Captivating land that inspired tales of Narnia
The last two remaining cousins of one of Britain’s best loved authors CS Lewis have spoken about the inspiration behind his most famous work
Beth Tate, 87, and Joan Murphy 89, spoke as they attended the Cardiff premiere of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
The pair spent their childhood growing up in Northern Ireland alongside their older cousin CS Lewis, before moving to England shortly after the Second World War.
Speaking at Sherman Cymru last night, both said that they were “very excited” to see their cousin’s work brought to life on stage.
“My son Marcus is a photographer and knew the director responsible for creating the scenery for the production,” said Beth.
“After he mentioned to the theatre our links to the production, the production team called us up and kindly invited us along to watch the first show.
“It’s lovely for us to be able to visit Cardiff. Joan used to work as a librarian in Swansea, but I don’t often get a chance to visit.
“So we’re very grateful for the chance to have a small break and enjoy the time away.”
Like Lewis, whose works included the British childhood classics The Chronicles of Narnia, both Joan and Beth were raised in a devout Protestant household, and shared a keen affinity for the rolling countryside around their native Belfast.
Having lived in England for much of their adult lives – Beth in Nottinghamshire, and Joan in Oxford – the two recalled their childhood memories of Lewis fondly.
“We used to call him ‘Jacksie’, he hated the name Clive. His name was inspired by his father’s love for