Since his book was published in 1970, James Herriot – the pen name of James Alfred ‘Alf’ Wight – has delighted generations with endearing stories of his life as a veterinarian in North Yorkshire from the 1930s-50s. The charm of a country vet going about his rounds has since brought Wight global fame, from his first appearance in (1970) to films ( (1975) and (1976)) and television adaptations (the original from 1978-1990, and the Channel 5 series 2020-present). Yet, in his heart, he always favoured the quiet life in Yorkshire over the glare of the spotlight.
Wight was born on 3 October 1916 at his mother Hannah Wight’s family home in Sunderland in the north of England. Having visited Sunderland to give birth, Hannah returned to Glasgow when Wight was just three weeks old, which is where he spent his early years – and explains the lilting Scottish accent that many associate with his literary alter-ego, James Herriot. An only child, Wight attended Yoker Primary School and Hillhead High School, before taking a place at veterinary college at the age of 17.
Since he was a young boy, Wight had always loved animals and spent much of his time walking with his dog, an Irish Setter. His interest blossomed into a desire to be a vet – so that he could care for all kinds of creatures – when he read an article in about veterinary surgeons. Two years later, when a vet visited his school to give a lecture, his mind was made up; that was what he wanted to do with his life.
Wigh.