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Stone with plaque indicating childhood home of J.M. Barrie

A Visit To The Childhood Home of Novelist J.M. Barrie

When young boys read or watch a movie about Peter Pan I believe its a story that remains in their hearts.  My husband Kevin is no exception.  When Kevin discovered we were very close to the town of Kirriermuir while in Scotland, we made a special stop to visit the childhood home of novelist J.M. Barrie.

Kirriemuir Scotland turns out to be a cute little town and very proud of being associated with the writer J.M. Barrie.  As we drove around a little bit we discovered parking on a side street, not far from the home.  It only took a two minute walk to reach the small home of his Father who was a weaver.  Upon entering we were met by a sweet women who gives you a nice introduction of what you will be viewing on your self guided tour.  The entry was a small store with many items to purchase for children and adults.  We ended up going home with books, puppets and more.

No photographs were allowed inside unfortunately because I would of loved to share with you how authentic the decor and historic items were displayed.  We were able to view actual documents and writings, clothes, furniture and even costumes used in the original Peter Pan play.

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Peter Pan Novelist, J.M. Barrie: Childhood home, Kirriemuir Scotland street sign
Peter Pan Novelist, J.M. Barrie: Childhood home, Kirriemuir Scotland
Plaque on wall at the Peter Pan Novelist, J.M. Barrie: Childhood home, Kirriemuir Scotland.
Peter Pan Novelist, J.M. Barrie: Childhood home, Plaque on wall in Kirriemuir Scotland.
Looking into the garden with gate of Peter Pan Novelist, J.M. Barrie: Childhood home, Kirriemuir Scotland. Garden area
Looking into the garden of Peter Pan Novelist, J.M. Barrie: Childhood home, Kirriemuir Scotland. Garden area

A few things learned visiting the Home of J.M. Barrie:

  • J.M. Barrie had an older brother who died.  This was devastating to the Mother of course who morned her son.  J.M. Barrie tried to help his Mother with her sadness by writing and performing plays.  He desperately wanted his Mothers love. He also would try to imitate his brothers voice for her.
  • The family lived upstairs in this whitewash home.  There were seven brothers and sisters in this small two bedroom home
  • J.M. Barrie had written several books.  Here are a few examples-
    • The Little Mister (1891)
    • Jess (1898)
    • The Wedding Guest (1900)
    • When Wendy Grew up- An Afterthought (1908)
    • A Kiss for Cinderella (1916)
    • The Author (1925)
  • J.M. Barrie did marry an actress named Mary Ansell, however there were no children and the marriage actually was believed to be unconsummated. They eventually divorced however he still supported her with a check every year.
  • The children of the story Peter Pan were based on a family he became close with; the Llewelyn Davies family.  Which he met in Kensington Park London. He would entertain the children with stories.  Both Parents died and left J.M. Barrie has one of the trusted caretakers of the children.
Storage chest in the garden of Peter Pan Novelist, J.M. Barrie: Childhood home, Kirriemuir Scotland. Garden area
Storage chest in the garden of Peter Pan Novelist, J.M. Barrie: Childhood home, Kirriemuir Scotland. Garden area
Storage house with chest at Peter Pan Novelist, J.M. Barrie: Childhood home, Kirriemuir Scotland. Garden area
Peter Pan Novelist, J.M. Barrie: Childhood home, Kirriemuir Scotland. Garden area with chest and storage house

Take A Step Outside

Outside you are able to view the washhouse where J.M. Barrie first performed his plays for his Mother.  Surrounded in beautiful flowers and very nicely maintained you will find a garden.  Enter the little gate and walk around visit and admire the Peter Pan statue set in the back of the garden.

A very unexpected stop on our way through Scotland, the childhood home of Novelist J.M. Barrie but it was not a disappointing one!  We learned a lot about this author but we also left with questions too.  Novelist J.M. Barrie led a very interesting and different life.  Some reports claim J.M. Barrie to be a pedophile however there was no evidence.  I would like to believe J.M. Barrie was just a man escaping reality when he could by writing about childhood when things are more simple and full of fun and mystery.

The childhood home of novelist J.M. Barrie in Kirriemuir Scotland. The washhouse where plays were performed
The childhood home of novelist J.M. Barrie in Kirriemuir Scotland. The washhouse where plays were performed

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The childhood home of novelist J.M. Barrie in Kirriemuir Scotland. Peter Pan Statue

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The childhood home of novelist J.M. Barrie in Kirriemuir Scotland. Peter Pan Statue from the back looking into garden
The childhood home of novelist J.M. Barrie in Kirriemuir Scotland. Peter Pan Statue
Monument fountain to J.M. Barrie's birthplace in Kirriermuir Scotland
Monument fountain to J.M. Barrie
Monument to J.M. Barrie in the town of Kirriermuir Scotland with bench and garden
Monument to J.M. Barrie

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