Consider this house at 16 Cowley Street. It was home to a legend. This is the former residence of Sir John Gielgud. The blue plaque commemorates his life here from 1945 to 1976.
Sir John Gielgud was one of the finest actors. He even won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award. He lived here for 31 years.
Gielgud’s time at number 16 Cowley Street was pivotal. He cemented his reputation as a theatre legend. He became known as a Shakespearean actor. He took on varied roles from the 1960s.
A high point occurred in 1953. He was knighted. But weeks later he was arrested for homosexual activities. This made front-page news and led to a breakdown. His professional reputation did not suffer. He inspired many young actors. These included Alec Guinness, Paul Schofield, and Michael Redgrave.
The house was designed around 1722 by Barton Booth. Booth was also a successful actor. Gielgud often entertained friends here. He shared the home with many pets. These included six dogs, two owls, and a cockatoo. Bernie Dodge was his cook and driver. He lived here from 1950 to 1970. After Gielgud’s arrest, his sister Eleanor Ducker stayed. She acted as his secretary and protector.
His partner Martin Hensler moved in during the 1960s. He stayed with Gielgud until his death. Gielgud often wrote about decorating number 16. He remained fond of the house. He referred to “dear old Cowley St” in a 1985 letter. The house was listed Grade II* in 1958 while Gielgud lived here.
Gielgud was destined for the stage. His mother was the niece of Dame Ellen Terry. The Terry family dominated the London stage. At age 7, Gielgud saved money to see West End shows. At 17, he won a scholarship to Lady Benson’s dramatic school. He then won a scholarship to RADA. He became one of the youngest Hamlets at the Old Vic. By 1935, he directed Romeo and Juliet in the West End. He alternated between Romeo and Mercutio with Laurence Olivier. Juliet was played by Peggy Ashcroft. Edith Evans played the nurse. Gielgud unveiled Evans’ blue plaque in 1997.
After serving abroad during World War II, Gielgud worked with Peter Brook. He also had his own season at the Lyric, Hammersmith, in 1953. That year, he was knighted. It was believed he was initially overlooked due to his sexual orientation.
In 1975, Gielgud played his first gay role in Harold Pinter’s No Man’s Land. He also took roles in plays by Alan Bennett, David Storey, and Charles Wood. He maintained a presence in classical theatre. He appeared in five Shakespearean productions when Hall directed the National Theatre.
Gielgud took on more film roles. He won an Oscar for Arthur in 1981. He was pleased with Brideshead Revisited, where he played Edward Ryder. He played challenging parts into old age. He spent his 96th birthday filming Catastrophe with Harold Pinter and David Mamet. This was his last work. He died at home on May 21, 2000.
Dame Judi Dench unveiled the blue plaque here in April 2017. She said she had been “devoted” to him. This plaque serves as a reminder of a remarkable life. It celebrates a career that spanned over 75 years.