Re: Beckfoots (was Travel)


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TarBoard ]

Posted by Peter H on August 18, 2008 at 11:43:08 user Peter_H.

In Reply to: Re: Beckfoots (was Travel) posted by Owen Roberts on August 17, 2008 at 22:54:35:

Why shouldn't he have a prototype Beckfoot?

I am basing my view on what appears to be AR's general policy in the books set in the Lakes, ie to use locations based on real places but altered to suit. 'Rio', which Owen mentions, is undoubtedly Bowness-on-Windermere, but has been altered, eg the island formation is different in AR's maps. Even the Dogs Home site has been slightly changed. In contrast, the 'Broads' books feature mostly real locations with their real names, which for me makes them not quite as magical as the Lakes books.

I would be very surprised if there was a carbon-copy Beckfoot to be found anywhere, but there certainly are candidates for a rough prototype. When in the Lakes, I see possible 'Beckfoots' everywhere (and Dixons and Tysons too), but there is always some differing factor. I am convinced that AR's houses are generic, and all the more convincing because of this.

Yes, of course it is 'fun' looking for 'Beckfoots', but the point I was trying to make to John Nichols was that if there really is a true Beckfoot it won't be called 'Beckfoot'. AR would not have copied the name even if he copied the house. So you won't find it labelled 'Beckfoot' on a map. But I am glad John says that 'it is so much fun to think about it' - yes, exactly - the true AR magic is in the mind !!!




Follow Ups:



Post a Followup

Name:
Eel-Mail:

Existing subject (please edit appropriately) :

or is it time to start a New Thread?

Comments:

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

post direct to TarBoard test post first

Before posting it is necessary to be a registered user.


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TarBoard ]