Rider Haggard Blue plaque

Did Rider Haggard, the novelist, ever imagine his name would grace a blue plaque on Gunterstone Road? The Rider Haggard Blue plaque marks the very spot where he resided from 1885 to 1888. This unassuming building in West Kensington was once home to the author of “King Solomon’s Mines” and “She”. It was here in this house at 69 Gunterstone Road that Haggard penned many of his famous works. The blue plaque itself states, “SIR HENRY RIDER HAGGARD 1856-1925 Novelist lived here 1885-1888.” Haggard’s time here coincided with the peak of his early literary success. “King Solomon’s Mines,” published in 1885, was a sensation. It catapulted Haggard to fame. He followed this triumph with other popular novels including “Allan Quatermain,” “She,” and “Jess.” Haggard drew inspiration for his African adventures from his own time in Africa. He had served as a Master Registrar in Natal. This experience fueled his imagination. It filled his stories with exotic landscapes. He populated them with compelling characters. While many of his contemporaries dismissed his writing as mere adventure tales, Haggard’s works captured the public’s imagination. They continue to be read and enjoyed today. The Rider Haggard Blue plaque serves as a reminder. It reminds us of the power of storytelling. It reminds us of one man’s ability to transport readers to faraway lands. It reminds us of the literary legacy of a novelist. This novelist once called 69 Gunterstone Road his home.