麻豆社

The creator of one of the world鈥檚 most famous fictional pilots was born and brought up in Hertfordshire.

William Earl Johns, the man behind 鈥楤iggles鈥�, spent his formative years in Hertford where a Blue Plaque now identifies his family home. His first book, 鈥淭he Camels Are Coming鈥�, was published in 1932. Tales of his education in Hertford are retold in 鈥淏iggles Goes To School.鈥�

Many of his stories detail his experiences in World War One. He started as a machine gunner but in 1917, joined the Royal Flying Corps. He was eventually captured and taken as a prisoner of war. His family only realised he was alive when he returned home on Christmas Day, 1918.

W E Johns wrote almost 100 books featuring Biggles, which are still in print today.

Location: Cowbridge, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG14 1PN
Image of W E Johns
Photograph courtesy of Hertford Museum