Where Did Oscar Wilde Live in London?

By Anna Duncan

Oscar Wilde, the famous Irish writer and poet, spent a significant portion of his life in London. His literary works, which include The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest, were written during his time in the city.

But where exactly did Oscar Wilde live in London? Let’s take a closer look.

Chelsea

One of the places where Oscar Wilde lived in London is Chelsea. He resided at 34 Tite Street for several years, from 1884 to 1895.

During this period, he wrote some of his most popular works, including An Ideal Husband and Lady Windermere’s Fan. The house in Tite Street is now marked with a blue plaque that commemorates Wilde’s time there.

Mayfair

Oscar Wilde also lived in Mayfair, another affluent area in central London. He took up residence at 16 Tite Street after leaving Chelsea and stayed there until his arrest for homosexuality in 1895. It was during this period that he wrote The Importance of Being Earnest, which is widely considered one of his greatest works.

St James’s

In addition to Chelsea and Mayfair, Oscar Wilde also lived briefly in St James’s. He moved to Albemarle Street after his release from prison in 1897 and resided there until his death in 1900. It was during this time that he wrote De Profundis, a letter to his former lover Lord Alfred Douglas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Oscar Wilde lived in several areas throughout London during his lifetime. From Chelsea to Mayfair to St James’s, he called some of the city’s most exclusive neighborhoods home. Today, visitors can visit the locations where he once lived and pay homage to one of the greatest writers of all time.

  • Key Takeaways:
  • Oscar Wilde lived in London for a significant portion of his life.
  • He resided in several areas throughout the city, including Chelsea, Mayfair, and St James’s.
  • Some of his greatest works, including The Importance of Being Earnest and De Profundis, were written during his time in London.

Sources:

  • https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/place/429165-oscar-wildes-house
  • https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/blue-plaques/oscar-wilde/
  • https://www.mayfair-london.co.uk/history/oscar-wilde-in-mayfair/