A new series of sculptures celebrating the East Yorkshire landscapes that helped inspire J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth has been officially unveiled this spring, marking a significant cultural addition to the region’s public art and literary heritage.
Commissioned by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, the installations form a walking trail that highlights the author’s connections to the area, particularly his time spent in Hull and Holderness during the First World War. Tolkien, who later wrote The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, was stationed in East Yorkshire in 1917 while recovering from trench fever, and undertook training in various locations including Roos and Thirtle Bridge. His experiences and the natural landscape he encountered during this time are believed to have shaped elements of his later writing.
The sculpture trail features five pieces, located in Beverley, Withernsea, Hornsea, Roos, and Kilnsea. Each sculpture has been created by artist Anna Cross, who worked closely with the council to interpret the region’s Tolkien links in a way that is both imaginative and rooted in historical context.
Chris Coulthard, the council’s culture and tourism manager, said:
“This is a truly unique opportunity to celebrate East Yorkshire’s role in the formative years of one of the world’s most influential writers. These sculptures serve both as a tribute to Tolkien’s legacy and as a way to encourage residents and visitors to engage with the local landscape in a new way.”
Each sculpture takes a different form and draws from specific local themes. In Beverley, a piece titled The Watcher reflects Tolkien’s fascination with the area’s ecclesiastical architecture. In Roos — where Tolkien wrote letters to his wife Edith — the sculpture references his time convalescing nearby.
Meanwhile, the Kilnsea sculpture, located near Spurn Point, evokes the remote and evocative coastal landscape that is often echoed in his later descriptions of Middle-earth’s fringes.
“This is a truly unique opportunity to celebrate East Yorkshire’s role in the formative years of one of the world’s most influential writers. These sculptures serve both as a tribute to Tolkien’s legacy and as a way to encourage residents and visitors to engage with the local landscape in a new way.”
The trail has been designed to link these geographically scattered pieces into a single, cohesive visitor experience. It is also intended to tie in with local walking routes and tourism efforts, supporting the broader East Riding cultural economy.
Councillor Nick Coultish, East Riding Council’s portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism, said:
“J.R.R. Tolkien’s global significance as a writer makes this a proud moment for the East Riding. These installations not only celebrate his literary legacy but also highlight our area’s contribution to his creative development. We hope this trail will attract fans from across the country — and even further afield — while also fostering local pride.”
“J.R.R. Tolkien’s global significance as a writer makes this a proud moment for the East Riding.
Councillor Nick Coultish,East Riding Council’s portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism.
Interpretive boards and a dedicated website provide further context at each site, explaining the specific link between Tolkien’s time in East Yorkshire and the themes represented in the artwork. The project has received support from local heritage groups and academic researchers, who have long noted the overlooked importance of this chapter in Tolkien’s life.
The trail is now open to the public, with maps and information available through East Riding Council’s tourism channels. Visitors are encouraged to explore the trail either in full or by visiting individual sites, all of which are freely accessible.
This project adds a meaningful new layer to East Yorkshire’s cultural landscape — blending public art, local history, and literary appreciation in a way that is likely to resonate with both Tolkien enthusiasts and the wider public.