Gloucester Honors Influential Poet William Ernest Henley

Efforts are underway by Gloucester historians to highlight a highly influential figure from the city. The literary contributions of William Ernest Henley have served as an inspiration for global leaders, members of royalty, and a major motion picture. While primarily recognized for authoring the poem Invictus, Henley is additionally thought to have provided the basis for the character Long John Silver in Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel, Treasure Island. Students from The Crypt School will participate in an event this Friday evening commemorating his life, marking 175 years since his birth in Gloucester. Gloucester boasts numerous renowned figures, including Dick Whittington and Jemmy Wood, with Wood being considered the model for the character Scrooge in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Robert Raikes, who established the Sunday School movement, and John Stafford Smith, composer of the Star Spangled Banner, which is now the US national anthem, also hail from Gloucester. Nevertheless, Henley’s recognition is not as widespread, according to Paul James, chairman of the Friends of St Mary de Crypt. James clarified: “He’s not one of the best known people to have come from Gloucester and perhaps not as well known as he should be. We’re trying to put that right.” Mr James stated that Henley, born on Eastgate Street in Gloucester in 1849, inspired numerous individuals globally with his poem Invictus. “It was read each day by Nelson Mandela when he was in captivity at Robben Island.” “It has also been quoted over the years by Winston Churchill and Barack Obama, to name a few.” The poem also served as the inspiration for the 2009 film Invictus, featuring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, which depicted South Africa’s victory in the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Furthermore, it contributed to the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, establishing the Invictus Games, with its inaugural event held in London in 2014. Henley is considered the source of inspiration for a prominent character in the novel Treasure Island. Mr James noted: “Henley suffered from tuberculosis and lost one of his legs, hence the inspiration for Long John Silver.” “But it was his battles with his health which inspired him to write Invictus, which is all about overcoming adversity. “So you have the very serious message about strength and adversity with Invictus, and then the slightly more light hearted connection with Long John Silver.” Students from The Crypt School, which has a school house bearing Henley’s name, will present their own tributes to the author and poet this Friday. George Roberts, the school’s director of drama, commented: “What’s really cool about this project is that it’s happening at St Mary de Crypt, which is where the school started. It almost feels like we’re going back to our roots. “We have created a piece where we perform the very first act from Treasure Island. The pupils asked why we chose this, we explained the links and they were really excited about it.” “They feel a personal connection to him.” An event titled “A Celebration of WE Henley” is scheduled to occur at St Mary de Crypt on Southgate Street, Gloucester, beginning at 19:00 GMT. This event aims to generate funds for the maintenance of the building and its various activities. Readers can follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas may be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding its external linking policy is available.