Wilfred Owen

Wilfred Owen (1893-1918) - who was born in Oswestry on the Welsh borders, and brought up in Birkenhead and Shrewsbury - is widely recognised as one of the greatest voices of the First World War.

In this section you can find out about Wilfred's background, his life as a poet, his family, and other areas of interest.

Biography

Wilfred Owen (1893-1918) - who was born in Oswestry on the Welsh borders, and brought up in Birkenhead and Shrewsbury - is widely recognised as one of the greatest voices of the First World War. At the time of his death he was virtually unknown...

Owen The Poet

Wilfred Owen would not have written the war poems for which he is now famous if he had not met Siegfried Sassoon in August 1917.

Chronology

We have compiled a list of dates and locations throughout Wilfred Owen's life, from birth to death with important points highlighted.

Wilfred's Places

The Virtual Tour presents images from a lengthy personal programme of research and exploration. Using military archives as well as literary and biographical background material, Philip Guest prepared material for books, articles, lectures and battlefield visits. Browsing here, you can see or explore the sites with greater understanding of their significance in Wilfred Owen's life.

Memorials

Wilfred Owen was an inspiration to many. We have collected details of the various memorials bearing his name and poetry...

The Owen Family

From curriers to Shoemakers, Taxidermists to Innkeepers, Tailors to Postmasters, Railway Clerks to Curates, Surgeons to Labourers, Cordwainers, Sailors, Ironmongers, Artists, Bookbinders and Bookshop owners all represented in the ancestral line of a poet.