Where To Find London’s Literary History: From Shakespeare To Dickens
London, a city steeped in literary history, boasts numerous sites that hold unique and fascinating experiences for literature lovers. Here's a guide to 20 of the most captivating literary sites in London, including pubs, hotels, and restaurants that were once the haunts of famous literary figures:
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
A faithful reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre where Shakespeare's plays were performed. The site offers tours and performances.
The British Library, 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB
Home to over 150 million items across 400 miles of shelves, including original manuscripts by literary giants like Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Virginia Woolf. It also contains the Magna Carta and original, handwritten Beatles lyrics, a testament to London's rich literary and historical heritage.
The Savoy Hotel, Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
Oscar Wilde and other literary figures frequented the Savoy. The American Bar and the Savoy Grill have been gathering places for writers for decades.
Keats House, 10 Keats Grove, Hampstead, London NW3 2RR
The home of poet John Keats from 1818 to 1820, where he composed some of his most famous works, including "Ode to a Nightingale."
Fitzroy Tavern, 16 Charlotte St, London W1T 2NA
The tavern was a popular meeting place for George Orwell, Dylan Thomas, and other literary figures of the 1930s and 1940s.
The Lamb and Flag, 33 Rose St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9EB
Known as "The Bucket of Blood" in the 19th century, Charles Dickens and John Dryden were frequent visitors.
The Charles Dickens Museum, 48 Doughty St, London WC1N 2LX
Located in Dickens's former home, this museum offers insight into the life and work of one of England's greatest novelists. Oliver Twist, one of Dicken's most iconic works, was written here.
The George Inn, 7577 Borough High St, London SE1 1NH
London's last remaining galleried coaching inn is now a Four-Star hotel. Dickens mentions it in Little Dorrit.
The London Library, 14 St James's Square, London SW1Y 4LG
Established in 1841 by Thomas Carlyle. It's one of the world's largest independent lending libraries, frequented by T.S. Eliot, Virginia Woolf, and Charles Dickens.
Dr. Johnson's House, 17 Gough Square, London EC4A 3DE
The former home of Samuel Johnson, where he compiled his famous dictionary. It's one of the few surviving historic townhouses in the area.
Daunt Books, 83 Marylebone High St, London W1U 4QW
It is an original and beautiful Edwardian bookshop famous for its travel section, frequented by many contemporary writers.
The Wheatsheaf, 25 Rathbone Pl, London W1T 1JB
This pub in Soho was a hangout for George Orwell, Dylan Thomas, and Julian Maclaren-Ross. Although several pubs have the same name, the one in Rathbone Pl is the original.
The Anchor Bankside, 34 Park St, London SE1 9EF
A historic pub along the Thames dating back to 1615. Samuel Pepys watched the Great Fire of London from here.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, 145 Fleet St, London EC4A 2BU
It is one of London's oldest pubs, frequented by Charles Dickens, Samuel Johnson, and Arthur Conan Doyle.
Bar Hercules/The Pillars of Hercules, 7 Greek St, London W1D 4DF
The original Pillars of Hercules closed in 2018. Bar Hercules eventually replaced it at the same address. The site has hosted a pub since at least 1733. Martin Amis, Julian Barnes, and other contemporary writers frequented the original pub.
Gordon's Wine Bar, 47 Villiers St, London WC2N 6NE
A historic wine bar, London's oldest, Rudyard Kipling frequented it. It retains its original charm and is famous for its extensive wine and cheese selection.
The Spaniards Inn, Spaniards Rd, Hampstead, London NW3 7JJ
This pub is in Hampstead and has literary connections with Lord Byron, Charles Dickens, and John Keats. Two Spanish brothers built it in 1585.
The Sherlock Holmes Museum, 221b Baker St, London NW1 6XE
This museum, dedicated to Arthur Conan Doyle's famous detective, is at the iconic 221B Baker Street.
The Clachan, 34 Kingly St, Soho, London W1B 5QH
The Clachan is a Victorian-era pub frequented by literary figures like Dylan Thomas and George Orwell.
Foyles Bookshop, 107 Charing Cross Rd, Soho, London WC2H 0DT
It is one of London's most famous bookstores, with a history of attracting literary figures and hosting book launches and events. It's spread out over five floors and also hosts a jazz café.
These sites are not just historical landmarks, but also living testaments to the literary associations that have shaped them. Whether you're interested in seeing where these figures lived, worked, or relaxed, London offers a wealth of opportunities for a deeply immersive literary exploration.
