Tolkien's Inspiration: Most writers use concepts, ideas and locations around them as inspiration for books they write. As such, the majority can say where their inspiration came from. Is Tolkien any different? Unfortunately, he was not very specific. Many suggestions have been put further over the years, and he himself disclosed that the Misty Mountains were inspired following a holiday in the Alps and the Cheddar caves (Somerset, England), formed the idea for the Caverns of Helm's Deep. One more notable idea is that Middle Earth is based around Middle England and Wales. He lived in the region for much of his childhood after moving back from South Africa at the age of four, so it may not be too far-fetched an idea. One article that sheds some light on the matter was published in 'The Shropshire Magazine', May 2003. The article itself can be read here, but the images originally associated with it have not been reproduced. Click here to read it. Are elements of Tolkien's work based around Birmingham (England)? The official Birmingham website produced an article that is quite graphic about how Birmingham could have influenced him. Click here to read it. An excellent website talking about how elements of Tolkien's life in Warwickshire could have affected Lord of the Rings. Click here to view it.