Harry Potter & Ancient History

[Rosemary]

I spotted this in the Wikipedia last night and thought it might be of some interest - although I suspect many Potter and Rowling fans might already know.

There is an inference in her books to Boudicca, the Queen or Tribal Leader of the ancient British tribe, the Icene.
The Hogwort Express leaves from Platform 9 3/4 based by Rowling on the fact that Boudicca is said to have been buried beneath Platform 10.

[Winters_Sorrow]

Don't think railways were invented by the Romans, Rosemary

Lot's of communal Black Death mass graves near there though - not as romantic as your story, mind you

[Rosemary]

Originally Posted by Winters_Sorrow

Don't think railways were invented by the Romans, Rosemary

Lot's of communal Black Death mass graves near there though - not as romantic as your story, mind you

No you are right about the railways WS - just chariots mainly. I obviously didn't explain clearly enough !

[dwndrgn]

So Rosemary, you are saying that the railway was built over the grave of Boudicca? Why would they do that if they knew? If they didn't know, how do we know now, or is it a coincidence? I know that a lot of people say that she chose platform 9 3/4 because there was an earlier children's book that used platform 13.

I seriously doubt that she purposefully chose that because it was close to Boudicca's grave. Of course, that's just my opinion.

[Princess Ivy]

historically speaking, i always hae trouble with the entrance to the chamber of secrets being in a bathroom. hogwarts was built 1000 years ago, there were no toilets at that time, let alone plumbing!

[Rosemary]

Originally Posted by dwndrgn

So Rosemary, you are saying that the railway was built over the grave of Boudicca? Why would they do that if they knew? If they didn't know, how do we know now, or is it a coincidence? I know that a lot of people say that she chose platform 9 3/4 because there was an earlier children's book that used platform 13.

I seriously doubt that she purposefully chose that because it was close to Boudicca's grave. Of course, that's just my opinion.

Well I can only repeat what I found in Wikipedia and also notes from some of my historical notes and of course from what Rowlings has said.

The place where Boudicca was buried is believed to have been in that area, above which the platforms were built centures later. I would say that when the railway station was built it was in the days before a 'dig' had to be done before any new building was erected. Some of my historical notes also mention a similar thing.
There must be something in it or why would Rowlings have mentioned it in the first place !
Maybe a visit to her Web Site might 'unearth' the truth of the matter!