The original cuddly toys owned by Christopher Robin were Pooh (Edward!), Eeyore and Piglet. The first book 'Winnie-the-Pooh' was based around these and the entirely fictitious Rabbit and Owl. When the sequel 'The House at Pooh Corner' was being planned, Milne and Shepard carefully chose two new companions for Christopher: Tigger and Kanga. These, it was felt, would add much-needed new narrative opportunities!
I imagine most people already know this…..but! This is Lt Harry Colebourn with the real Winnie! Colebourn bought the Black Bear cub as a mascot for his unit as they made their way across Canada to fight in the first World War. Since he'd picked up the bear in Winnipeg, he named him Winnie! Colebourn left the bear at London Zoo when he crossed to France. Here he became a popular attraction, being visited by A.A Milne and his son Christopher, who was even allowed in the cage with the bear!
This is Cotchford Farm at Hartfield: it is (of course!) where Christopher Robin Milne lived while his father wrote the Pooh stories!But did you know it was once owned by Brian Jones, rhythm guitarist of the Rolling Stones? Bizarrely, he drowned in the swimming pool you can see on the left of the picture......
Pooh first meets Tigger in Chapter 2 of 'THaPC'. Notice how EH Shepard's first drawing really does resemble the real toy!
A picture of Disney's Tigger signed by Paul Winchell, whose voice is heard on the Pooh Disney cartoons! Winchell's characterisations have done as much to rekindle enthusiasm for W-t-P as the drawings themselves! As a purist, I have to ask who first thought of having Tigger bouncing on his tail ?! Milne made it quite obvious that Tigger bounces on all four legs! And how did a Gopher find its way to Sussex?!!
Hundred Aker Wood!
Again, I expect lots of you know this: the Winnie-the-Pooh stories are based around a real piece
of the English countryside: Ashdown Forest, Sussex. The village of Hartfield is a good starting point:
the excellent 'Pooh Corner' shop is the site of the baker's shop that Christopher Robin used to visit
with his Nanny! It should be said that it is a forty minute walk to Pooh Sticks Bridge
(the nearest W-t-P site!) A picturesque and delightful stroll, admittedly, but you'd be better off
(if time is short!) parking at the Gill's Lap car park on the B2026 Uckfield road at the junction
of the Newbridge/Hartfield roads: from here it's a short walk to most of the Pooh related sites.
You could then drive to the Pooh Sticks Bridge car park on the Newbridge / Chuck Hatch minor road!