Keats House
Keats House is where the poet John Keats (1795-1821) lived from 1818 to 1820. Here he wrote some of his best known poetry, including "Ode to a Nightingale". The house is a Grade 1 listed building set in a peaceful garden in Hampstead. It has been open to the public since 1925.
Venue Type:
Historic house or home, Garden, parklands or rural site, Museum
Additional info
Study facilities are available at London Metropolitan Archives.
The Keats House Collection consists of books, manuscripts, letters, prints, paintings and artefacts relating to the life of the poet John Keats (1795-1821), his circle and the English Romantic movement. The Keats House Collection, including the Keats Memorial Library, is currently available for consultation by appointment only. Please contact us for further information.
Collection details
Archives, Literature, Personalities
Key artists and exhibits
- John Keats
- Joseph Severn
Templar Poetry Live: Mark Fiddes and James Giddings
- 27 September 2016 7-8:30pm
Mark Fiddes’ debut full collection, The Rainbow factory, brings razor-sharp modernity, sardonic wit and a wry existential perspective into 21st-century western life. In Everything is Scripted James Giddings brings a forensic voice in exploring the travels and locations where fathers, sons, mothers and lovers tread.
Suitable for
- Any age
Website
Charlotte Newman: Trammel
- 5 October 2016 7-8:30pm
Join award-winning independent publisher Penned in the Margins for the launch of Trammel – a radical poetry debut by Charlotte Newman. Voracious in her critique of modernity, Newman ranges across the spectra of social and sexual politics. Urbane yet uncompromising, Trammel is the powerful debut collection from a voice that demands to be heard.
Website
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/charlotte-newman-trammel-tickets-26943165734
Afternoon poems: On the Platform with Stevie Smith
- 9 October 2016 2-3pm
'Life is like a railway station. The train of birth brings us in, the train of death will carry us away'. Join the Keats House Poetry Ambassadors for a journey through Stevie Smith’s work. Dark, funny, and comprised of a childlike playfulness, come along to experience Smith’s unique voice.
Suitable for
- Any age
Website
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/afternoon-poems-on-the-platform-with-stevie-smith-tickets-26944742450
Family Day: Monsters
- 16 October 2016 1-4pm
Come and have some monstrous fun at Keats House! We’ll be telling beastly tales of things that go bump in the night and making character finger puppets so you can help us act out the stories.
Suitable for
- Any age
Website
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/family-day-monsters-tickets-26944790594
Jeremy Reed & The Ginger Light
- 20 October 2016 7-8:30pm
J. G. Ballard wrote of Jeremy Reed, ‘Every time he goes out into our mundane world, he makes the dust sing’. A poet, novelist and biographer, he has published over 40 award-winning books. Come and be captivated by his spellbinding performance, with musical accompaniment from the Ginger Light. In partnership with Keats Community Library.
Suitable for
- Any age
Admission
£8
Website
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/jeremy-reed-the-ginger-light-tickets-26944959098
Templar Poetry Live: Jean Bleakney and Rachel Spence
- 25 October 2016 7pm-8:30am
Jean Bleakney launches Selected Poems, bringing together the best work from three outstanding collections by one of Northern Ireland’s most assured and innovative poets. Furies, the debut Portfolio pamphlet by Rachel Spence, embarks on an all-too-brief Mediterranean tour encountering mothers, strangers, artists, paintings and lovers.
Suitable for
- Any age
Website
Become an Apothecary’s Apprentice
- 28 October 2016 1:30-2:15pm
Love leeches? Think ghoulish gore is great? Then you’ll make a fine Apothecary’s Apprentice! Did you know Keats trained as an apothecary? Learn the secrets of this trade by getting hands-on with objects. You’ll get the chance to concoct your own soothing herbal potion to take away. For children 7+ who must be accompanied by an adult.
Suitable for
- 7-10
- 14-15
- 11-13
Website
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/become-an-apothecarys-apprentice-tickets-26964636955
Become an Apothecary’s Apprentice
- 28 October 2016 11-11:45am
Love leeches? Think ghoulish gore is great? Then you’ll make a fine Apothecary’s Apprentice! Did you know Keats trained as an apothecary? Learn the secrets of this trade by getting hands-on with objects. You’ll get the chance to concoct your own soothing herbal potion to take away. For children 7+ who must be accompanied by an adult.
Suitable for
- 7-10
- 14-15
- 11-13
Admission
£5 per child
Website
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/become-an-apothecarys-apprentice-tickets-26964609874
Late Night Keats: Regency Food with Dr Annie Grey
- 28 October 2016 7-9:30pm
Join Dr Annie Grey for a special late night opening celebrating Regency food. The acclaimed food historian, broadcaster and regular contributor to BBC Radio 4’s The Kitchen Cabinet will tell us the secrets of the era’s delicacies, and supply us with syllabub for all to try. Grab a drink at the bar, decorate your own regency cupcake in Mrs Brawne’s Kitchen or catch a pop-up poetry reading based on all things delicious. Adults only – part of Museums at Night.
Suitable for
- 18+
Admission
£15 (includes a glass of fizz and activities)
Website
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/late-night-keats-regency-food-with-dr-annie-grey-tickets-26946514751
Keats in Hampstead Guided Walk
- 29 October 2016 11am-1:30pm
Meet outside Hampstead underground station. Follow the story of Keats's life in this walk around Hampstead village, with readings from his poetry and letters. Explore locations that inspired Keats, including the Vale of Health, Well Walk and Hampstead Heath. We finish at Keats House, where entry is free to walkers. Please wear sturdy shoes.
Suitable for
- Any age
Admission
£12 adults, £10 concessions (over 65, students and jobseekers with proof)
Website
http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/keats-in-hampstead-guided-walk-tickets-26946916954
Afternoon Poems: Keats’s Birthday Reading
- 30 October 2016 2-3pm
Join our fantastic Poetry Ambassadors for a special celebratory reading of Keats’s poems the day before his 221st birthday.
Suitable for
- Any age
Website
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/afternoon-poems-keatss-birthday-reading-tickets-26946967104
Special Guided Tour: Wentworth Place – The Home of John Keats
- 12 November 2016 12-1pm
Take a trip back in time with a curator-led tour around John Keats’s Hampstead home and garden. Discover the history of Keats House, known then as Wentworth Place, and find out how it has changed since its construction in 1815-1816.
The tour will include the basement and first floor. The route will include steep steps and please note as we are a grade I listed building we do not have a lift.
Admission
Free with admission to Keats House (£6.50/£5.50/£4.50), booking required
Website
Afternoon Poems: George Orwell's Poetry and Prose
- 13 November 2016 2-3pm
Orwell like Keats was a Hampstead local at one time, and he also tragically succumbed to tuberculosis. Join the Keats House Poetry Ambassadors for a reading that will feature his poetry alongside prose from his books and articles.
Suitable for
- Any age
Admission
Free, booking recommended
Website
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/afternoon-poems-george-orwells-poetry-and-prose-tickets-26947390370
Family Day: Small World
- 20 November 2016 1-4pm
Make a Keats House shadow puppet theatre and create your very own scenes of friendship and inspiration. Most suitable for children 7+, younger siblings welcome.
Suitable for
- Any age
Admission
Free
Website
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/family-day-small-world-tickets-26947442526
Templar Poetry Live: Ruth Sharman and Michael Brown
- 22 November 2016 7-8:30pm
Scarlet Tiger is Ruth Sharman’s second collection and the winner of the 2016 Templar Straid Collection Award. These poems are both lyrical and elusive and bear a dark, wistful and sustained sense of loss. Michael Brown's pamphlet, Locations for a Soul, is a restless, rootless and transient journey where 'You find yourself alone on the sixth floor… a compass needle whirring in your heart'.
Admission
Free, booking required
Website
Keats House by Candlelight
- 24 November 2016 8-9:30pm
Join our knowledgeable guides for an evening tour and a magical opportunity to see Keats House dressed for the festive season and illuminated by candlelight. Finish the evening with a glass of wine and a mince pie in our majestic Chester Room.
This guided tour will take place twice from 6:30 - 8pm and 8pm - 9:30pm. Separate registration required for each tour.
Suitable for
- 18+
Admission
£15, booking required (includes a glass of wine and a mince pie)
Website
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/keats-house-by-candlelight-tickets-26947775522
Keats House by Candlelight
- 24 November 2016 6:30-8pm
Join our knowledgeable guides for an evening tour and a magical opportunity to see Keats House dressed for the festive season and illuminated by candlelight. Finish the evening with a glass of wine and a mince pie in our majestic Chester Room.
This guided tour will take place twice from 6:30 - 8pm and 8pm - 9:30pm. Separate registration required for each tour.
Suitable for
- 18+
Admission
£15, booking required (includes a glass of wine and a mince pie)
Website
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/keats-house-by-candlelight-tickets-26947724369
Shelley: ‘The Trumpet of a Prophecy’ Guided Walk
- 26 November 2016 11am-1:30pm
Experience the stirring life and poetry of a great radical Romantic poet. We'll visit fascinating landmarks in the lives of Percy Bysshe Shelley and Mary Shelley, from their first meeting to their notorious elopement and exile in Europe, where they created such groundbreaking masterpieces as Frankenstein and 'The Mask of Anarchy'.
Admission
£12/£10, booking essential
Website
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shelley-the-trumpet-of-a-prophecy-guided-walk-tickets-26947676225
Christmas Carols at Keats House
- 4 December 2016 3-4pm
Get in the festive spirit with the New London Children’s Choir. Admire our beautiful Christmas tree and enjoy a special performance of all the Christmas classics in our stunning Chester Room. Little poets can try their hand at making a regency silhouette Christmas decoration in Mrs Brawne’s Kitchen. Children and adults welcome.
Suitable for
- Any age
Admission
Free with admission to Keats House, no booking required
Website
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/christmas-carols-at-keats-house-tickets-26948203803
Keats and Festivity
- 6 December 2016 6:30-8:30pm
An evening of poetry and games focusing on festivities during the Romantic period – as enjoyed by Keats, Leigh Hunt and their friends. Join Professors Peter Swaab and Gregory Dart of the UCL English department for a relaxed and entertaining evening of poetry readings, riddles, quizzes and festive refreshments.
Admission
Free, booking required
Website
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/keats-and-festivity-tickets-26948338205
John Hegley's Mixed Bag
- 9 December 2016 7-8:30pm
Once described as ‘awesomely mundane’ by The Independent, former poet in residence and master performer John Hegley returns to Keats House. Join John and friends for another culture cabaret with guests abetting on pieces concerning Keats, Hopkins, love, Lawrence, cowboys, celery and education – both jolly and melancholy. Come and sing!
Admission
£10, booking required
Website
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/john-hegleys-mixed-bag-tickets-26948463580
Rhyming Drawing and Drawing Out the Creative: A Children’s Workshop with John Hegley
- 10 December 2016 11am-12:30pm
Adults are invited to accompany a child or two to this workshop which will involve activities inspired by the things that John Keats got up to … like sword fencing with celery ... and writing poetry. For children 8+ who must be accompanied by an adult.
Suitable for
- 7-10
- 11-13
- 14-15
Admission
£6 adults/£5 children, booking required
Website
Afternoon Poems: The Bells Are Ringing
- 11 December 2016 2-3pm
Get in the mood for Christmas with our annual festive selection of poetry and prose, read by the Keats House Poetry Ambassadors.
Admission
Free, booking recommended
Website
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/afternoon-poems-the-bells-are-ringing-tickets-26948949032
Keats House by Candlelight
- 15 December 2016 8-9:30pm
Join our knowledgeable guides for an evening tour and a magical opportunity to see Keats House dressed for the festive season and illuminated by candlelight. Finish the evening with a glass of wine and a mince pie in our majestic Chester Room.
There will be two identical tours of the house at 6.30 – 8pm and 8 – 9.30pm. Tickets are valid for one tour only.
Suitable for
- 18+
Admission
£15, booking required (includes a glass of wine and a mince pie)
Website
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/keats-house-by-candlelight-tickets-26949036293
Keats House by Candlelight
- 15 December 2016 6:30-8pm
Join our knowledgeable guides for an evening tour and a magical opportunity to see Keats House dressed for the festive season and illuminated by candlelight. Finish the evening with a glass of wine and a mince pie in our majestic Chester Room.
There will be two identical tours of the house at 6.30 – 8pm and 8 – 9.30pm. Tickets are valid for one tour only.
Suitable for
- 18+
- Not suitable for children
Admission
£15, booking required (includes a glass of wine and a mince pie)
Website
http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/keats-house-by-candlelight-tickets-26949010215
Family Day: Festival of Lights
- 18 December 2016 1-4pm
Hear wintry folktales from around the world with storyteller Olivia Armstrong.
You can also help us light up the darkening nights by making a tea light holder using recycled materials. They make a fabulous festive gift too!
Suitable for
- Any age
Admission
Free, no booking required
Website
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/family-day-festival-of-lights-tickets-26949084437
Keats in the City Guided Walk
- 31 December 2016 11am-1:30pm
Meet at Moorgate tube station. Follow in the footsteps of John Keats, the radical medical student, and discover the London haunts of this ‘Cockney Poet’. From Keats’s birthplace we explore areas where he lived and studied, including Cheapside, Apothecaries’ Hall and Guy’s Hospital. Enjoy readings from Keats’s poems and letters along the way.
Admission
£12/10 concessions, booking essential
Website
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/keats-in-the-city-guided-walk-tickets-26949165680
Big Draw
Art activities using images and documents as inspiration. The visual work would be a way in to the story of slavery and abolition and would involve group work as well as individual activities
How to obtain
Available throughout October 2007. Contact Keats House for furhter details
Expressions of Identity – creative writing events
Exploring personal and community identity through the stories of people from the past and the present.
How to obtain
Available throughout October 2007 and on request
My Local Area - The Peopling of London
Linked to our local history walks identifying buildings and places with links to slavery and anti-slavery, this session explores the impact of the slave trade on local areas
How to obtain
Available June 2007 and on request. Contact Keats House for more information.
Romanticism, Politics and Protest
Understanding Romanticism as a means of political protest through the works of writers and thinkers of the day. Keats and Leigh Hunt provide a starting point and includes Equiano, Sterne, William Cuffay and William Davidson
How to obtain
Available throughout June 2007 and on request. Contact Keats House for further details.
The Road to Abolition – Gifted and Talented Summer College
An exploration of the anti slavery campaigns and the tradition / legacy of protest and reform
How to obtain
Available throughout July 2007. Contact Keats House for further details
Getting there
By Tube (Northern Line, Edgware branch):
Hampstead tube to Keats House – 750m or just under half a mile (mostly downhill)
Belsize Park tube to Keats House – 750m or just under half a mile (up and downhill)
By London Overground:
Hampstead Heath train station – approximately 100m
By Bus:
Buses 24, 46, 168 and C11 all go to South End Green, next to Hampstead Heath Station; Bus 268 goes to the Rosslyn Hill junction with Downshire Hill
Keats House
Keats Grove
Hampstead
London
Greater London
NW3 2RR
England
Website
keatshouse@cityoflondon.gov.uk
Telephone
020 7332 3868
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