London Literary Walks #3
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3 Kensington Court Gardens, Kensington, W8 5QE
My favourite stop on my London literary blue plaque tour was the final home of T.S. Eliot. I wish it hadn’t been our last day, and that it wasn’t cold and a bit rainy, because I could’ve soaked in the neighbourhood a bit more. It wasn’t particularly quaint or anything, but it fascinated me to think Eliot lived here while writing his Four Quartets; and this was his final home.
T.S. Eliot, O.M. (1888-1965); Poet lived and died here
One of the first things I noted was how many streets he had to choose from when leaving his front door. I always read about writers going on walks, so upon seeing where he might’ve started his walks from, I had to pause and wonder what might draw him in a certain direction.
To his left: Kensington Ct Pl blending into Stanford Rd | To his right: first Thackeray St, then two parts of the Kensington Ct triangle
Stepping out his front door, if he looked left there was one option: continuing down Kensington Court Place until it blended into Stanford Road. If he looked to the right, he had three(ish) options: first, Thackeray Street, then two sections of the Kensington Court triangle.
I myself was drawn to the curves of Kensington Court on the right; and particularly to that tree. I was also struck by the lovely brick on the building next to his, with the sweet lamp. Wonder what the story is on The Old Pump House (tell me if you know!).
A great Kensington Ct tree & The Old Pump House seen to the right of Eliot’s building
Hyde Park and the Albert Memorial are just a few blocks away from T.S. Eliot’s house, so I imagine he would’ve included them on many walks, too — especially if he chose to walk toward the Kensington Ct tree.
A mere portion of The Albert Memorial, just a few blocks from where T.S. Eliot lived. | London 2012
I’m curious as to his thoughts on the memorial. It is so over-the-top that it’s a bit overwhelming; and it seems to rise out of nowhere making it appear a little out of place. Yet, you can’t deny its beauty. Or, the romance of a woman in love wanting to commemorate her husband in such lavish artistry. I like to think he walked this way on purpose fairly often.
Holding T.S. Eliot’s words on the street where he lived. | London 2013
Of course, I had my Four Quartets handy when we walked to Eliot’s house. And if it hadn’t started sprinkling then (if you look closely at the above image, you can see a few raindrops at the bottom of the page), I might’ve tried to talk Sarah into reading aloud some of this with me.
What writer’s home would you like to see?
What’s your favourite work of T.S. Eliot?
» Don’t miss previous {tuesday travels}: London Literary Walks #1 and #2, Hobbiton, Those Who Wander, An Introduction.
You know I would’ve read some out loud with you!! This was definitely a highlight of the trip for me.
I know you would’ve; one of the many things I appreciate about you. :)
H + I drove up to Monterey & back through Salinas Valley last fall. She read Steinbeck’s description of Salinas Valley from East of Eden as we drove through. It was awesome because the major landscape is still the same. Would have liked to spend more time there.
I’d also like to visit Harper Lee’s hometown of Monroeville, Alabama and put my feet on the paths I’ve read about Scout running so many times. I like to imagine I’ve made her run them so much there’ll be ruts in the grass by the time I ever get down there. :)
Oooh. Like the sound of that Steinbeck drive. LOVE that you actually read it as you drove it. And if you ever do get down to Monroeville, I expect to hear about it. Brilliant image of those ruts in the grass. :) You’re the best, David. :)