Samuel Smiles Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Samuel Smiles was a renowned Scottish author and government reformer, best known for his influential book “Self-Help” published in 1859. Born in Haddington, Scotland in 1812, Smiles moved to London in 1854 where he lived at 11 Granville Park in Lewisham until his death in 1904 at the age of 92.

Smiles’ most famous work, “Self-Help,” promoted the Victorian values of thrift, hard work, and perseverance. The book was a bestseller, selling over a quarter of a million copies and being translated into many languages. It espoused the idea that poverty could be alleviated through self-improvement and provided numerous examples of successful individuals rising from humble beginnings.

In addition to his writing, Smiles worked for many years as a secretary to railway pioneer George Stephenson and later served as an executive for various railway companies. He was a strong advocate for progress and social reforms, supporting free trade, women’s suffrage, and improved working conditions. Smiles’ other notable books include “Character” (1871), “Thrift” (1875), and “Duty” (1880), all promoting similar self-improvement philosophies that helped shape Victorian society and values.

The Borough of Lewisham, where Smiles resided in his later years, has a rich history dating back to the Saxons. The area grew rapidly during Victorian times with the arrival of the railways, undergoing a transformation from rural villages to a thriving metropolitan suburb. Smiles would have witnessed this growth and change in his own neighborhood. Today, Lewisham is one of the most ethnically diverse boroughs in London, known for its vibrant culture and green spaces like Blackheath and Greenwich Park.