John Keats Brown Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

John Keats, one of the most beloved English Romantic poets, lived in this charming house in Hampstead, London from 1818 to 1820. Born in 1795, Keats had a short but prolific career, penning some of the most famous poems in the English language before his untimely death at the age of 25.

Keats initially trained as an apothecary and surgeon, but his true passion was poetry. He published his first collection of poems in 1817, which was not well-received by critics. Undeterred, Keats continued to write, drawing inspiration from nature, mythology, and the human experience. It was during his time living in this house, now known as Keats House, that he wrote some of his most famous works, including “Ode to a Nightingale” and “Ode on a Grecian Urn”.

Keats shared the house with his friend Charles Brown, and it was here that he fell deeply in love with Fanny Brawne, the girl next door. Their romance was passionate but short-lived, as Keats became ill with tuberculosis and left for Italy in the hope of improving his health. Sadly, he died in Rome in 1821, at the age of just 25. Although his life was cut tragically short, Keats’ poetry has endured and continues to inspire readers around the world. A visit to Keats House offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of this remarkable poet.

The house is located in Hampstead, a picturesque village that became part of the London Borough of Camden in 1965. Hampstead has long been a haven for artists, writers, and intellectuals, drawn to its beautiful green spaces, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Other notable residents have included George Orwell, Agatha Christie, and Sigmund Freud, making it a must-see destination for any literary or history buff visiting London.