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Introduction: A New Chapter in London’s Literary Exploration Writer's Path - Literary Map of London London has long been a city woven with stories — from Dickens’s foggy streets to Woolf’s introspective corners. The Literary Map of London  now brings this heritage to life with an innovative, real-time experience. The latest update allows you to see your live location and measure distances  to nearby literary landmarks, transforming every walk through London into a literary adventure. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of Shakespeare or seeking the favorite pubs of Oscar Wilde, this map offers an immersive and accessible way to explore the city’s literary heritage. What Is the Literary Map of London? A Living Map of Stories and Writers The Literary Map of London  is a curated digital guide that pinpoints locations tied to the city’s rich literary past. Each location — whether a writer’s home, a blue plaque, or a memorial — has been selected for its cultural and historical importance. How the Map Captures London’s Literary Soul Unlike generic maps, the Literary Map focuses solely on sites that celebrate London’s role in shaping world literature. From Bloomsbury’s artistic enclaves to the smoky taverns of Fleet Street, the map captures the pulse of literary London across centuries. What’s New in the Updated Literary Map of London Real-Time Location Awareness The newest update introduces live location tracking , allowing your current position to appear directly on the map. This feature lets you see where you are relative to nearby literary landmarks — perfect for spontaneous exploration. Distance Indicators to Literary Landmarks Now, each point of interest displays its approximate distance  from your current location. Whether you’re two streets away from Charles Dickens Museum or near the final resting place of Bram Stoker, the map ensures you’ll never miss a landmark. Enhanced Mobile Experience for Walkers and Explorers Designed with travelers and pedestrians in mind, the mobile version streamlines navigation. You can scroll through a list of landmarks, view them on the map, and open Google Maps directions  with one tap — all while seeing how far you are from each spot. How to Use the Literary Map of London The Literary Map is designed to be intuitive on both desktop and mobile, whether you’re planning a route or exploring on the move. Using the Map on Desktop Use the search bar to find writers or literary locations Browse the location list and click a place to view its details Zoom and move the map to explore different areas of London Click Get Directions  to open the location in Google Maps Allow location access to see approximate distances from your position Using the Map on Mobile Browse the list of literary locations when the page opens Scroll down and tap View on Map  to open the interactive map Tap a map marker or list item to view location details Tap Get Directions  to navigate via Google Maps Location Access and Distance Features To see live distances from your location, location access must be enabled in your browser. iPhone:  Tap Allow  when prompted. If needed, go to Settings → Safari → Location, enable access, and refresh the page. Android:  Tap Allow  when prompted. If needed, tap the lock icon in the address bar, enable location access, and refresh. Upcoming Features and Ongoing Expansion Literary Location Categories The Literary Map of London is evolving to make exploration even more intuitive. Upcoming updates will introduce location categories , allowing visitors to browse literary landmarks by type. Planned categories include: Homes  – places where writers lived or wrote Pubs  – literary pubs, taverns, and meeting places Museums  – museums, libraries, and archives Graveyards  – graves, memorials, and burial sites Plaques  – blue plaques and official markers Bookshops  – bookshops, publishers, and literary businesses Hidden Places  – lesser-known locations connected to writers, without official plaques or memorials Explore London Through Literature The Literary Map of London turns the city into a living archive of stories, writers, and places. With real-time location and distance updates, exploring literary London becomes immediate, personal, and walkable. Open the map, follow the paths writers once walked, and discover the stories hidden across the city.

World famous fictional character Mary Poppins' author, P. L. Travers lived in this house. Exterior of P. L. Travers’ blue-plaque house at 50 Smith Street, Chelsea 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. #pltravers #marypoppins #literarymapoflondon #literarylondon #writershomes #blueplaques

The Peter Pan Statue in Kensington Gardens The Peter Pan Statue in Kensington Gardens is a must-visit landmark for fans of literature, families, and anyone seeking a touch of magic in London. This enchanting bronze statue immortalizes J.M. Barrie’s beloved fictional character, Peter Pan, the boy who wouldn’t grow up. The Legacy of J.M. Barrie Sir James Matthew Barrie (1860–1937) was a Scottish novelist and playwright whose imaginative works have captivated generations. His most famous creation, Peter Pan, first appeared in his play Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up  (1904) and was later adapted into the novel Peter and Wendy  (1911). J.M. Barrie’s commitment to childhood wonder extended beyond his writing. Upon his death, he made a remarkable gesture of generosity by donating the copyrights to Peter Pan to Great Ormond Street Hospital, a renowned children's hospital in London. This unique gift has supported the hospital’s work for decades, making the story of Peter Pan not just a literary treasure but also a source of hope and healing. In addition to Peter Pan , Barrie authored other notable works, including The Little White Bird , where Peter Pan first appeared, and The Admirable Crichton , a satirical play on class and society. The Story Behind the Statue The Peter Pan Statue  was created by Sir George Frampton, a distinguished sculptor of the early 20th century. It was commissioned by Barrie himself, who envisioned the statue as a tribute to his most iconic character. The location of the statue in Kensington Gardens, west of The Long Water, holds special significance. In The Little White Bird , Peter lands his boat in this very area, making it the perfect spot to bring the story to life. Unveiled in 1912, the statue captures Peter Pan standing on a tree stump, surrounded by playful animals and fairies. Its intricate design draws visitors of all ages, sparking curiosity and imagination. A Modern Twist: The Talking Statue In keeping with its timeless appeal, the Peter Pan Statue has embraced modern technology. Visitors can scan a QR code near the statue to hear its story, adding an interactive and educational element to their experience. This feature makes it particularly engaging for families with children, who can immerse themselves in the world of Neverland right in the heart of London. Visiting the Peter Pan Statue 📍 Address: Kensington Gardens, London W2 2UH 🚆 Nearest station: Lancaster Gate Underground Station Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Peter Pan, a lover of literary history, or simply looking for a unique experience in London’s Kensington Gardens, this iconic statue is worth a visit. Explore More Literary Landmarks London is a treasure trove of literary gems, from monuments and statues to museums and plaques. If you’re eager to uncover more hidden stories, check out our literary map of london . If you want to read more articles from Writer's Path, please go to our home page   and subscribe to our emailing list. Our articles will come straight into your inbox.

Discover London’s literary landmarks and their connections to writers, plaques, statues, pubs and museums with the Writer’s Path Literary Map of London. Literary Map of London Explore the Literary Map of London and discover writers’ homes, blue plaques, statues, pubs, museums and other literary landmarks across the city. Share with friends Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link How to use this map How to use Writer's Path Map? Loading ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Help Us Improve the Literary Map of London If you know a literary landmark we haven’t added yet — a writer’s home, blue plaque, statue, pub, museum or other historic location — you can submit it through our Offer Location page. Your contribution helps keep the map accurate and growing.

Browse an A–Z list of famous authors connected to London. Read brief introductions to each writer and learn how their lives or works intersect with the city’s literary history. Writers Famous authors whose paths crossed with London. Explore an A–Z list of writers connected to the city’s rich literary history, each with a brief introduction. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W X Y Z Anchor - A Agatha Christie Writer Dame Agatha Christie (1890-1976) was an English author famed for writing detective novels, short stories, plays and poems. Some of her well-known works include Murder on the Orient Express, Death on the Nile, The Murder at the Vicarage, Partners In Crime, and The Mousetrap which featured the celebrated detectives, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Christie was awarded a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1971. Antony Trollope Novelist Anthony Trollope (1815-1882) was an English novelist, short story writer and playwright; he was one of the most prolific writers of the Victorian era writing fourty-seven novels. Some of Trollope’s notable works were The Way We Live Now, The Macdermots of Ballycloran and The Warden, as well as The Chronicles of Barsetshire which comprised of six novels based on this imaginary county. He was also the creator of pillar boxes! Arthur Conan Doyle Writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was a writer best known for the creation of arguably the most famous fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes. Scottish-born Doyle wrote four novels and more than fifty short stories featuring Detective Holmes, as well as exploring the genres of fantasy and science fiction, humorous stories, plays, romances, poetry, non-fiction and historical novels in books like The Lost World, showing just what a prolific writer he was. Anchor - B Beatrix Potter Writer The writer and illustrator, Beatrix Potter (1866-1943), was best known for her famous children's book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit. She wrote thirty books in total, twenty-three of them being children's tales. Even today, more than two million Beatrix Potter books are sold across the world every year, showing just how influential her writing has been. Bram Stoker Writer Abraham Stoker, widely known as Bram Stoker (1847-1912), was an Irish writer. He was also a manager and personal assistant of the actor, Sir Henry Irving. One of Stoker’s most popular works is the Gothic horror novel, Dracula and whilst he wrote twelve novels in total, none of them could match the success of Dracula. He was also friends with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, William Butler Yeats and Oscar Wilde, the latter friendship being significant due to the fight between the two men over Florence Balcome, Stoker’s wife. Anchor - C Charles Darwin Naturalist The much-acclaimed English naturalist, geologist and biologist, Charles Robert Darwin (1809-1882), was best known for his scientific theory of evolution by natural selection. His notable works were The Voyage of the Beagle, On the Origin of Species and The Descent of Man. Charles Dickens Writer Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English novelist and, ultimately, one of the most distinguished authors of the Victorian era. He wrote over fifteen novels and short stories, including A Tale of Two Cities, Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, Nicholas Nickleby, A Christmas Carol, The Pickwick Papers, Little Dorrit and Great Expectations. Anchor - D Daniel Defoe Writer Daniel Defoe (1660-1731) was an English trader and writer. Defoe is best known for writing Robinson Crusoe; this book is so popular that it is the second most translated book (after the Bible). His other important works were Memoirs of a Cavalier, A Journal of the Plague Year, Colonel Jack, Moll Flanders and Roxana: The Fortunate Mistress. Daphne du Maurier Author Daphne du Maurier (1907-1989) was an English author and playwright whose most famous novels include Rebecca, Jamaica Inn and Frenchman's Creek. Moreover, both her short story, The Birds, and her novel, Rebecca, were made into films directed by Alfred Hitchcock. D. H. Lawrence Writer The English writer and poet, David Herbert Lawrence (1885-1930), was a very influential and prolific writer of his time. He wrote novels, short stories, poetry, plays and literary criticism. Some of his best-known works include Sons and Lovers, The Rainbow, Women in Love, John Thomas and Lady Jane and Lady Chatterley's Lover. Dorothy L. Sayers Writer As well as translating Dante’s 14th century narrative poem, Divine Comedy, the English writer and poet, Dorothy Leigh Sayers (1893-1957), was best regarded for her crime novels and poetry. Her most acclaimed works include, The Nine Tailors, Murder Must Advertise, Strong Poison, Have His Carcase and Gaudy Night. Douglas Adams Writer Douglas Adams (1952-2001) was an English author famed for the pentalogy, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, which sold more than fifteen million copies as a novel (although it was originally broadcast as a radio show). Some of his other well-known works were Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (which was made into a Netflix Series), The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul and Last Chance to See. Dylan Thomas Poet Although he died young at the age of thirty-nine, the Welsh poet, writer and reporter, Dylan Marlais Thomas (1914-1953), was a very successful poet. Some of his best works include And Death Shall Have No Dominion, A Child’s Christmas in Wales and Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night. The last of these was narrated throughout Chris Nolan’s blockbuster film, Interstellar, showing the power evoked in Thomas’ work. Anchor - E Edgar Allan Poe Writer Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American writer, poet and literary critic regarded highly for his Gothic – and often macabre – literature such as The Raven, The Cask of Amontillado, The Masque of the Red Death, and The Fall of the House of Usher. As well as this, Poe’s short story, The Murders in the Rue Morgue was considered to be the first detective story. E. M. Forster Novelist Edward Morgan Forster (1879-1970) was an English author whose works include A Room with a View, Howards End and A Passage to India. Forster was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature sixteen times but never actually won! Elizabeth Bowen Novelist Elizabeth Bowen (1899-1973) was an Irish-British author and short story writer who was awarded a CBE for her work. She is best known for fiction about life in wartime London and her works include The Last September, The House in Paris, The Death of the Heart, The Heat of the Day and Eva Trout. Elizabeth Gaskell Novelist Often referred to as just Mrs Gaskell, Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell (1810-1865) was an English novelist, short story writer and biographer. As well as writing books such as Cranford, North and South, and Wives and Daughters, Gaskell contributed to Charles Dickens' periodical magazine, Household Words and was also friends with Charlotte Brontë (incidentally writing her biography, The Life of Charlotte Brontë). Emile Zola Novelist Émile Zola (1840-1902) was a French novelist, playwright and journalist. He was a naturalist writer and arguably the most influential French novelist of the late 19th century. Zola was nominated for the first ever Nobel Prize in Literature, in 1901 and subsequently also in 1902, but he never won. Some of his best works were Les Rougon-Macquart, Thérèse Raquin, Germinal and Nana. Ezra Pound Poet Ezra Pound (1885-1972) was an American poet and critic and an important figure in the Modernist poetry movement. Some of his notable works were Ripostes, Hugh Selwyn Mauberley, The Cantos – which he never finished – and The Pisan Cantos, for which he was awarded the Bollingen Prize in poetry in 1949. Anchor - G Gavin Maxwell Poet Gavin Maxwell (1914-1969) was a Scottish writer and naturalist. He is best known for his non-fiction writing on natural history, travel literature and otters! His notable work was Ring of Bright Water which sold more than a million copies and was made into a film in 1969. Some of Maxwell’s other works were Harpoon at a Venture, The Rocks Remain, God Protect Me from My Friends and The Pains of Death. Geoffrey Chaucer Poet Geoffrey Chaucer (1343-1400) was an English poet and writer widely acknowledged as the father of English literature; he was also the first poet buried in Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey. Chaucer’s most celebrated work, The Canterbury Tales, which contains several different stories within the main plot (of pilgrims travelling to Canterbury) is considered one of the greatest poetic works in the English language. George Bernard Shaw Playwright George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) was an Irish playwright, critic and political activist. After his novels were rejected by publishers, he started to write plays of which he wrote more than sixty. Some of his important works were Pygmalion, Saint Joan, Heartbreak House, Candida and Man and Superman. Bernard Shaw was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925 and also won an Academy Award for the Best Adapted Screenplay of his play, Pygmalion, in 1938. George Eliot Novelist Mary Ann Evans (1819-1880) – under the pen name of George Eliot – was an English novelist, poet and journalist. She was one of the most influential writers of the Victorian era. Her most important works were The Mill on the Floss, Silas Marner, Romola, Middlemarch and Daniel Deronda. George Gissing Novelist George Robert Gissing (1857-1903) was an eminent figure in 19th century Naturalist literature, writing twenty-three novels. Some of Gissing’s well-known works include The Nether World, New Grub Street, Born In Exile and The Odd Women. George Orwell Novelist Under the pen name of George Orwell, Eric Arthur Blair (1903-1950) was a hugely successful English novelist, political essayist and journalist, known for his left-wing, anti-totalitarian views. Orwell wrote six novels and most of them were semi-autobiographical. Some of his best-known works were Animal Farm, Nineteen Eighty-Four, Homage to Catalonia and Down and Out in Paris and London. Henry James Author Henry James (1843-1916) was an American-British writer and an important figure in 20th century literary realism. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature three times and was also awarded the Order of Merit by King George V in 1916. Some of his notable works were The Portrait of a Lady, The Ambassadors, and The Wings of the Dove. Anchor - H H. G. Wells Writer Herbert George Wells (1866-1946) was an English author and an early pioneer of the science fiction genre. Wells wrote copiously throughout his life: he wrote more than 100 books in many genres such as novels, short stories, satire, history, biography and autobiography. Some of his well-known fictional novels were The Time Machine, The Invisible Man, The War of the Worlds, The Island of Doctor Moreau and The First Men in the Moon. Herman Melville Novelist Herman Melville (1819-1891) was an American novelist, short story writer and poet and is best known for his novels about the sea life. Melville wrote fifteen books, the most notable of which is the American classic, Moby Dick. Some of his other works include Typee: A Peep at Polynesian Life, Omoo, and Billy Budd; the last in the list was published posthumously thirty-three years after Melville’s death. Anchor - I Ian Fleming Author Ian Fleming (1908-1964) was an English suspense-fiction novelist and journalist, most eulogised as the author of James Bond; he wrote twelve James Bond novels as well as collections of short stories. In addition to these revered works – many of which have been turned in to successful films such as Dr No, Goldfinger and Thunderball – Fleming was also the author of well-known children's story Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang. The Times ranked Ian Fleming 14th on its list of "The 50 greatest British writers”. Italo Svevo Writer Actually the pen name of Aron Ettore Schmitz (1861-1928), Svevo was an Italian writer, novelist, playwright and short story writer; he was renowned throughout Italy for his psychological novels such as A Life, Zeno’s Conscience, A Perfect Hoax and The Nice Old Man and the Pretty Girl. Svevo was also a close friend of the famous Irish author, James Joyce. Anchor - J James Joyce Novelist James Joyce (1882-1941) – as well as speaking seventeen languages – was an Irish author, short story writer, and poet. He was a hugely salient writer in the 20th century, particularly as his style of writing was experimental and Modernist: he pioneered the stream of consciousness as a literary technique, for example. Joyce was also a drinking partner of Ernest Hemingway. Some of his well-known works include Ulysses, Dubliners, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man and Finnegans Wake. J. M. Barrie Novelist Sir James Matthew Barrie (1860-1937) was a Scottish novelist and playwright. He was the creator of the timeless play and then novel, Peter Pan. Upon his death, J.M. Barrie gave his copyrights of Peter Pan to Great Ormond Street Hospital – a children's hospital in London. Some of his other notable works were The Little White Bird and The Admirable Crichton. Jane Austen Novelist Jane Austen (1775-1817) was an English novelist who wrote six completed novels: Sense and Sensibility; Pride and Prejudice; Mansfield Park; Emma; Northanger Abbey; and Persuasion. Austen’s final two novels were published posthumously. She wrote about ordinary middle-class people in everyday England and used a modern and realistic approach in her writing (as well as occasional comedy), making her work accessible and relatable for many readers. Jean Rhys Novelist Jean Rhys (1890-1979), also known as Ella Gwendolen Rees Williams, was a West-Indian novelist, short story writer and essayist. Her most notable works were Good Morning, Midnight, Voyage in the Dark and Wide Sargasso Sea. As well as winning the 1967 WH Smith Literary Award with her novel, Wide Sargasso Sea, Rhys was awarded a CBE in 1978. John Betjeman Poet The English poet, writer and broadcaster, Sir John Betjeman (1906-1984), was the UK’s Poet Laureate from 1972 until his death twelve years later. Some of his most notable works were Mount Zion, Collected Poems, High and Low, A Nip in the Air and Uncollected Poems. He also helped to save St. Pancras Station from demolition. John Keats Poet John Keats (1795-1821) was a Romantic English poet; although he only published fifty-four poems (dying prematurely at age 25), he is one of the most well-known poets in English Literature. As well as giving up his career in medicine to become a poet, Keats was not even appreciated in his own time. Fortunately, his popularity has grown significantly since his passing. Some of his notable poems were Ode to a Nightingale, To Autumn, Ode on a Grecian Urn and On First Looking into Chapman’s Homer. John Polidori Writer As well as a physician, John William Polidori (1795-1821) was an English author and poet. Some of his notable works were The Vampyre, Ernestus Berchtold; or, The Modern Oedipus and The Fall of the Angels: A Sacred Poem. His short story, The Vampyre, was the first published modern vampire story and he has seen by some as the creator of this offshoot of fantasy fiction. This book came about as a result of a contest between Polidori, Mary Shelley, Lord Byron and Percy Shelley held in The Villa Diodati in 1816. Another significant product of this contest was Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Joseph Conrad Writer Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) was a Modernist, Polish-British writer who wrote novels as well as short stories. Although it wasn’t his first language, Conrad was nonetheless an eminent English writer. Some of his important novels were Lord Jim, Nostromo, The Secret Agent and the short story, Heart of Darkness. The latter was also the inspiration and the basis for Francis Ford Coppola's 1979 film, Apocalypse Now. Anchor - K Karl Marx Philosopher Karl Heinrich Marx (1818-1883) was a German revolutionary, author and philosopher. Marx was one of the most important political theorists of the 19th century best known for his ideas about communism and capitalism. Because of his political views and publications, Marx had to live in exile with his family in London until his death in 1883. Some of his notable works were his 1848 Pamphlet, The Communist Manifesto, and the three-volume critique of capitalism, Das Kapital. Katherine Mansfield Short Story Writer Kathleen Mansfield Murry (1888-1923) was a short story writer and poet. She was born in New Zealand and moved to England at the age of nineteen. Mansfield made friends with D. H. Lawrence and Virginia Woolf and although her literary career was very short (as she sadly died at thirty-four owing to tuberculosis), she is seen as one of the best short story writers of all time. Some of her best-known works were The Garden Party, A Dill Pickle, Mr and Mrs Dove, and The Fly. Anchor - L Leonard Woolf Author As well as being the husband of Virginia Woolf, Leonard Sidney Woolf (1880-1969) was a publisher, author and political theorist; together they founded Hogarth Press in 1917. Some of Virginia Woolf's novels and also T.S. Eliot's Modernist poem, The Waste Land, were published by Hogarth Press. Some of Leonard Woolf's own notable works were The Village in the Jungle, The Wise Virgins and Essays on Literature, History, Politics. Lord Byron Poet, politician George Gordon Byron (1788-1824) – widely known as Lord Byron – was an English poet and politician. He was considered as a leading figure in Romanticism and one of the greatest poets in English literature. Some of his best-known works were Don Juan, Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, Oriental Tales, The Corsair, and She Walks in Beauty. Anchor - M Madame d'Arblay Novelist Frances Burney (1752-1840), also known as Fanny Burney, was an English satirical novelist and playwright (who also wrote some journals and letters). D’Arblay was one of the most popular writers of the 18th century. Her notable works include Journals, Evelina; or, A Young Lady's Entrance into the World, Cecilia, Camilla, The Wanderer and her play, The Witlings. Mark Twain Writer Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835 -1910) – widely known as Mark Twain – was an American author, humourist and also inventor. He was seen as the father of American literature; in fact, Ernest Hemingway said, "All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn." His most notable works – as well as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, of course – are The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court. Mary Shelley Novelist Not only was Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (1797-1851) married to famous poet Percy Shelley, but she was hugely successful in her own right: for a woman to write a book as popular as Frankenstein in the 19th century was shocking (which is shown by the fact that many believed her husband, Percy, had written the book as it was published anonymously). Frankenstein proved the importance of women in literature and change people's beliefs; Mary Shelley put her name in the second edition which was published in 1823. Some of her other notable works include Valperga, The Last Man, Lodore and The Fortunes of Perkin Warbeck. Mary Wollstonecraft Writer Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) was Mary Shelley’s mother – hence the similar name – who devoted herself to women’s rights and equality; she had a great influence and contribution to the feminist movement. Wollstonecraft is best known for her work, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman . Sadly, she died after giving birth to her daughter. Anchor - N Nathaniel Hawthorne Novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864) was an American novelist and short story writer. He had a great influence and contribution to the transcendentalist movement as well as an important role in the developing of American literature overall. Morality, religion and history were the main focuses in his writings. Some of his best works were Twice-Told Tales, The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables . Natsume Sōseki Writer Natsume Sōseki (夏目 漱石) (1867-1916) was a Japanese novelist who wrote both short stories and poetry. The relationship between Japanese and Western cultures was the main subject in much of his writing. Some of his best-known works were Kokoro, Botchan, I Am a Cat and (the uncompleted) Light and Darkness. His portrait was on the front of the Japanese 1000 yen note for 20 years. Anchor - O Oscar Wilde Poet Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was a famous Irish writer, poet and playwright best known for his contribution to the aesthetic movement in the 19th century. Wilde was imprisoned because of his homosexuality, and this “punishment” ultimately led to his death in 1900. He only wrote one novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, but his other notable works include The Importance of Being Earnest, Lady Windermere’s Fan, The Ballad of Reading Gaol and De Profundis. P. L. Travers Writer Pamela Lyndon Travers (1899-1996) was an Australian-English writer, actress and journalist. Her most successful work was the children’s book series, Mary Poppins, which comprised of eight books by the time it was finished. After resisting for twenty years, Travers sold the film rights of Mary Poppins to Walt Disney. She was also friends with famous Irish poet, William Butler Yeats. Anchor - P Percy Shelley Poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822) was an English Romantic poet, dramatist, essayist and novelist; his theories of economics and morality influenced Karl Marx and many others. Some of his notable works were Ozymandias, Ode to the West Wind, To a Skylark, Music, When Soft Voices Die, The Cloud, The Cenci, Queen Mab, Alastor, Adonaïs, Prometheus Unbound and Hellas: A Lyrical Drama. Shelley’s wife – Mary – was also a hugely successful author in her own right (writing lauded works such as Frankenstein). Anchor - R Rose Macaulay Writer Dame Emilie Rose Macaulay (1881-1958) was an English writer and novelist. She was a prolific writer who produced twenty-three novels in addition to other works including criticism, travel,history and poetry. She was awarded by the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for her novel, The Towers of Trebizond. Some of her other notable works include They Were Defeated, The World My Wilderness and Going Abroad. She was made a Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1958 and was also notably friends with Virginia Woolf, E. M. Forster and Elizabeth Bowen. Rudyard Kipling Journalist Best known for writing The Jungle Book – later to become a hugely successful Disney film – Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) was an English journalist, short-story writer, poet, and novelist. He is also acclaimed as the pioneer of the art of short story. Kipling was born in India and the inspiration he drew from that culture is evidenced in many of his works. Kipling wrote several other successful stories, such as Just So Stories, Kim, The Man Who Would Be King, Mandalay, Gunga Din, The Gods of the Copybook Headings, The White Man's Burden and If—. In 1907, Kipling was also the first English writer awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. Anchor - S Samuel Beckett Novelist Samuel Barclay Beckett (1906-1989) was an Irish writer, playwright and dramatist; he wrote his works in both English and French. He is best known for his absurd play, Waiting for Godot, but he produced many others such as Endgame, Krapp’s Last Tape, Happy Days, Molloy, Malone Dies and The Unnamable. As well as being awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1969, he was presented with the French War Cross for his resistance work in World War Two. Samuel Johnson Writer Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), also known as Dr Johnson, was an English writer, poet, playwright, lexicographer and literary critic. He had a distinguished impact on modern English by writing A Dictionary of the English Language in 1755. His other more conventional works include A Journey to the Western Isles of Scotland, The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia and Lives of the Poets. Samuel Pepys Diarist Samuel Pepys (1633-1703) was an English diarist, MP and Chief Secretary to the Admiral. He is most famous for the diary he kept from 1660 to 1669: it includes invaluable insights into 17th century England, as well as reporting on exceptional historical events such as The Great Plague, The Great Fire of London, and the Second Dutch War. Sigmund Freud Neurologist Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) was an Austrian neurologist, physiologist and the developer of psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic theory. Freud is one of the most influential thinkers of 20th century and although he was nominated twelve times for a Nobel Prize in Medicine, and once for literature, he was never the ultimate winner. Nonetheless, Freud was awarded the Goethe Prize in literature in 1930. Some of his well-known works were The Interpretation of Dreams, Leonardo da Vinci, A Memory of His Childhood, The Ego and the Id and An Outline of Psycho-Analysis. Sylvia Plath Poet Sylvia Plath (1932-1963) was an American poet, novelist, and short-story writer. She was one of the most gifted poets of the 20th century and was deservingly awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 1982 for her works, The Collected Poems. Some of her other notable works were The Colossus and Other Poems, Lady Lazarus, The Bell Jar and Ariel. However, as expressed in much of her work, she experienced severe mental health problems and she sadly committed suicide and died young at the age of thirty. Anchor - T Theodor Fontane Novelist Theodor Fontane (1819-1898) was a German writer, journalist, novelist and poet. Although he published his first novel at the age of fifty-eight, he still became one of the most important German writers in the 19th century: Fontane was a pioneer of modern realistic fiction in Germany and some of his successful works include A Summer in London, Men and Heroes and Before the Storm. Thomas Carlyle Scottish philosopher The Scottish author, philosopher, essayist, mathematician and also historian, Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881), is an important figure in Victorian Literature, not least because his book, The French Revolution, inspired Dickens to write A Tale of Two Cities. Carlyle also produced several other well-known works such as Sartor Resartus, On Heroes, Hero Worship, and The Heroic in History. Thomas De Quincey Essayist Thomas De Quincey (1785-1859) was an English author, essayist and journalist. One of his best-known and most amusing, works was The Confessions of an English Opium-Eater; it was an autobiographical work about his laudanum addiction. Some of his other works were Lake Reminiscences and On the Knocking at the Gate in Macbeth. Thomas More Saint Sir Thomas More (1478-1535) was an English lawyer, philosopher, statesman, and an author who wrote the fictional book, Utopia, which is about the social and political system of a fictional island. He argued against Henry VIII's divorce with Catherine of Aragon and his new marriage with Anne Boleyn; More was accused of treason because of refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy and executed in the Tower of London as a result of this. His last words were: "I die the King's good servant, but God's first". The Catholic Church declared him as a patron saint in year 2000. T. S. Eliot Poet Thomas Stearns Eliot (1888-1965) was an American-born British essayist, playwright, critic and poet known best as a pioneer of the Modernist movement in poetry. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948 for his contribution to modern poetry and was also awarded the British Honour, Order of Merit. Some of Eliot’s notable works were The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, The Waste Land, Four Quartets and Murder in the Cathedral. Anchor - V Virginia Woolf Writer Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) was an English author, essayist, publisher and critic. She is recognised as one of the most important Modernist and feminist figures in the 20th century. Woolf was a prolific writer who explored many different forms of writing and often used new techniques such as stream of consciousness. Some of her notable works were Mrs Dalloway, To the Lighthouse, The Voyage Out, Jacob’s Room, Orlando, The Waves and A Room of One’s Own. Voltaire Writer Francois-Marie Arouet (1694-1778) – under the pen name of Voltaire – was a French writer, philosopher, satirist and playwright. Some of his notable works were his tragic play, Zaïre, the historical study, The Age of Louis XIV, and the satirical novella, Candide. He wrote in almost every literary form, including plays, poems, novels, essays, and historical and scientific works as well as writing more than 20,000 letters and more than 2,000 books and pamphlets. Anchor - W Wilkie Collins Novelist A pioneer of detective fiction, William Wilkie Collins (1824-1889), was an English author, short story writer and playwright. Collins is best known for his novel, The Moonstone: it is often regarded as the first true mystery novel. He was also a close friend of Charles Dickens and wrote for his periodicals, Household Words. Some of his other notable works were The Woman in White, Antonina; Or, the Fall of Rome, Basil, No Name and Armadale. W. B. Yeats Poet William Butler Yeats (1865-1939) was an Irish poet, writer and dramatist and an influential figure in 20th century literature. Yeats was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923 for his inspirational poetry. Some of his important works were The Wanderings of Oisin and Other Poems, The Countless Kathleen, Deirdre, The Tower, Words for Music Perhaps and Other Poems. Yeats was also a founder of the Abbey Theatre – the national theatre of Ireland. William Caxton Merchant William Caxton (1422-1491) was an English merchant, diplomat, translator, writer and – in 1476 – the first person to introduce a printing press to England. His translation of The Recuyell of the Histories of Troye was the first book printed in the English language and other notable prints include Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Caxton also made the first translation of Aesop’s Fables. Some of his own important works were Dictes or Sayengis of the Philosophres and Brut Chronicles. He now rests in St Margaret’s Church. William Shakespeare Poet The Bard of Avon, William Shakespeare (1564-1616), was an English poet, playwright and actor, commonly dubbed the greatest English writer in world literature; he is considered to be England's national poet. Shakespeare wrote around thirty-eight plays, two poems and 154 sonnets. Some of his well-known works include Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Two Gentleman of Verona. Explore the Literary Map of London Follow more literary locations across the city through the main Writer’s Path Literary Map of London .

Explore London’s literary map with 140+ author locations, plaques and pubs, and find literary gifts inspired by writers at Writer's Path. Welcome Products Blog Untitled Subscribtion Check out our literary map of London. There are 140 literary locations, 66 writers and counting. Literary Map Shop Hi Literature Lovers Writer’s Path is a literary map of London that lets you explore the city through the lens of literature. On our map, you can discover literary landmarks such as famous authors’ homes, iconic bookstores, literary pubs and settings from beloved novels. Whether you’re a book lover, a history enthusiast or simply looking to experience the magic of literary London, Writer’s Path offers a unique and immersive way to enjoy the city’s rich literary heritage. Dive deep into the stories behind the city’s most famous literary spots — and explore our collection of literary gifts and book lover gifts inspired by writers and London’s literary history. Explore Our Literary Gifts Explore our full collection of literary gifts designed for book lovers. New Arrival Mark Twain Literary T-Shirt – Writing Is Easy Price £19.00 James Joyce T-Shirt with Word Art Design Price £19.00 Framed William Shakespeare Poster – Word Art Print Price £29.00 Framed Karl Marx Poster- Word Art Literary Gift Price £29.00 Tsundoku Mug - Japanese Literary Gift Price £12.00 Edgar Allan Poe Mug - Word Art Literary Gifts Price £12.00 Mark Twain Mug -Literary Quote Price £12.00 Oscar Wilde Mug - Word Art Design Price £12.00 James Joyce Mug - Word Art Literary Gifts Price £12.00 Virginia Woolf Mug - Word Art Literary Gifts Price £12.00 Guy de Maupassant Mug - Literary Quote Price £12.00 Shakespeare Mug - Word Art Literary Gifts Price £12.00 Karl Marx Mug - Word Art Literary Gifts Price £12.00 Shop Now Discover Our Blog Articles on famous writers, literary sites and literary gift Ideas Literary Map of London: Discover Iconic Literary Landmarks with Real-Time Location & Distance Updates Virginia Woolf and Women in Literature: A Room of One’s Own Discover Unique Writer Gifts: A Literary Journey with Writer's Path Discover Famous Authors To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Subscribe for Articles, Lierary Gift Ideas and Updates And Enjoy 10% Off Your Next Purchase I accept terms & conditions View Privacy Policy Subscribe Thanks for submitting!