Arthur Tolkien

Arthur Tolkien was a British bank manager and the father of renowned authors J.R.R. Tolkien and Hilary Tolkien. He was born in Handsworth, Birmingham, England, to John Benjamin Tolkien and Mary Jane Stow. Arthur's family had a long history of involvement with the Church of England and had lived in England for several generations, with roots tracing back to Germany and France. His ancestors included notable figures such as George Tolkien and William Mitton.

● Early Life

Arthur Tolkien spent his early years in Birmingham, where he attended King Edward's School, Birmingham, a prestigious institution that had also educated notable figures like J.R.R. Tolkien and W.H. Auden. During his time at the school, he developed a strong interest in Latin and Classics, which would later influence his son's love for linguistics and mythology. Arthur's family was part of the Anglican Communion and attended services at the Church of St. Mary, where he likely developed his spiritual values. As a young man, Arthur was fascinated by the works of William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens, which reflected his appreciation for English literature.

● Career

Arthur Tolkien began his career as a bank clerk at Lloyds Bank in Birmingham, where he worked under the supervision of Herbert Millington. He later moved to South Africa to work for the Bank of Africa, which had branches in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Bloemfontein. During his time in South Africa, Arthur became acquainted with notable figures like Cecil Rhodes and Paul Kruger, who played significant roles in shaping the country's history. Arthur's experience in South Africa also exposed him to the works of Rudyard Kipling and H. Rider Haggard, which reflected the country's rich literary heritage.

● Marriage and Family

In 1889, Arthur Tolkien married Mabel Suffield, a woman from a family of Birmingham manufacturers. The couple had two sons, J.R.R. Tolkien and Hilary Tolkien, both of whom would go on to become notable authors in their own right. Arthur's family was close to the Suffield family, who were also from Birmingham and had connections to the Cadbury family. The Tolkiens and Suffields often spent their holidays together, visiting places like Switzerland, France, and Italy. Arthur's love for travel and exploration was likely influenced by the works of Jules Verne and Robert Louis Stevenson.

● Later Life and Death

Arthur Tolkien's later life was marked by his struggles with rheumatic fever, which he contracted while living in South Africa. Despite his poor health, Arthur continued to work as a bank manager, eventually rising to the position of manager at the Bank of Africa branch in Bloemfontein. He died on February 15, 1896, at the age of 39, leaving behind his wife and two young sons. Arthur's death was a significant blow to his family, who were forced to rely on the support of relatives like Fr. Francis Xavier Morgan and Charles Suffield. The Tolkien family's experiences during this period were likely influenced by the social and economic conditions of England and South Africa during the late 19th century.

● Legacy

Arthur Tolkien's legacy is largely tied to the achievements of his son, J.R.R. Tolkien, who went on to become one of the most renowned authors of the 20th century. Arthur's love for languages and literature was passed down to his son, who drew inspiration from his father's interests in Old English, Middle English, and Old Norse. The Tolkien family's history and experiences also influenced the works of other notable authors, such as C.S. Lewis and Charles Williams, who were part of the Inklings literary group. Arthur's story has been documented in various biographies, including those written by Humphrey Carpenter and Joseph Pearce, which provide valuable insights into the life and times of this remarkable individual. Category:British bankers