Person    | Male  Born 10/11/1728  Died 4/4/1774

Oliver Goldsmith

Categories: Literature, Poetry

Countries: Ireland

Author. Born Co. Longford, Ireland (though it could have been County Roscommon, and for his date of birth we have only his word). Arrived in London in 1760 and joined the literary group that included Samuel Johnson, Garrick, Reynolds and Boswell

His receding chin, an attack of smallpox and general ungainliness caused him to be described as having a 'monkey face' and a 'grotesque orang-utan figure'. Johnson was also renowned for being physically less than beautiful so the two together must have been an unusual sight. Studied to be a doctor and travelled a great deal. Well known works: novel: "The Vicar of Wakefield", play: "She Stoops to Conquer". Died at home at 2 Brick Court, Middle Temple. Last words: In response to the doctor's "Is your mind at ease?", "No, it is not".

This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Oliver Goldsmith

Commemorated ati

George Pub

The George The George was founded in 1723 as a coffee house, became Georges ...

Read More

Oliver Goldsmith - SE5

Oliver Goldsmith, 1730 - 1774, flamboyant playwright, author of "She Stoops t...

Read More

Wine Office Court

The Rhymers' Club is not specifically mentioned on the plaque but Ye Olde Che...

Read More

Other Subjects

Olaudah Equiano

Olaudah Equiano

Born in an African village, he was sold into slavery, first locally, then in England, then in America where he managed to buy his freedom. He returned to England and wrote the first autobiography o...

Person, Literature, Race Issues, Africa

4 memorials
Georgette Heyer

Georgette Heyer

Novelist. Born at 103 Woodside, Wimbledon. From 1932, she produced one romance novel and one thriller each year. In all she wrote nearly sixty volumes. Died at Guy's Hospital.

Person, Literature

1 memorial
William Hazlitt

William Hazlitt

Essayist. Initially wanted to be a philosopher, then tried painting and then journalism, where he was a success: as a drama reviewer, art critic, political commentator and creating sports writing ...

Person, Literature

3 memorials
D. H. Lawrence

D. H. Lawrence

Novelist and poet (also painter). Born Eastwood, Nottinghamshire. Died Vence, France. Novels include: Lady Chatterley's Lover, Sons and Lovers, Women in Love.

Person, Literature, Seriously Famous, France

2 memorials