Oval sign is laser engraved with Welcome to the Shire Plaque is stained and hanging hardware is included. Sign measures 7" x 5". Fans know this is the region of J. R. R. Tolkien's fictional Middle-earth, described in The Lord of the Rings and other works. The Shire refers to an area settled exclusively by Hobbits and largely removed from the goings-on in the rest of Middle-earth. Ruled by Thain and the Mayor of the Shire, it is located central west of Eriador/ Arnor.