Killed in World War 1 at just 39 years of age, the poet Edward Thomas drew on his walks, cycle rides and other journeys through the countryside of England and Wales.

Nick Denton has been retracing Edward Thomas's steps and has uncovered the links between the Vale of Pewsey and two of Edward Thomas's most well-known poems – A Gentleman and Lob. Nick's research has been forensic, using the Field Note Books of Edward Thomas, local news of the time, census information and other sources, he builds a picture of how the poem was written, what landmarks it refers to, links to local folklore and the landscape.

All this is now available on Nick's website – Edward Thomas Poetry Places. As you follow the stories of the poems, you can see how Edward Thomas was moved by and drawn in by this fascinating and beautiful part of Wiltshire – just as we all are!

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

About the Author: Susie Brew

Susie Brew
Susie is the Coordinator for the Pewsey Vale Tourism Partnership. She is passionate about the Vale of Pewsey and its place in the North Wessex Downs. Susie really enjoys sharing the history and stories of the area and to help local businesses and organisations thrive. With four dogs, she is often out walking up on the downs with her husband Tim.

Quick Links

Recent Posts

  • Cycling the Pewsey Vale Circular Way

    If you are planning to cycle our long-distance walking and cycling route, the Pewsey [...]

  • A Celebration of the Oak Tree

    Scattered across the Vale of Pewsey are woods and copses – some quite small – [...]

  • Cycling Tips from WAG

    During lockdown, a group of friends in Wexcombe and Grafton (WAG) in the Vale [...]

  • Jack of All Trades

    What an amazing man Jack Spratt was! Not only did he build the amazing clock [...]