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HOGWARTS AND ALL

A nightclub in Exeter and Severus Street in Clapham…The UK places JK Rowling used to create the magical world of Harry Potter

Did you know Snape is named after a road in Clapham and the real McGonagall is buried in a graveyard in Edinburgh?

WHEN creating a whole alternate world from scratch, it's fair to say that even a creative person could run out of ideas quickly.

Despite having a wildly active imagination even the queen of the wizarding world JK Rowling had to take inspiration here and there to design her magical realm.

JK Rowling took inspiration from all around her when creating the world of Harry Potter
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JK Rowling took inspiration from all around her when creating the world of Harry PotterCredit: Getty Images - WireImage

The talented author has lived in Edinburgh, London and studied in Devon and it's clear to see how each of these locations have influenced her world-famous book series.

It just takes a little expertise to see a small bit of enchantment in the every day locations surrounding Rowling's previous homes.

Londoners who enjoy a night out at The Clapham Grand may have parked their car on Severus Road just next to it.

While Edinburgh residents who have visited Greyfriars Graveyard may have spotted a Tom Riddell and even a McGonagall buried on the grounds.

It's fair to say the magic is all around us.

Here are some of the of the mundane locations which helped Rowling bring Harry Potter to life.

The Vaults bar in Exeter - Gingotts Vault

The Gingotts Vault Bank is said to have been inspired by The Vaults bar on the corner of Gandy Street in Exeter where JK Rowling studied
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The Gingotts Vault Bank is said to have been inspired by The Vaults bar on the corner of Gandy Street in Exeter where JK Rowling studied

Exeter's Gandy Street - Diagon Alley

The brightly coloured shops and quaint sights of Gandy Street in Exeter are thought to have inspired the higgledy-piggledy Diagon Alley from the films
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The brightly coloured shops and quaint sights of Gandy Street in Exeter are thought to have inspired the higgledy-piggledy Diagon Alley from the films

McGonagall's grave in Edinburgh - Professor McGonagall

JK Rowling has said that she walked through Edinburgh's Greyfriars Kirkyard while writing the books - perhaps William McGonagall's grave inspired the name of another big character from the novels
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JK Rowling has said that she walked through Edinburgh's Greyfriars Kirkyard while writing the books - perhaps William McGonagall's grave inspired the name of another big character from the novels

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The cobbled streets of Exeter - the cobbled streets of Hogsmeade

It;s thought that the picturesque cobbled streets of Exeter were the inspiration behind Hogsmeade, the small village next to Hogwarts where the children went for school outings
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It;s thought that the picturesque cobbled streets of Exeter were the inspiration behind Hogsmeade, the small village next to Hogwarts where the children went for school outings

Severus Road in Clapham - Severus Snape

JK Rowling lived in Clapham Junction when she started writing the famous book series - it is thought that she named key character Severus Snape after the road opposite the station
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JK Rowling lived in Clapham Junction when she started writing the famous book series - it is thought that she named key character Severus Snape after the road opposite the station

St Mungo's in Clapham - St Mungo's hospital

Also in Clapham is a homeless shelter called St Mungo's - commonly thought to be the inspiration behind the name of St Mungo's Hospital in the books
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Also in Clapham is a homeless shelter called St Mungo's - commonly thought to be the inspiration behind the name of St Mungo's Hospital in the books

Tom Riddell's grave in Edinburgh - Tom Riddle

Some believe that the grave of Tom Riddell in Edinburgh's Greyfriars Kirkyard is the inspiration for Voldemort's name in the books
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Some believe that the grave of Tom Riddell in Edinburgh's Greyfriars Kirkyard is the inspiration for Voldemort's name in the books

Edinburgh castle - Hogwarts Castle

It is often claimed that Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is modelled on Edinburgh Castle
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It is often claimed that Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is modelled on Edinburgh Castle

Harry Potter fans can enjoy another walk down memory lane as we track down the actors who played young Lily and James Potter.

Ellie Darcey-Alden and Alfie McIlwain are all grown up and look very different now.

We also revealed why JK Rowling didn’t use her real name when Harry Potter was published.

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