“Men must endure their going hence” These words etched on a simple white slab greet you. This is the Grave of C S Lewis in Holy Trinity churchyard Headington Quarry Oxford. Here rests the author of the Chronicles of Narnia. His brother Warnie shares this final resting place.
This unassuming grave belies the impact of the man buried here. C S Lewis was a Fellow and Tutor at Magdalen College Oxford. He later became a Professor at Cambridge. His writings profoundly shaped religious thought and children’s literature.
Few knew of his passing in 1963. The news was overshadowed by President Kennedy’s assassination. His brother Warnie’s grief-fueled bender hindered the spread of the news.
The grave is a quiet spot. Yet it attracts admirers. They leave notes expressing gratitude for the joy his stories brought. You might find such tributes alongside the Shakespearean quote on his grave. The quote was from his father’s calendar on the day his mother died. It’s a poignant detail.
Lewis’s life in Headington was long and impactful. He lived at The Kilns with his adopted mother Mrs Moore. He wrote many of his famous works there. The Kilns’ extensive grounds inspired the magical world of Narnia. The books captivated children evacuated there during World War II.
He found happiness later in life marrying Joy Davidman. Their unlikely romance inspired the film Shadowlands. Joy’s death preceded his own by several years. Her ashes were scattered at Oxford Crematorium. Lewis had a plaque placed there to remember her.
This grave in Holy Trinity churchyard is more than a burial site. It’s a testament to a life dedicated to storytelling. His legacy lives on through his books. The words on his gravestone echo a profound truth. Men do endure their passing but Lewis’s stories ensure his enduring presence. Take a moment to reflect on the life and work of C S Lewis. His Narnia window is just inside the church. You can see it during the church opening hours.