Thomas Hardy

Thomas Hardy

Thomas Hardy set one of his most famous novels  ‘Jude the Obscure’ in nearby Letcombe Bassett where ‘Arabella’s Cottage’ can still be seen.In the novel  Wantage is thinly disguised as Alfredston and Oxford as Christminster.

Dean Jonathan Swift

Dean Jonathan Swift (1667 to 1745)

Also in Letcombe, The Old Rectory can be seen dating back to the C17th, with a large thatched barn which dates back to around 1400.In the garden of the Rectory is the mulberry tree under which Dean Swift sat, while writing some of his famous satires.

Thomas Hughes

Thomas Hughes (1822 to 1896)

Thomas Hughes was born in Uffington close to Wantage and under the shadow of the White Horse. He was the author of ‘Tom Brown’s Schooldays’ set in Rugby School where he studied as a boy.He was also the author of ‘The Scouring of the White Horse’.

Compton Mackenzie

Compton Mackenzie (1883 to 1972)

Sir Compton Mackenzie, author of ’ Whisky Galore’  lived at East Hanney near Wantage.

John Masefield

John Masefield (1878 to 1967)

Poet, Novelist and Playwright lived in Abingdon close to Wantage.

George Orwell

George Orwell (1903 to 1950)

Author of ‘1984’  and ‘Animal Farm’, George Orwell  is buried in the churchyard at Sutton Courtenay in a grave given by the Astor family.

This is just a short drive from Wantage.