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Nottingham's Literary Legends
A designated UNESCO City of Literature, Nottinghamshire's rich literary heritage attracts visitors from across the world. Over the centuries, the county has been home to some of literature’s most influential figures, from rebellious poets to groundbreaking novelists.
Read on to see which legendary writers have left their mark on the county - immerse yourself in their stories, explore their works, and start planning your literary adventure in our inspiring region!
Lord Byron
The rockstar of romantic verses, the notorious poet Lord Byron moved to Nottinghamshire aged 10 when he inherited his title and estate - Newstead Abbey. Visit this beautiful heritage site to walk in his footsteps and spend time in the beautiful gardens. Look out for the magnificent peacocks who wander around the grounds!
The house itself contains a variety of Byron’s personal items, including the writing desk at which he penned many of his poems. For the full experience, pre-booked groups can enjoy a tour of the house led by an enthrallingly eccentric, costumed Lord Byron guide who will tell tales of lavishly gothic parties, goblets made of monk’s skulls and more.
Elsewhere in the county, Byron spent lots of time in the in picturesque town of Southwell, nestled in the Trent Valley. Here he took part in various plays and published his first volume of poetry. Predictably for the ‘mad, bad and dangerous to know’ poet, this is also where he caused a scandal with a young lady that unfolded like something out of Jane Austin novel...
Byron's childhood home was Burgage Manor, which still stands today. This is where he would spend school holidays from Harrow, and later Cambridge university. This private residence overlooks the Burgage Green, which is a pretty spot for a stroll or picnic. If you're planning to spend a day in Southwell, you can use our handy itinerary for ideas on what to do.
Lord Byron had intended his final resting place to be with his beloved dog Boatswain, whose grand tomb can be found in the grounds of Newstead Abbey. Unfortunately, as he sold the property some years previously, he was laid to rest in the family vault at St Mary Magdalene Church Hucknall. He was later joined here by his equally famous daughter, pioneering programmer Ada Lovelace.
D.H. Lawrence
Famous author D.H Lawrence was born and bred in Eastwood, Nottingham. This controversial and boundary pushing writer certainly caused a stir when his most famous work, Lady Chatterley’s Lover was released. The publisher Penguin was at the centre of a famous indecency trial, marking a landmark transition in public views on censorship and the arts.
Lawrence was born at 8A Victoria Street, the first of four homes in Eastwood that his family would live in. This residence is now home to the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum. Visit today to learn more about the mining community which shaped Lawrence’s childhood and writing, and take a look around the rooms where the family lived. The museum has a variety of personal items on display, as well as some of Lawrence’s original watercolour paintings.
You can also follow in Lawrence’s footsteps with the Blue Line Walking Trail, which will take you through the countryside that inspired his work.
Alan Sillitoe
Alan Sillitoe was Nottingham's most famous contemporary author. He was part of the so-called ‘angry young men’ whose writings depicted the often-harsh realities of working-class life.
His first novel, the ground-breaking and critically acclaimed ‘Saturday Night and Sunday Morning’ painted a vivid picture of Nottingham. The book follows the life of Arthur Seaton, who spends his days working in the Nottingham-based Raleigh factory, and his weekends drinking and partying as he battles to break free from the drudgery of his monotonous life.
Alan Sillitoe was made an Honorary Freeman of the City of Nottingham at a special ceremony in June of 2008.
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Literary Tours
If you want to dive into the world of Nottinghamshire’s literary greats, there are many places of interest you can visit. There’s nothing quite like stepping beyond the pages and standing in the very spots where these legendary writers lived, wrote and found inspiration.
The adventure doesn’t stop there - another must-do for book lovers is the Bromley House Library Guided Tour. Tucked away in a beautiful Georgian townhouse, this hidden gem is packed with literary treasures just waiting to be discovered.
Wander through its historic rooms, uncover the secrets hidden among the shelves, and hear fascinating stories about past members who once roamed its halls. Whether you're a lifelong bookworm or just looking for a unique experience, this literary journey is sure to spark your imagination!
Related
A beautiful historic house set in a glorious landscape of gardens and parkland within the heart of Nottinghamshire.
D.H. Lawrence was born here, at 8a Victoria Street in 1885, the first of the Lawrence family’s four Eastwood homes. Today you can visit this authentically recreated miner’s cottage, birthplace of world renowned Nottinghamshire author, then explore the surrounding countryside, which inspired his work.
Bromley House Library, founded 1816, is a flourishing independent lending library situated in the centre of Nottingham, one of the few remaining subscription libraries in the country.
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