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
Geoffrey Dearmer
Poet, writer and radio broadcaster. Born 59 South Lambeth Road, son of Percy and Mabel. Served in WW1. Wrote 'The Turkish Trench Dog'. Died at home in Kent where he had moved on the death of his ...
1 memorial
Joanna Baillie
Poet and dramatist, born Bothwell, Lanarkshire, Scotland. Moved into Bolton House with her mother and sister in 1791 and lived there until her death. Buried at nearby St John's church, Church Row.
1 memorial
1 memorial
1 memorial
Previously viewed
War dead, WW1
1 memorial
Comments are provided by Facebook, please ensure you are signed in here to see them