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.
9. Samuel Johnson
Circa 1756: English poet, critic, essayist, and lexicographer, Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) was born in Lichfield and attended Lichfield Grammar School where he excelled in Latin. He wrote A Dictionary of the English language in 1755. | Getty Images
10. William Shakespeare, King Edward VI Grammar School, Stratford-upon-Avon
The English poet and dramatist, William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616), circa 1610. Painting known as the ‘Chandos portrait’. It is almost certain that Shakespeare attended this school, leading to the school widely being described as “Shakespeare’s School” | Getty Images