This week saw a number of online celebrations marking Swallows and Amazons author Arthur Ransome’s 137th birthday on Tuesday 18th…

There were a number of birthday messages:

Happy birthday to Arthur Ransome, author of the Swallows and Amazons children's book series, born #onthisday in 1884. We're delighted to have in our collection, 'Portrait of Arthur Ransome' by British artist Dora Altounyan, painted in 1930. pic.twitter.com/d319ZRkcnN

— Lakeland Arts (@lakelandarts) January 18, 2021

18th January 1884 – Swallows and Amazon's author Arthur Ransome was born in Leeds. There is a blue plaque at his former home at 6 Ash Grove, Hyde Park. pic.twitter.com/0dgpJqhvzN

— History of Leeds (@rh0desy) January 18, 2021

“You write not for children but for yourself. And if by good fortune children enjoy what you enjoy, why then you are a writer of children's books.”
? Arthur Ransome, author of Swallows & Amazons, was born #OTD in 1884 (illustration by Pietari Posti) pic.twitter.com/dNbQOLkOZE

— Into The Forest Dark (@ElliottBlackwe3) January 18, 2021

Born on this day in 1884 author Arthur Ransome, another of those great writers whose books occupied many an enjoyable hour during my childhood. I still re-read his books today. #ArthurRansome #SwallowsandAmazons #books #reading pic.twitter.com/9v24GEPzkc

— Ralph (@ralphwoodcock) January 18, 2021

Today's birthday author is Arthur Ransome, writer of the much-loved series which starts with Swallows and Amazons and still inspires young sailors today. The series, with Ransome's iconic cover art, is instantly recognisable.#botd #alsauthors #tars #arthurransomesociety pic.twitter.com/c10vpcezIR

— ALS (@alliancelitsocs) January 18, 2021

English author and journalist Arthur Ransome #BOTD is best known for writing the Swallows and Amazons series of children’s books about a group of children’s sailing adventures. In 1974 EMI produced the first feature film adaptation.@ArthurSociety @NancyBlackettUK @Sophie_Neville pic.twitter.com/YF8Iaiq4qH

— Spy Loved MeToo (@SpyLovedMeToo) January 18, 2021

There was also a celebratory quiz – (click on the messages to the questions or answers)

:

Round one: What’s in a name?

Questions will be posted as replies to this tweet between 7pm and 8pm… so get your thinking caps on!

— arthurransomedaily (@arthurransomed1) January 18, 2021

Round two: food and drink

Questions will appear as replies to this tweet between 8pm and 9pm.

All answers 10pm ish!

— arthurransomedaily (@arthurransomed1) January 18, 2021

Round three: Who said it?

Questions will appear as replies to this tweet. Answers to all three rounds 10pm ish!

— arthurransomedaily (@arthurransomed1) January 18, 2021

So here are the answers to our quiz … (in replies to this tweet).

Thanks to everyone who has joined in! On his birthday it has been lovely to celebrate the world that Arthur Ransome created for us, and which is always there for us to visit ???

— arthurransomedaily (@arthurransomed1) January 18, 2021

And there was even a birthday cake, made in New Zealand:

Three Million Cheers for Arthur Ransome's Birthday!
William joined me in a feast of buttered eggs, fruit and nut chocolate, cake, a chocolate ice (hopefully the glass isn't too thick), homemade Jamaica rum and an apple so we don't get scurvy.@arthurransomed1 @ArthurSociety pic.twitter.com/8z51MQWXhT

— Arwen Seccombe (@littledrakee) January 18, 2021

#OnThisDay British author Arthur Ransome was born in 1884. Here are some of the literary birthday cakes baked in his honour #SwallowsandAmazons #books https://t.co/SgJBC7mGj9

— Sophie Neville (@Sophie_Neville) January 18, 2021