Elizabeth Barrett Browning Brown Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Elizabeth Barrett Browning, one of the most renowned poets of the Victorian era, lived at 50 Wimpole Street in London’s fashionable Marylebone district from 1838 to 1846. The blue plaque adorning this address, erected in 1898, commemorates her as a “Poetess” and notes her marriage to fellow poet Robert Browning.

Born in 1806 in County Durham, Elizabeth was the eldest of 12 children. Her father, Edward Barrett Moulton Barrett, was a wealthy landowner, and her mother, Mary Graham Clarke, encouraged her literary pursuits from a young age. Elizabeth’s talent shone through early on, with her first poem published when she was just 14.

Despite suffering from chronic illness and a spinal injury, Elizabeth’s passion for poetry never wavered. She continued to write prolifically, exploring themes of love, social justice, and spirituality. Her most famous work, “Sonnets from the Portuguese,” is a collection of love poems dedicated to Robert Browning, whom she secretly married in 1846 against her father’s wishes.

The Marylebone neighborhood played a significant role in Elizabeth’s life and work. It was here that she spent countless hours writing in her upstairs room, overlooking the bustling streets below. The area was a hub for the literary and artistic community, with many notable figures residing nearby. It is said that Elizabeth drew inspiration from the vibrant energy of the neighborhood, which is reflected in the vivid imagery and emotional depth of her poetry.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Elizabeth’s life was her unconventional courtship with Robert Browning. The two poets exchanged hundreds of letters before eventually meeting in person, their love story unfolding through the power of the written word. Their elopement to Italy in 1846 caused a scandal in London society, but it also marked the beginning of a new chapter in Elizabeth’s life, one filled with happiness and creative fulfillment.

Throughout her career, Elizabeth used her poetry as a platform to advocate for social causes close to her heart. She was a vocal supporter of the abolition of slavery and wrote extensively about the plight of the oppressed. Her poem “The Cry of the Children,” which denounced the exploitation of child labor, is considered one of the most powerful pieces of social commentary in Victorian literature.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s legacy extends far beyond the walls of 50 Wimpole Street. Her poetry continues to inspire and resonate with readers around the world, and her fierce determination in the face of adversity serves as a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit. As you stand before the blue plaque that bears her name, take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary life and work of this remarkable woman, whose words have left an indelible mark on the literary landscape of London and beyond.