Nicolas Flamel, Alchemist

There have been many reports of the Philosopher's Stone over the centuries, but the only Stone currently in existence belongs to Mr Nicolas Flamel, the noted alchemist and opera-lover. Mr Flamel, who celebrated his six hundred and sixty-fifth birthday last year, enjoys a quiet life in Devon with his wife, Perenelle (six hundred and fifty-eight).

HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE

IN THEIR FIRST YEAR at Hogwarts, Harry, Hermione and Ron spend a huge amount of time trying to find out anything they can about Nicolas Flamel. Their efforts pay off when they eventually discover that he is the only known maker of the Philosopher's Stone.

Watercolour illustrations to a memoir of Nicolas Flamel and his wife (France, 18th century)

BRITISH LIBRARY

Nicolas Flamel was a real person, and though once thought to have been an alchemist, he didn't actually create a Philosopher's Stone. He was in fact a landlord and some sources describe him as a bookseller. Flamel spent his life in Paris and died in 1418. This illustration shows a memorial to the Holy Innocents commissioned by Nicolas and his wife Perenelle, with the Flamels praying at the top beside the saints.

‘...it really is like going to bed after a very, very long day. After all, to the well-organised mind, death is but the next great adventure.’

PROFESSOR DUMBLEDORE–HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE

BURIAL

The real Nicolas Flamel was buried in the church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie in Paris; his grave was marked by this medieval tombstone, which is 58 cm high and inscribed in French. The top of the tombstone shows Christ with Saints Peter nd Paul, along with the sun and moon; the deceased Flamel is shown underneath the inscription.

Tombstone of Nicolas Flamel (Paris, 15th century)

MUSEE NATIONAL DU MOYEN-AGE