Nathaniel Hawthorne Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Nathaniel Hawthorne was a renowned 19th-century American novelist and short story writer, widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of American literature. Born in Salem, Massachusetts in 1804, Hawthorne’s works often explored themes of sin, guilt, and the inherent evil of humanity, drawing inspiration from his Puritan heritage and New England roots.

Hawthorne’s literary career took off with the publication of his short story collection “Twice-Told Tales” in 1837. However, it was his novel “The Scarlet Letter,” published in 1850, that cemented his status as a literary giant. The novel, set in 17th-century Puritan Boston, tells the story of Hester Prynne, a woman who bears a child out of wedlock and is forced to wear a scarlet “A” as a symbol of her adultery. Other notable works by Hawthorne include “The House of the Seven Gables” (1851) and “The Blithedale Romance” (1852).

In 1853, Hawthorne was appointed United States Consul in Liverpool, England, by President Franklin Pierce, a position he held until 1857. During his time in England, Hawthorne stayed at 4 Pond Road in Blackheath, London, in 1856, as commemorated by this blue plaque. Blackheath, located in the Borough of Greenwich, was a popular retreat for writers and artists in the 19th century, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city of London.

Hawthorne’s stay in England had a profound impact on his writing, as he drew inspiration from the country’s rich history and literary traditions. He befriended other notable authors of the time, such as Herman Melville and Elizabeth Gaskell, and his experiences abroad influenced his later works, including the novel “The Marble Faun” (1860), set in Italy.

Nathaniel Hawthorne passed away in Plymouth, New Hampshire, in 1864, leaving behind a legacy as one of America’s most influential and enduring authors. His works continue to be widely read and studied, cementing his place in the canon of American literature.