Radclyffe Hall Blue Plaque

Kensington and Chelsea Erected 1992

Inscription

Radclyffe Hall 1880-1943 novelist and poet lived here 1924-1929

About This Blue Plaque

Radclyffe Hall (1880-1943) was a renowned English novelist and poet, best known for her groundbreaking novel “The Well of Loneliness” (1928). Born Marguerite Radclyffe Hall in Bournemouth, she adopted the name “Radclyffe Hall” in her early thirties. Hall’s works often explored themes of gender identity and same-sex desire, which were considered taboo subjects in the early 20th century.

Hall lived at 37 Holland Street in the fashionable Kensington area of London from 1924 to 1929. During her time here, she wrote her famous novel “The Well of Loneliness,” which is considered a landmark work in lesbian literature. The book faced controversy and censorship upon publication due to its depiction of a lesbian relationship. Despite this, it became an international bestseller and solidified Hall’s reputation as a pioneering LGBTQ+ writer.

Kensington, located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, has long been associated with London’s literary and artistic scene. Many notable writers, including T.S. Eliot and Virginia Woolf, have called this area home. The borough is also known for its prestigious museums, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum, as well as the famous Kensington Palace and Gardens.

Hall’s legacy as a trailblazing author and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights continues to inspire generations of readers and writers. Her courage in confronting societal norms and her contributions to literature have earned her a place in history. This blue plaque, erected in 1992, serves as a reminder of Hall’s significant impact and her connection to the Kensington area during a pivotal time in her career.