P. L. Travers' House in Chelsea: A London Literary Landmark
- Writer's Path
- May 24, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
World famous fictional character Mary Poppins' author, P. L. Travers lived in this house.
The P. L. Travers house in Chelsea is one of London’s quietly significant literary locations. Marked by an English Heritage blue plaque at 50 Smith Street, this private residence offers a glimpse into the life of the woman behind Mary Poppins. Although the house cannot be visited inside, the exterior and plaque remain a meaningful stop for anyone exploring London’s rich literary history.
Who Was P. L. Travers?
P. L. Travers (1899–1996), born Helen Goff in Australia, became world-famous as the creator of Mary Poppins. After moving to London in the 1920s, she immersed herself in the artistic community of Chelsea, a neighbourhood long associated with writers, poets and creatives.
Travers developed a friendship with the Irish poet W. B. Yeats, whose interest in mythology and symbolism deeply influenced her thinking and later shaped the magical, metaphor-rich world of Mary Poppins.
She was famously protective of her work. After nearly twenty years of refusing offers, she eventually — and reluctantly — sold the film rights to Walt Disney, leading to the iconic 1964 movie. Despite the film’s worldwide success, Travers was publicly dissatisfied with Disney’s interpretation.
For more writers connected to London, explore our Writers A–Z page.
P. L. Travers House in Chelsea and Its Blue Plaque
Address: 50 Smith Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 4EP
P. L. Travers lived and worked in this house from 1946 to 1962, a period during which she continued writing and expanding the imaginative world of Mary Poppins. The English Heritage blue plaque on the façade commemorates her years here and marks the home as a significant part of London’s literary landscape.
This house is a private residence, so visitors cannot go inside, but the plaque and exterior can be viewed from the street.
Why This House Matters?
This Chelsea home represents a meaningful chapter in Travers’ life. While living here, she continued shaping the world of Mary Poppins, refining her characters, themes, and mythology. The quiet creative space offered by this neighbourhood helped influence the tone and spirit of her writing.
The plaque at Smith Street also reflects Travers’ deep and lasting relationship with London — a city that inspired much of the atmosphere and imagery in her books.
Visiting the Location Today
The area surrounding 50 Smith Street retains much of Chelsea’s historic charm: elegant townhouses, quiet residential streets and a neighbourhood atmosphere that has attracted writers and artists for more than a century.
Nearest Tube Station
The closest Underground station is Sloane Square, around a 10-minute walk from Smith Street. South Kensington is also accessible but slightly farther away.
Find this location on the Writer’s Path Literary Map.
Other Literary Locations in Chelsea
Chelsea is one of London’s richest literary neighbourhoods. While visiting P. L. Travers’ house, you can also explore several nearby landmarks:
• Oscar Wilde – Former Home, Tite Street
A plaque marks the residence where Wilde lived and wrote.
• Bram Stoker – Dracula Author
A plaque commemorates the writer who created one of literature’s most enduring characters.
• Mark Twain – Chelsea Residence
The celebrated American author lived in this area during his time abroad.
If you have more time, you can view the full Chelsea literary walk on our Routes page.
Why Chelsea Continues to Inspire Writers
Chelsea has long been a creative hub. Its combination of quiet residential streets, elegant architecture and proximity to London’s cultural districts has attracted generations of writers, from Victorian dramatists to modern novelists. The blue plaques throughout the neighbourhood celebrate these creative legacies.
Final Thoughts
The P. L. Travers house in Chelsea remains a meaningful landmark for literary explorers. Though the interior is private, the blue plaque serves as a tribute to the woman who created one of literature’s most enduring characters.
Discover this site and many others on the Writer’s Path Literary Map, and explore the routes that bring London’s literary heritage to life.
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