Laurie Lee

Laurie Lee

Laurence Edward Alan "Laurie" Lee, MBE (June 26 1914 – May 13, 1997) was an English poet, novelist, and screenwriter, raised in the village of Slad, Gloucestershire. His most famous work was an autobiographical trilogy which consisted of Cider with Rosie (1959), As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning (1969) and A Moment of War (1991).

The first volume recounts his childhood in the Slad Valley. The second deals with his leaving home for London and his first visit to Spain in 1935, and the third with his return to Spain in December 1937 to join the Republican International Brigades.

Holy Trinity Church in the village of Slad

The Holy Trinity Church in Slad is a small Country Church made famous by Laurie Lee's book "Cider with Rosie" - he now lies in the churchyard and this has become a place of pilgrimage for many admirers of his writings.

The Church attracts many visitors and remains the spritual focus of the village community with regular Sunday worship.

Laurie Lee's gravestone in the hamlet of Slad
Inscription reads - "He lies in the valley he loved"

The Woolpack Inn is one of the best-known pubs in the Cotswolds due to Laurie Lee. Brimming with history and charm, this 16th century traditional Country Inn is situated within the picturesque Slad Valley, boasting superb views.

The Woolpack Inn will be ever associated with the late author Laurie Lee, who was a regular at the pub, the village and the countryside around inspired his most famous book ‘Cider with Rosie’.

The Woolpack Inn at Slad

The Wool Pack Inn is owned by Daniel Chadwick (son of sculptor Lynn Chadwick) and also owner of the medieval & Tudor stately home, Lypiatt Park, in Bisley near Stroud.

Laurie Lee