P. G. Wodehouse Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

P.G. Wodehouse (1881-1975) was one of the most beloved English humorists of the 20th century. Best known for his comical novels and short stories, particularly those set in the fictional world of Jeeves and Wooster, Wodehouse’s witty prose and clever plots entertained readers for decades.

Born Pelham Grenville Wodehouse in Guildford, Surrey, he spent much of his early life in London. Wodehouse lived at 17 Dunraven Street in Westminster from 1927 to 1934, during a highly productive period of his career. It was here that he penned several of his most famous works, including the Jeeves novels “Thank You, Jeeves” (1934) and “Right Ho, Jeeves” (1934).

Throughout his prolific career, Wodehouse wrote more than 90 books, 40 plays, and 200 short stories, cementing his status as a giant of humorous literature. His works often satirized the lives of the English upper classes, with memorable characters like the foppish Bertie Wooster and his unflappable valet, Jeeves. Wodehouse’s influence extended beyond the page, as his stories were adapted for stage, screen, and radio. In 1975, he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) for his services to literature, just weeks before his death at the age of 93.

The historic borough of Westminster, where Wodehouse once resided, has been home to countless luminaries over the years. From statesmen to artists, the area’s illustrious residents have shaped British culture and history. Today, the blue plaque at 17 Dunraven Street stands as a testament to Wodehouse’s enduring legacy and his indelible mark on the world of literature.