It may be news to many that Rudyard Kipling’s parents are buried in the churchyard of St John the Baptist, Tisbury. Two large granite slabs mark where John Lockwood Kipling and Alice Macdonald Kipling were laid to rest.
Local author, Christina Richard, lives a hundred yards away from the graves and has written an enthralling, well-researched book: Mr & Mrs Lockwood Kipling, from the Punjab to Tisbury.
John Lockwood Kipling (1837-1911) and Alice Macdonald Kipling (1837-1910) were bought together by their shared Methodist background. Both were artistic: Alice, a writer and poet, John a ceramic artist, sculptor and illustrator, working on high-profile pieces including the building that was to become the Victoria and Albert Museum. They were at the heart of the Arts and Crafts movement and the Pre-Raphaelites.
After marrying in 1865 they moved to Bombay when John accepted a teaching appointment at the newly formed Art School. From 1870-1872, John was commissioned by the British government to tour India and make a series of sketches of Indian craftsmen and sights. He went on to illustrate many of Rudyard Kipling’s books.
In 1862 their daughter Alice was born, followed by Joseph Rudyard in 1865. On a trip home in 1871, the children were handed over to the care of Captain and Mrs Rosa Holloway (Aunt Rosa) in Southsea – they were told their parents had left “because they were tiresome”. This simply wasn’t true. India was a harsh place to bring up children, and the Kiplings wanted to do the right thing for their family. While missing their children dreadfully, John and Alice adapted to the difficulties of colonial life.
Retiring to Tisbury, in 1894 they and their dogs settled into The Gables on Hindon Lane. The couple enjoyed taking part in community activities. John continued drawing and sculpting, producing the illustrations for Kim, Rudyard’s most-loved book. The model for Kim was one of the boys at the National School, which was housed in Hinton Hall. Rudyard loved the village – records show while visiting he played for the Tisbury Cricket Club.

by Katrina Ffiske