William Golding (1911-1993)

By 727005012

  • Golding's Birth

    Golding's Birth
    William Golding was born on Septermber 19, 1911 in St. Columb Minor, Cornwall, England to Alec (a schoolmaster) and Mildred Golding (a suffragette). Golding also had a brother named Joseph.

  • Brasenose College

    Brasenose College
    In 1930, Golding enrolled in Brasenose College, where he studied science for two years. Eventually, Golding switched from science to literature.

  • Golding Graduates

    Golding Graduates
    In 1935, Golding graduates from Brasenose with a Bachelor of Arts in English. After college, he spends a period of time working in theatre.

  • Bishop Woodsworth's School in Salisbury

    Bishop Woodsworth's School in Salisbury
    A few years later, some time in 1939, Golding began teaching philosophy at Bishop Woodsworth's School in Salisbury. This is where he gets his inspiration for his book "Lord of the Flies".

  • Ann Brookfield

    Ann Brookfield
    On September 30, 1939, Golding marries a woman named Ann Brookfield, whom he goes on to have two children with. Their children were named Judy and David.

  • Golding returns to teaching

    Golding returns to teaching
    After World War II (September 1, 1939- September 2, 1945) Golding returns to teaching. He will continue to teach until 1961.

  • "Lord of the Flies" is published

    "Lord of the Flies" is published
    On September 17, 1954, one of Golding's most well known books is published. It was rejected 21 times before being published.

  • Full time writing

    Full time writing
    In 1962, Golding leaves his teaching position at Bishop Woodsworth's to write full time. After 1962, as a full time writer, he goes on to publish several books including: "The Spire", "Rites of Passage", and "Paper Men".

  • Film release

    Film release
    In 1963, Peter Brook releases a film adaptation of Golding's "Lord of the Flies".

  • Nobel Prize

    Nobel Prize
    In 1983, Golding is awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.

  • Knighted

    Knighted
    In 1998, Golding goes on to be knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. Officially, he is Sir William Golding.

  • Golding dies

    Golding dies
    On June 19, 1993, Golding dies of a heart attack in Cornwall. He was 81 years old.

  • Royal Navy

    Royal Navy
    For the next six years or so, William Golding serves in the Royal Navy. He served in World War II. Golding achieved the ranking of Lieutenant. At one point, he was put in command of a rocket launching craft.