William Golding

  • Birth

    William Golding was born in Saint Columbia Minor, Cornwall, England to parents Mildred and Alex Golding. His mother worked to get women a right to vote. His father was a schoolmaster.
  • Attended Brasenose College

    William Golding went to Brasenose College at Oxford in 1930. He studied science which was against his father's beliefs. He then switched to the literature program.
  • Started teaching in Salisbury

    William Golding started teaching English and Philosphy at Bishop Wordsworth's School in Salisbury. He was very passionate about his job.
  • Joined the Royal Navy

    After five years of teaching, Golding joined the Royal Navy to fight in World War II. He spent six years fighting in this war and figured out one of his callings. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant in those years.
  • Went back to teaching

    After Golding bravely served throughout World War II, he went back to his profession of teaching. He finally went back to his other calling.
  • Lords Of The Flies Published

    After 21 rejections, Golding got his first and most criticallly acclaimed book, "Lord of the Flies" published. His book was full of symbolism and still is taught in classrooms around the world today.
  • Film adaptation of "Lord of the Flies" was made

    The first film adaptation of Golding's book, "Lord of the Flies" is made by film producer, Peter Brook. This happened a year after Golding had retired from teaching.
  • Won the Nobel Prize for Literature

    In 1983, at the age of 73, Golding won the Nobel Peace Prize for Literature. This showed just how influential his novel was.
  • Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II

    In the summer of 1988, William Golding was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. He was the age of 78 when this happened.
  • Day Of His Death

    William Golding died in Perranarworthal, Cornwall, England. His cause of death was congestive heart failure at the age of 81.