JK Rowling has revealed that Harry Potter’s true birthplace is south west London, and not Edinburgh as widely believed. The author shared the news on her official Twitter account, in a bid to dispel common myths around the writing locations of her most famous creation.
Is Edinburgh the birthplace of Harry Potter?
Edinburgh is known as the birthplace of Harry Potter as J. K Rowling wrote some of the very first chapters of the books here. So, there are many places in this historic city that are thought to have inspired characters, places, and events in the series.
Was Harry Potter born in Scotland?
JK Rowling has confirmed the ‘birthplace’ of Harry Potter was NOT in Scotland in a Twitter thread dispelling fandom myths. The author took to Twitter to address rumours swirling round the Potter-verse, including a well-travelled story that she came up with the idea for the Boy Wizard in an Edinburgh cafe.
Is Diagon Alley based on Edinburgh?
Diagon Alley / Victoria Street
It’s easy to see where J.K. Rowling got her inspiration for Diagon Alley. Victoria Street curves down towards the Grassmarket and is within Edinburgh’s Old Town – recognised as a World Heritage site. The eclectic mix of narrow, medieval buildings and Gothic spires is pure Potter magic.
Is Hogwarts inspired by Edinburgh Castle?
While there is no firm evidence that Edinburgh Castle inspired the creation of Hogwarts School, there is an uncanny resemblance between the two historic buildings – for example, they both sit high on a rock.
Why is Edinburgh famous for Harry Potter?
Most notably, it was the home of J.K. Rowling when she wrote the majority of the Harry Potter books. Rowling has acknowledged her connection to the city stating that “… Edinburgh is very much home for me and is the place where Harry evolved over seven books and many, many hours of writing in its cafés.”
Is Gryffindor Scottish?
Gryffindor hailed from a moor which is now known as Godric’s Hollow, a small West Country village in England.
Is Hogwarts Scotland?
In the Harry Potter books, Hogwarts is set in the Scottish Highlands, which is one of the main reasons why there are so many Scottish locations in the films. If you see a beautiful vista in one of the films, with rolling hills or jagged mountains, chances are it’s in the Scottish Highlands.
Is Hogwarts canonically in Scotland?
J.K. Rowling never specifically stated in the books that Hogwarts was in Scotland, but she has stated in interviews that she always imagined Hogwarts to be in Scotland.
Is Ron Weasley Scottish?
Ronald Bilius “Ron” Weasley (b. 1 March 1980) was an English pure-blood wizard, the sixth and youngest son of Arthur and Molly Weasley (née Prewett). He was also the younger brother of Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred, George, and the elder brother of Ginny.
Why did JK Rowling move Edinburgh?
She chose Edinburgh as that was where her sister and brother-in-law were living. It was a rough time in Rowling’s life with the failed marriage, loss of her mother, a young daughter to take care of, and little money.
Was Harry Potter filmed in Scotland?
The Highlands of Scotland
JK Rowling has said in interviews that she always imagined Hogwarts to be in Scotland, so it’s appropriate that some of the most stunning scenes depicting the grounds of the Harry Potter Castle were filmed in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.
What was filmed at Edinburgh Castle?
The Lost King
We are excited for the newly fictionalised comedy-drama film ‘The Lost King’ to arrive in UK cinema this October. The film was partly shot at Edinburgh Castle in early 2021 and we cannot wait to see the castle on the big screen!
What do Harry Potter fans do in Edinburgh?
So let your imagination run wild as you explore this beautiful city with our list of places all Harry Potter fans should visit in Edinburgh!
- The Elephant House Café
- Greyfriars Kirkyard.
- George Heriot’s School.
- Edinburgh City Chambers.
- The Writers’ Museum.
- Victoria Street & Candlemaker Row.
- Diagon House.
What Harry Potter stuff is in Edinburgh?
8 Essential Harry Potter Sites in Edinburgh
- Elephant Café You may know Jo spent a lot of time in cafes writing her earlier novels.
- Greyfriars Kirkyard. Death is a theme that runs through the Potter series.
- Heriot’s.
- Victoria Street and the Grassmarket.
- Spoon.
- Potterow.
- The Dog House.
- Balmoral.
Did J.K. Rowling write Harry Potter in Edinburgh?
Author J.K. Rowling ,had her first book published while she was writing in the back room overlooking Edinburgh Castle, making The Elephant House the “birthplace” of the series of Harry Potter novels.
Is Diagon Alley in Scotland?
Diagon Alley is located in London. But the real-life inspiration for the street is thought to be Victoria Street in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city. BuzzFeed and Forever Edinburgh report that the street is rumored to be the inspiration behind Diagon Alley and recommend it to “Harry Potter” fans visiting the city.
Why does Edinburgh smell sweet?
Embrace the smell.
It’s booze, kind of—malted barley from the city’s breweries, and roasted malt from the North British Grain Distillery, the last of the city’s great distilleries.
Where is Lord Voldemort buried in Edinburgh?
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Greyfriars Kirkyard is a particular place of interest for Potter fans as while ‘the real Tom Riddle’s grave’ is perhaps the most well known, it has been suggested that other graves in the cemetery could have inspired names for other characters such as William McGonagall, a Scottish poet and weaver who died on 29
Is Dumbledore Irish or Scottish?
For the initial Harry Potter films, Dumbledore appears to be of Irish descent, but despite being the first accent for the character, it’s one that has changed more than once over the years.
Is Ravenclaw Scottish?
Rowena Ravenclaw (fl. c. 993) was a Scottish witch and one of the four founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She was noted for her intelligence and creativity.