Unknown Enid Blyton story discovered

A previously undiscovered Enid Blyton novel, Mr Tumpy’s Caravan, has been found hidden among a selection of the author’s manuscripts. The discovery was made by staff at Severn Stories, a national archive for children’s books in Newcastle upon Tyne, who purchased the lot at an auction from the estate of Blyton’s eldest daughter. Although it was first thought that the story was an early draft of Mr Tumpy and His Caravan, published in 1949, it soon became apparent that this was a new story.

“We think our typescript was written some time in the mid 1930s,” says researcher Hannah Green, who made the discovery. “It was certainly written before 1938, as it gives Blyton’s address as Old Thatch. That makes it quite an early piece of writing by Blyton – a little bit experimental and perhaps not as accomplished as her later works.

“We don’t know why it wasn’t published, but it is a fantastic find.”

To showcase their Enid Blyton collection, including the new story, Seven Stories is now planning a special exhibition in 2012. At the moment it is only possible to visit the collection, which is held at a separate site in Gateshead, by previously arranged appointment. For further details visit www.sevenstories.org.uk.

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