Buckinghamshire Bound

Our Lower Sixth English Literature pupils visited Milton’s Cottage in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, where the poet took refuge during an outbreak of the bubonic plague in London in 1665. The group were treated to a comprehensive talk by the resident Miltonist on the poet’s political radicalism and service under Oliver Cromwell in the 1650s, before visiting the room where he likely finished his magnum opus, Paradise Lost. The expansive collection of first editions of both his political and poetic works brought to life the scale of his achievements and the impact he has had in England and overseas. The trip concluded with a visit to the local Quaker Meeting House, Jordan’s, which was built by some of Milton’s friends and acquaintances with whom he would have socialised during his time in Chalfont St Giles, including William Penn, whose grave is located in the grounds.  

Thanks to Dr Bromley and Ms Hurton for organising and running a trip that gave life and context to a piece of literary history.