H. Rider Haggard Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Sir Henry Rider Haggard, better known as H. Rider Haggard, was a prolific English novelist and pioneer of the lost world literary genre. Born in 1856, Haggard spent his early years in South Africa before returning to England, where he embarked on a remarkable writing career that spanned over four decades.

Haggard’s experiences in Africa greatly influenced his works, which often featured exotic settings, daring adventures, and mythical lost civilizations. His most famous novels include “King Solomon’s Mines” (1885) and “She: A History of Adventure” (1887), both of which have been adapted numerous times for stage and screen. These works, along with many others in his extensive bibliography, established Haggard as one of the most popular and influential writers of his time.

From 1885 to 1888, Haggard resided at 69 Gunterstone Road in London’s Hammersmith and Fulham borough. It was during this period that he wrote some of his most celebrated works, drawing inspiration from the vibrant literary scene in London. The blue plaque commemorating his time at this address was erected in 1977, celebrating the enduring legacy of this master storyteller.

Haggard’s contributions to literature were recognized by the British monarchy, and he was appointed Knight Bachelor in 1912 and Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in 1919. His imaginative tales continue to captivate readers worldwide, cementing his status as one of the most beloved authors of the Victorian era.