Rudyard Kipling poems to be read at former estate

Poetry written by Rudyard Kipling is to be read in the gardens of his former estate in East Sussex.

The novelist and poet moved to Bateman’s estate in Burwash in 1902 and lived there until his death in 1936.

In celebration of World Poetry Day, National Trust said a volunteer is to read a selection of poetry and verse “in the place which inspired his writing”.

There will be four separate readings at 11:30 GMT, 12:30, 13:30 and 14:30 on Thursday.

The event is free of charge.

Beatrice Rapley, visitor experience and programming manager at the trust, said: “Visitors can sit back, relax and listen to some of Rudyard Kipling's much-loved poetry in the beautiful garden at Bateman’s.

“It is wonderful to be able to connect our visitors to Kipling's work in the very place that he called home, and so inspired his writing."

At the 17th Century house, Kipling wrote Puck of Pook’s Hill and Rewards and Fairies, which includes the renowned poem If.

He was also awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1907.

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