Alexander Herzen Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Alexander Herzen was a prominent 19th-century Russian political thinker, writer, and activist. Born into a wealthy aristocratic family in Moscow in 1812, Herzen became a pivotal figure in the Russian revolutionary movement and is often considered the “father of Russian socialism.”

Herzen’s political views were greatly influenced by his experiences studying at Moscow University and his travels throughout Europe. He became a strong advocate for the abolition of serfdom and the establishment of a democratic government in Russia. In 1847, Herzen left Russia for exile in Western Europe, where he continued his political activities and writing.

From 1860 to 1863, Herzen lived at 1 Orsett Terrace in the Westbourne Terrace area of Westminster, London. During his time in London, Herzen worked on his most famous publication, “The Bell” (Kolokol), a revolutionary newspaper that was smuggled into Russia and had a significant impact on the political landscape of the time. Herzen’s writings and ideas influenced many future Russian revolutionaries, including Lenin.

Herzen’s legacy extends beyond his political activism. He is also remembered as a talented writer, with his memoir “My Past and Thoughts” being considered a classic of Russian literature. Herzen died in Paris in 1870, but his ideas and influence lived on, shaping the course of Russian history and political thought for generations to come.