changed the social circles he moved in.
Though The Inklings ended, their impact on literature was already set in stone.