Today on the blog we’re celebrating the birthday of one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie was born on the 15th September 1890, so it would have been her 125th birthday next week.

by Torre Abbey via wiki Commons

Agatha Christie Week (11th – 19th September) which is organised by the Torbay Cultural Partnership, gives fans the opportunity to celebrate the work of this renowned British author. According to the Guinness Book of Records, she is the best selling author of all time. This legendary author has sold a total of 4 million copies of her books; The Bible is the only book known to have sold more.

Her books have been translated into over 50 different languages and her world famous characters have included the distinctive Hercule Poirot, the amateur detective Miss Marple and sleuth couple Tommy and Tuppence.

The author, who died in 1976, aged 85, is well known for her links with the seaside town of Torquay in Devon, where she was born. But did you know that Dame Agatha also had links with Wales too? She was a frequent visitor to the little village of Colwinston, just west of Cardiff and her only child, Rosalind, lived in a historic manor called Pwll-y-Wrach near the village. Agatha stayed there often, and in fact her ancestors still live there. Her grandson, Matthew Prichard has very strong connections to the art and culture world of Wales. He has been the President of the National Museum in Wales, and is now an honorary president of the Welsh National Opera. Mr Prichard grew up in Pwll-y-Wrach, so he keeps the Welsh link with Dame Agatha very firmly alive.

Agatha Christie plaque -Torre Abbey. via wiki Commons

So, why not celebrate Agatha Christie’s 125th birthday with Agatha Christie Week? Maybe you could host an Agatha fancy dress party where everyone comes dressed as an Agatha character? Or dig out an old Poirot box set, or how about dust off an old paperback, grab a glass of wine and get lost in the world of Miss Marple again.