William Hazlitt Green Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

William Hazlitt was a renowned English essayist, literary critic, painter, and philosopher who lived from 1778 to 1830. He is considered one of the greatest critics and essayists in the history of the English language, placing him alongside names such as Samuel Johnson and George Orwell. Hazlitt is best known for his humanistic essays that explore the complexities of the human condition.

Born in Maidstone, Kent, Hazlitt was the son of a Unitarian minister. He studied for two years at the Unitarian New College at Hackney, but left to pursue a career as a painter, a passion he held throughout his life. However, it was in writing that Hazlitt found his true calling. He began his literary career as a political journalist, later branching out into art criticism, literary criticism, and essays on various subjects.

Hazlitt’s works, such as “Table-Talk,” “The Spirit of the Age,” and “The Plain Speaker,” showcase his astute observations, profound insights, and engaging writing style. He wrote on a wide range of topics, from politics and philosophy to art and literature. Hazlitt’s essays are marked by their honesty, wit, and psychological depth. He spent his final years living at 6 Frith Street in Soho, Westminster, where he died in 1830. The building now bears a blue plaque commemorating the great essayist’s life and work.

Westminster, where Hazlitt spent his final years, has a rich literary history. The borough has been home to numerous writers, poets, and intellectuals over the centuries, making it a significant cultural hub within London. Hazlitt’s legacy continues to inspire and influence writers and thinkers to this day, cementing his place among the great minds of English literature.