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
Hamish Henderson
(James) Hamish Scott Henderson was a Scottish poet, songwriter, communist, intellectual and soldier. He was a catalyst for the folk revival in Scotland. He was also an accomplished folk song collec...
Tiruvalluvar
Author of the Tirukkural, the classic text of Tamil philosophy and ethics. The Tamil poet is commonly believed to have been born in the First Century BC in Madras (now called Chennai) in south ea...
Rudyard Kipling
Poet and story writer. Born: Bombay, India. Died: London. See Waterloo Free Buffet. 2021: The Guardian reported some updates to English Heritage's information on Kipling: "While his children’s sto...
Person, Literature, Poetry, Race Issues, Seriously Famous, India
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Poet and critic. Born and brought up in Ottery St Mary, Devon. Pupil at Christ's Hospital, 1781-91, where he became friends with Charles Lamb. Died London. Buried in the chapel of Highgate School....
Cecil Day Lewis
Poet and novelist. Born Ireland but brought up in London. His mystery novels were written under his pseudonym, Nicholas Blake. 1951 married the actor Jill Balcon (daughter of Michael Balcon.) Fathe...