Poet and forger of pseudo-medieval poetry. Born Bristol. Largely self-taught, read extensively and began writing verse aged 11. Became besotted with the medieval period and faked the writings of a monk, Thomas Rowley (c.1400 - 1470) and claimed to have found them in amongst his late father's possessions. At 17 he moved to London and for four months continued publishing poetry, both in his own name and Rowley's, and was successful. However he was found dead from arsenic poisoning, aged just 17. This is now thought to have been due to an accidental overdose of medicine for venereal disease. The romantic myth of a starving poet's suicide in a garret, supported by Henry Wallis's painting, has taken a firm grip.
After his death more of 'Rowley's writings were published and the controversy about their authenticity began, involving many of the literary men of the age including Horace Walpole. Chatterton was eventually declared a genius and a forger.
This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Thomas Chatterton
Commemorated ati
Thomas Chatterton - first
In a house on this site Thomas Chatterton died August 24th 1770. Corporation...
Thomas Chatterton - second
Plaques are designed to be laid into brickwork, as this was on its first buil...
Other Subjects
Tagore Centre UK
Dedicated to promoting the work and life of Rabindranath Tagore.
Elizabeth Rundle Charles
Born Tavistock, Devon. Née Rundle, married Andrew Charles. Wrote and translated hymns. Author of "Chronicles of the Schonberg-Cotta Family". Died Hampstead. In addition to her Wikipedia page and o...
John Gower
Poet. Born circa 1330. He is known for three major works, 'The Mirour de l'Omme', 'Vox Clamantis', and 'Confessio Amantis'.
A. E. Housman
Alfred Edward Housman. Born near Bromsgrove in Worcestershire. Classical scholar, lyrical poet. On his twelfth birthday his mother died. He initially failed his degree at Oxford but went on to be a...
John Keats
Born 24 Moorfields Pavement Row, Finsbury. This was the Swan and Hoop pub, where his father worked as a stableman and later managed the inn. Baptised at St Botolphs. 1815-16 trained at Guy’s Hospit...
Previously viewed
Samuel Butler (poet)
Poet and satirist. Remembered now chiefly for a long satirical poem 'Hudibras'. Born Worcestershire. Died London.
James Barry
Painter. Born in Water Lane, Blackpool, Cork, Ireland. He studied in Italy and in 1782 he was appointed Professor of Painting at the Royal Academy. Because of abusive remarks about his colleagues, ...
A. E. J. Richardson
Resident of the Central Ward, Hendon who served and died in WW1.
Sir Edwin Lutyens
Architect. Born at 16 Onslow Square. Specialised in English country houses. Chosen as the consulting architect for Hampstead Garden Suburb and designed two churches there. One of the four principal...
Comments are provided by Facebook, please ensure you are signed in here to see them