William Golding's Life

Birth Eng. 10 Brittany Cunningham

Sep 19, 1911

William Golding was born in Saint Columb Minor, Cornwall, England, He was raised in a house next to a graveyard.

First attempt at a novel Eng. 10 Brittany Cunningham

Apr 12, 1923

When William was 12 years old he attempted to write a novel. It was unsuccessful and he turned to bullying kids at his school.

English teacher Eng. 10 Brittany Cunningham

Apr 13, 1935

Golding took a position teaching English and philosophy at Bishop Wordsworth's School in Salisbury. He abandoned teaching to join Royal Navy.

Royal Navy Eng. 10 Brittany Cunningham

Apr 14, 1940

William joined the Royal Navy and fought in World War ll. He developed a love for sailing and the sea. In 1945, the war ended and Golding went back to teaching.

Lord of the Flies Eng. 10 Brittany Cunningham

Apr 14, 1954

After many rejections, Golding finally published his first novel, Lord of the Flies. The novel told a story of a group of boys stranded on a deserted island after a plane wreck.

Noble Prize Eng. 10 Brittany Cunningham

Apr 15, 1983

Peter Brook made a film of the novel. Golding was awarded the Noble Prize for Literature at the age of 73.

Queen Elizabeth ll Eng. 10 Brittany Cunningham

May 14, 1988

After Golding was rewarded the Noble Prize, he was knighted by England's Queen Elizabeth ll.

Death Eng. 10 Brittany Cunningham

Jun 19, 1993

Golding spent the last few years of his life living with his wife. In 1993, Golding died of a heart attack in Perranarworthal.