Keats House

Keats House Review

It was in February 1820 that John Keats (1795-1821) coughed blood up into his handkerchief and exclaimed, "That drop of blood is my death warrant. I must die." He duly left his beloved home in Hampstead and moved to Rome, where he died of consumption, at just 25. Here you can see the plum tree under which the young Romantic poet composed Ode to a Nightingale; many of his original manuscripts; his library; and other possessions he managed to acquire in his short life. There are frequent guided tours and special events, such as poetry readings. The house has been restored to its original Regency style of decoration, and the design of the gardens is inspired by elements of Keats' poetry, such as "autumn" and "nightingale." The ticket gives you entry for a full year, so you can come back as often as you like. Picnics can be taken into the grounds during the summer.