London has long been a haven for writers, having hosted and housed some of the greatest figures in literature for centuries. From William Shakespeare to Charles Dickens and beyond – right up to the present day, writers flock to the city for inspiration and a place to call home. In this blog, we'll take a quick look at some of the major literary landmarks to look out for in Central London...
Poet's Corner at Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is mostly known today as a decidedly Royal venue – having hosted every coronation since 1066, and most recently hosting the Royal Wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. However the abbey has another side, with a number of notable figures from history buried here.
In 1400, Geoffrey Chaucer was buried at Westminster Abbey, and a tradition was born over the following centuries, with leading literary figures commemorated in the Abbey. Legends who have been given a tribute here include Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Shakespeare, Rudyard Kipling and many others, and their memorial floor stones can be seen at Westminster Abbey while enjoying London hotel packages.
The Globe Theatre
What list of literary landmarks is complete without a mention of The Globe? William Shakespeare is undoubtedly England's most famous playwright, and this theatre recreates all the drama and excitement of the writer's plays in a venue designed to replicate his original Elizabethan-era theatre.
The first Globe Theatre burnt to the ground in 1599, but this one is here to stay – and provides the perfect backdrop for drama-loving visitors to the Montcalm Royal London City Hotel, eager to enjoy a show throughout the year. Outdoor shows take place during the summer, with an indoor space for the colder months. Tours can be enjoyed year-round, giving a behind the scenes look at Shakespeare's influences and inspirations.
Fitzrovia
The boho set of the 1920s were very fond of this district in London, and it has retained a certain literary flair, even after all this time. Known for a bohemian edge, the area retained its bookish credentials most prominently until the 1950s, with figures such as Virginia Woolf and George Bernard Shaw living here.
We recommend checking out the Fitzroy Tavern, which is rumoured to have been a watering hole beloved by the likes of Dylan Thomas and George Orwell, and provides a great backdrop fr refreshments while staying at the Montcalm Royal London City Hotel.
Dr Johnson's House
Dr Johnson is one of the leading lights of Britain's literary scene, the creator of the first true English dictionary and an enduring figure who impresses and inspires. The house he once lived in was built in 1700, and is today home to a wide range of events and exhibitions, as well as a carefully curated selection of displays and objects which help detail the life of the man himself and the times he lived in. For literary-minded guests in London, this is a wonderful way to discover more about the city's heritage.
