Jill Freud, C.S. Lewis’ Housekeeper and Narnia Inspiration, Dies at 98

Jill Freud, the British actress who inspired a beloved literary character, has died. She was 98. Freud was the real-life housekeeper for author C.S. Lewis. Her family confirmed her peaceful passing.

Her daughter, broadcaster Emma Curtis, announced the news. She shared her mother’s final, characteristically witty words. Freud died after a loving evening surrounded by family.

The Real Lucy Pevensie: From Oxford Home to Narnia

June Beatrice Flewett was born in 1927. She was evacuated from London during the Blitz. At 16, she moved in with Lewis as a housekeeper.

She lived with Lewis and his companion in Oxford. Freud recalled his immense kindness during her time there. He encouraged her reading and treated her as an equal.

Lewis wrote a letter to Freud’s mother in 1945. He praised her unselfishness and patience. This admiration is believed to have shaped Lucy Pevensie’s character.

Lucy is the youngest Pevensie child in The Chronicles of Narnia. She is the first to discover the magical world. Her character is noted for her bravery, faith, and kindness.

A Life on Stage After Literary Legacy

Freud left the Lewis household after three years. She pursued acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Lewis personally paid for her tuition.

She performed under the stage name Jill Raymond. Her career included West End theatre, film, and television. She later became a prolific theatre producer in Suffolk.

Freud did not learn she was Lucy’s inspiration until 2004. She expressed being “absolutely thrilled” by the revelation. The connection remained a private part of her life for decades.

She married Sir Clement Freud in 1950. He was a writer, broadcaster, and politician. He died in 2009.

Jill Freud’s story beautifully bridges literary history and a vibrant life in the arts. Her legacy is permanently woven into the fabric of children’s literature. The real-world C.S. Lewis housekeeper will be remembered for her own remarkable journey.

Thought you’d like to know

Who was Jill Freud to C.S. Lewis?

Jill Freud was the housekeeper for author C.S. Lewis during her teens. She lived with him in Oxford for three years. Lewis held her in very high regard.

Which Narnia character was based on Jill Freud?

She was the inspiration for Lucy Pevensie. Lucy is a central character in *The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe*. Her kindness and faith mirror Freud’s own qualities.

Did Jill Freud have an acting career?

Yes, she trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She acted on stage, film, and television under the name Jill Raymond. She was also a respected theatre producer for 30 years.

How did C.S. Lewis support her ambitions?

Lewis fully supported her dream of becoming an actress. He paid for her acting school tuition in London. This generosity followed her years of service in his home.

When did she learn about the Lucy connection?

She was not aware of the inspiration until the year 2004. She discovered the link nearly six decades after her time with Lewis. She described the news as thrilling.

Trusted Sources
The Hollywood Reporter, Associated Press, BBC News, The Guardian.