Parties held by Lord of the Rings author J. R. R Tolkien looked like an insane night out, if an old invitation is to be believed.

The famed fantasy author and his wife Edith lived at Northmoor Road in North Oxford for many years.

In 1945, the couple sent out an invitation to family and friends asking them to attend the 21st birthday of their son, Christopher Tolkien, at their home on November 21.

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The invitation reads: "Professor and Mrs. Tolkien request the pleasure of your company on Wednesday, November 21st 1945, to assist them in celebrating the Coming of Age of their Son Sub-lieut. C. J. R. Tolkien, R.N.V.R."

At the bottom of the invite, the Tolkiens jovially added: "Carriages at midnight.

"Ambulances at 2 a.m.

"Wheelbarrows at 5 a.m.

"Hearses at daybreak."

The event was clearly the 1940s version of – what we would call now – an absolute sesh.

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This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.

You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry

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