Oscar Wilde in Lyme Regis

Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900) was one of the most celebrated playwrights of the nineteenth century. He was born in Dublin (where the statue pictured on the left can be seen), but spent his later years in London. He came to Lyme Regis for a holiday in 1891, and stayed at the Old Monmouth Hotel  (then called the White Hart). According to a sign inside the hotel, Wilde scratched his name on a window!

Thanks to Patience Gent for drawing my attention to this story. Patience also mentioned that the parents of the 20th century novelist John Masters used to live in Lyme Regis.

For the many other literary figures associated with Lyme, see the Museum's Writers and Artists page.