John Masefield Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

John Masefield was an English poet and writer who served as the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1930 until his death in 1967, making him the longest-serving Poet Laureate in history. Born in 1878 in Ledbury, Herefordshire, Masefield’s early life was marked by tragedy when both his parents died while he was still a child. He was sent to live with an aunt who disapproved of his interest in literature and poetry, leading him to run away from home at the age of 13 to join the merchant navy.

Masefield’s experiences at sea would later inspire much of his poetry, which often featured themes of adventure, courage, and the beauty of the natural world. After returning to England, he began writing in earnest and quickly gained recognition for his work. His most famous poems include “Sea Fever,” “Cargoes,” and “The Everlasting Mercy,” which won him the Edmond de Polignac prize in 1912.

In addition to his poetry, Masefield was also a prolific novelist and playwright. His novel “Sard Harker” won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 1924, and his plays were performed on stages across Britain and the United States. He was appointed Poet Laureate in 1930, a position he held until his death in 1967. During his tenure, he composed poems for many important national occasions, including the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Masefield was also a recipient of the prestigious Order of Merit, an award bestowed by the British monarch in recognition of distinguished service in the armed forces, science, art, literature, or the promotion of culture.

From 1907 to 1912, Masefield lived at 30 Maida Avenue in the Borough of Westminster, London. The house, which bears a Blue Plaque in his honor, is located in a quiet residential street not far from the bustling Kilburn High Road. The area has a rich literary history, with many famous writers and poets, including George Orwell and A.A. Milne, having called it home over the years. Today, visitors to the area can explore the many nearby parks, gardens, and cultural attractions, including the famous Abbey Road Studios and the picturesque Little Venice canal district.

Throughout his long and distinguished career, John Masefield remained committed to the power of poetry to inspire, uplift, and transform. His legacy continues to be celebrated by readers and writers around the world, and his connection to the Borough of Westminster is commemorated by the Blue Plaque at his former home on Maida Avenue.