Welcome to Hogwarts

This annotated sketch by J.K. Rowling shows the layout of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, complete with the giant squid that lives in the lake. In an accompanying note addressed to her editor, J.K. Rowling stated, ‘This is the layout as I’ve always imagined it.’ Another map of Hogwarts, the Marauder's Map, also plays an important role in the stories. The sketch provides a vital stepping stone between the author's imagination and the world she has brought to life for so many readers. The majority of the novels take place primarily at Hogwarts – this is the playground in which Harry learns about the wizarding world and, ultimately, realises his destiny.

“The positioning of the buildings and trees on the map are integral to the storylines of the Harry Potter books. Note how the author insists that the ‘Whomping Willow must stand out’, recognising its significance in The Chamber of Secrets and The Prisoner of Azkaban.”

Joanna Norledge
Curator

Slipping and stumbling, they followed Hagrid down what seemed to be a steep, narrow path […] There was a loud ‘Oooooh!’. The narrow path had opened suddenly on to the edge of a great black lake. Perched atop a high mountain on the other side, its windows sparkling in the starry sky, was a vast castle with many turrets and towers.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

SKETCH OF HOGWARTS BY J.K. ROWLING

Bloomsbury