Christopher Robin

"Then up and up again until you reach the top of the forest. And at the very top of the forest is Gills Lap. I could see Gills Lap from my nursery window. You could see Gills Lap from a great many places from miles away - a clump of pines on the top of a hill. In the book it is Galleon's Lap but otherwise it is exactly as described, an enchanted spot before Pooh ever came along to add to its magic."
Christopher Robin Milne

 

Christopher Robin Milne was born in Chelsea, London, England, on the 21st August 1920. Pooh joined him about a year later, shortly followed by Eeyore. Piglet was a gift from a neighbour, who frequently saw him out walking with his Nanny.

Owl and Rabbit were not real toys, but were invented for the stories. Later Kanga, Roo, and Tigger bounced into the Milne home.

Christopher Robin was known to his family as "Billy Moon" the "Moon" part being the young boys mispronunciation of his surname.

In 2001 some old black and white film footage of Christopher Robin was discovered. The film was shot in 1929 by Percy Nightingale who was a corn merchant from Hampshire. It featured a nine year old Christopher Robin leading a pageant through Asdown Forest. His friends were dressed up as Pooh, Piglet, Eyeore, Tigger and Kanga. Christoher Robin later recalled that "It was exciting doing my bit." for the pageant. The film was shown on BBC2 in November 2001 it was old and crackly but wonderfully magical!

Christopher was studying at Cambridge when the second world war started, and he left to join the army. Christopher was wounded in the head during battle but he luckily made a good recovery. He served his country right up to the end of the war in 1945.

After the war he married his wife Lesley, they had one daughter Clare, who was born with cerebal palsy.

In 1951 the Milnes opened their Harbour Bookshop in Dartmouth, England.

Christopher Milne wrote four books of his own.

Christopher Robin Milne died on the 20th April 1996.

Christopher Robin Milne may not have always enjoyed being the famous "Christopher Robin" but without him there would have never been a Pooh.

In England we remember Mr Milne with love, respect and gratitude.

Pooh along with his friends Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, and Kanga are now being kept in a glass case in New York's public library, America.

Pooh maybe a very long way from home, but in his heart he will always be in The Enchanted Place on the very top of Ashdown Forest, ENGLAND