Battle of the Somme

Michael Morpurgo remembers poet from the Somme

18th Aug 2016

Hugh Stewart Smith lost his life at the Battle of the Somme, 100 years ago today (18/08/16). Here, Morpurgo reflects on the loss, and recites a poem which was found among Smith’s personal items after his death. Smith is commemorated by the CWGC at Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Franc  … Read More

Michael Morpurgo at ReadingZone Live!

6th Jul 2016

Today, Michael Morpurgo is taking part in Reading Zone Live to talk about Private Peaceful and the commemoration of the Battle of the Somme. The ReadingZone Live programme is a collaboration with London Grid for Learning when authors visit schools and young people have the opportunity to ask… Read More

Michael Morpurgo: a piece of prose, reflecting on Battle of the Somme

4th Jul 2016

Acclaimed author and playwright Michael Morpurgo, who wrote Private Peaceful, the story of a young soldier’s life on the frontline in WWI, and War Horse, travelled to the Somme with ITV News. He has written a piece of prose exclusively for ITV News to mark 100 years to the day… Read More

A message from Michael Morpurgo, on the centenary of the Battle of the Somme

1st Jul 2016

At 7:30am on the 1st July 2016, thousands of British, Commonwealth and French forces went ‘over the top’, signalling the beginning of the most tragic campaign in British military history. On this one day, a hundred years ago,  nearly 20,000 men lost their lives, with many tens of thousands more… Read More

‘To get some understanding of what it was like to be a soldier in the first world war, younger readers need Michael Morpurgo like no other.’

28th Jun 2016

In the lead up to the centenary of the Battle of the Somme on 1st July, Julia Eccleshare of The Guardian has considered just why Michael Morpurgo’s writing is so important in helping children understand the realities of war. ‘…he makes it possible for contemporary children to understand better what… Read More

Light a Candle for Peace: Michael Morpurgo, in conversation with Gaby Roslin

23rd Jun 2016

Michael took part in a beautiful, candle-lit event in St James’ Church in Piccadilly London. Hosted by radio and TV star Gaby Roslin, it was an engaging, moving and inspiring event discussing Private Peaceful in the run up to the centenary of the beginning of the battle of… Read More

Borders Book Festival

19th Jun 2016

Michael Morpurgo recently attended the Borders Book Festival, discussing his haunting novel, Private Peaceful, as the special commemorative edition is released in the lead up to the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.    … Read More

Reflect on the life of Private Peaceful in the classroom

17th Jun 2016

Join Michael Morpurgo on the 24th of June to teach your class about life in WW1 before the centenary of the Battle of the Somme on July 1st Michael Morpurgo, in partnership with HarperCollins Children’s Books, is hosting a real-time digital event on the 24th of June to encourage children… Read More

Michael Morpurgo at Charleston Festival

10th Jun 2016

Michael Morpurgo recently attended the Charleston Festival, discussing his modern WW1 classic, Private Peaceful. The event was a fitting conclusion to the festival, with it being the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme and the centenary of Charleston, a base for conscientious objectors in WW1. Michael on-stage… Read More

Michael Morpurgo in conversation with Gaby Roslin

5th May 2016

Former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo is a master storyteller who has created many award-winning children’s books including War Horse, Kensukes’ Kingdom and An Eagle in the Snow. On 22nd June, he will be in conversation at St James Church with the wonderful… Read More