Birthplace of Alice in Wonderland
As the founder the founder of The Folly restaurant, which sits on the historic Folly Bridge, I’m always drawn to the rich stories that have unfolded along this stretch of the Thames. One of the most enchanting tales connected to this very spot is the origin of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
On a ‘golden afternoon’ in Oxford, July 4th, 1862, a small rowing boat slipped away from Folly Bridge, carrying a group of friends on a leisurely journey up the river. Among them were Charles Lutwidge Dodgson—better known as Lewis Carroll—the Reverend Robinson Duckworth, and the three daughters of Henry Liddell, the Dean of Christ Church. It was on this journey, between Folly Bridge and the village of Godstow, that Dodgson first wove the enchanting tale that would become Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
The Journey from Folly Bridge
Folly Bridge has long been a gateway to idyllic river trips, much like the ones we operate from The Folly today. Carroll, an Oxford mathematics lecturer and an avid storyteller, was particularly fond of Alice Liddell, the second of the three Liddell sisters. As they rowed along the tranquil waters, Alice—just ten years old at the time—begged Carroll to tell them a story. He obliged, spinning a fantastical narrative of a curious young girl who followed a white rabbit into a world unlike any other.
As the boat meandered past lush riverbanks and under the dappled light of overhanging trees, Carroll’s imagination flowed freely. He described a magical land where logic was turned upside down—where animals talked, playing cards ruled, and riddles had no answers. The young Alice was utterly captivated, urging Carroll to write the story down so she could read it again. This moment of inspiration, sparked by a simple boat trip from Folly Bridge, would lead to one of the most beloved books in English literature.
The Birth of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Carroll spent the next few years expanding and refining his tale, adding iconic characters such as the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts. In 1864, he presented Alice Liddell with a handwritten manuscript titled Alice’s Adventures Under Ground, complete with his own illustrations. Encouraged by friends and literary acquaintances, he published the story as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in 1865, with illustrations by John Tenniel.
Folly Bridge’s Lasting Legacy
Today, Folly Bridge remains a cherished landmark in Oxford, and I love that our restaurant and boat trips continue to share in its storied past. Our own river cruises, such as our picnic cruise, follow the very same route Carroll and the Liddell sisters took over 160 years ago.
As visitors pass under Folly Bridge or glide toward Godstow, they are retracing the path of literary history. It’s easy to imagine Carroll’s voice drifting across the water, enchanting young minds with the tale of a girl who tumbled down a rabbit hole into a world of whimsy and wonder. Whether dining at The Folly or embarking on a river journey, guests can experience a piece of this magic for themselves.
Lewis Carroll’s All in the Golden Afternoon
All in the golden afternoon Full leisurely we glide;
For both our oars, with little skill,
By little arms are plied,
While little hands make vain pretence
Our wanderings to guide.
Ah, cruel Three! In such an hour,
Beneath such dreamy weather,
To beg a tale of breath too weak
To stir the tiniest feather!
Yet what can one poor voice avail
Against three tongues together?
Thus grew the tale of Wonderland:
Thus slowly, one by one,
Its quaint events were hammered out—
And now the tale is done,
And home we steer, a merry crew,
Beneath the setting sun.
Alice! A childish story take,
And, with a gentle hand,
Lay it where Childhood’s dreams are twined
In Memory’s mystic band,
Like pilgrim’s wither’d wreath of flowers
Pluck’d in a far-off land.