Ledbury’s colourful mix of heritage, community spirit and talent is exemplified in John Masefield, Britain’s celebrated Poet Laureate, who was born here on 1 June 1878. Masefield proved that people from our town can achieve great things! The 150th anniversary of his birth in 2028 provides an opportunity to celebrate his legacy. We plan to create a memorial to him, which will in turn benefit the town for which he cared so deeply.

The story of his life is as relevant today as it ever was – he overcame a series of setbacks to achieve his dream of becoming a writer; he succeeded in an unfamiliar world, and he remained true to himself.

We don’t yet know what form the memorial will take, but we do know what its attributes will be. It will bring people together, it will motivate and inspire and it will build a sense of community. It will also celebrate and preserve Masefield’s legacy and raise awareness of who he was. Fundraising is already underway to support a programme of community engagement.

Ledbury residents from all walks of life will be invited to take part and shape the memorial. 

John Masefield stands out in the long line of Poet Laureates as the sole figure whose roots are deeply entwined with Herefordshire. His birthplace, Ledbury, was more than just a setting—it was a wellspring of inspiration that fueled his poetic genius. Today, Ledbury Town Council is excited to honor Masefield’s enduring impact through a vibrant, heritage driven initiative that pays tribute to one of our town’s most distinguished figures.

Our approach to this project is grounded in the belief that a community truly brings an individual’s legacy to life. By engaging with the collective creativity of Ledbury, we aim to uncover the multifaceted ways Masefield's work resonates with us today.

With this vision in mind, we are launching a dynamic series of engagement sessions. These will involve local residents, creative practitioners, and explorers of Masefield’s literary legacy. Together, we’ll delve into the relevance of his work in our contemporary world, explore the role of creativity in today’s Ledbury, and envision how both can shape our future. This project promises to be a celebration not just of Masefield’s life, but of our community’s creative spirit and shared heritage.

"The Box of Delights" by John Masefield is a fantasy adventure story about a young boy named Kay Harker who comes into possession of a magical box with extraordinary powers. The box allows him to travel through time, shrink to a miniature size, and experience various wonders. Kay must protect the box from the evil magician Abner Brown and his gang, who are determined to steal it for their own sinister purposes. Along the way, Kay encounters various fantastical characters and adventures, ultimately leading to a thrilling battle between good and evil.

Ellie Scanlan, Volunteer Coordinator at Creative Pathways in the Shire reading an extract from Masefields classic christmas novel 'The Box of Delights'.