[HPforGrownups] Godric Gryffindor from Shropshire?

[martin.soilleux-cardwell at aon.co.uk]

No: HPFGUIDX 54047


Maria wrote:

>> You know, I have a distinct impression Godric Gryffindor was from
>> Shropshire. There is a place called Godric's Ford [rest snipped]

Tammy responded:

>Since I am not very familiar with the geography of the UK, how does this
>location fit in with Hagrid's flight  the night Harry's parents were
killed.
>I know that there is much controversy over the missing time  from when
Harry
>was rescued till he was dropped off at the Dursley's.

Me:

Shropshire is a large county on the Welsh borders. Basically oval shaped
with it's long axis aligned north-south, it runs along much of the upper
eastern border of Wales, in the English west midlands. The River Severn,
traditionally the ancient border between England and Wales (but not any
more except in a few places) flows south through much of Shropshire's
western section.

I know Shropshire intimately and it isn't a county I think of as having
much moorland. It does have high hills in places (Wenlock Edge and the
Wrekin come to mind - both large glacial deposit hills) and the land rises
generally towards the west - towards Wales around the Ludlow/Leominster
area but essentially Shropshire is a deeply rural county with much pasture
farmland. As late as WW2 some fairly primitive farming and country crafts
were practised here as a way of life. You may already know that parts of
southern Shropshire were an inspiration to JRR Tolkien for the Shire, so
that may give you a clue as to what a nice peaceful place it is.

Shropshire begins about 70 miles due north of Bristol, which is a port-city
nearer the mouth of the Severn. Now if JKR had written that Griffindor was
from the Marches, then Shropshire would definitely be a candidate!

If you want 'moorland' then more central and northern parts of England such
as Derbyshire, western and northern Yorkshire, eastern Lancashire (all on
the Pennine Hills) and areas of Cumbria, Northumberland (towards the
Scottish border) are all 'moorland' regions.

Regards
Martin

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