10 famous writers who went to school in and around Birmingham, including Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight
We’ve taken a look at which local schools writers in and around Birmingham attended while they were growing up
Birmingham and the West Midlands has a proud creative and artistic history.
From famous bands such as Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, and actors such as David Harewood, the region has produed an array of talented creatives who have gone on to produce some of our favourite albums and television shows.
But the region is also home to a number of incredible writers - with the likes of William Shakespeare being a Brummie neighbour up the road in Stratford-upon-Avon. And Peaky Blinders creator Stephen Knight turning his Brummie family inspiration into an international phenomenon putting the city on the map. He’s about to pen the latest Star Wars movie too.
The region’s literary heritage also includes the world famous Lord of the Rings series which was partly inspired by Birmingham and areas such as Moseley, with JRR Tolkien growing up in Kings Heath.
But which other famous writers are from the area and which local schools did they attend? Take a look below to find out.
1. Steven Knight: The Streetly School
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight grew up in Birmingham. His family are also from the city, which is where he learned of the real life Birmingham gang to inspire the hit BBC show. He attended the Streetly School - now known as the Streetly Academy - in Sutton Coldfield
2. JRR Tolkien: King Edward’s School and St Philip’s School, Edgbaston
The writer and creator of one of the most successful film franchises of all time, Lord of the Rings writer JRR Tolkien grew up in the Edgbaston area of Birmingham and attended King Edward’s School and later St Philip’s School. In 1903, he won a Foundation Scholarship and returned to King Edward’s
3. Lee Child: King Edward’s School, Edgbaston
Jack Reacher has become quite the sensation since it hit cinema screens in 2012. The film version of Lee Child’s books starring Tom Cruise turned into a Hollywood hit, with the latest adaption coming in the form of an Amazon Prime series with Alan Ritchson in the title role. Lee was born in Birmingham and grew up in the city Photo: JUSTIN TALLIS
4. Caitlin Moran: Wolverhampton Girls’ High School
Writer Caitlin Moran wrote the TV drama/comedy series, Raised by Wolves, and her semi-autobiographical novel, How to Build a Girl, is set in Wolverhampton, was made into a film Photo: Submitted