Our walk this year took us to Chelsea where we learned about the many literary and artistic connections of this part of London. Blue plaques adorned many of the beautiful houses we saw and our leader Charles had stories to tell about all of them.
We stopped outside the Cadogan Hotel which is currently being re-furbished and heard how Oscar Wilde was arrested there. Then on through quiet squares and roads to Tite Street, home to many late 19th and early 20th century artists such as Whistler, Sargent and Augustus John.
Unusually for this area we came across a very dilapidated house with broken windows and gutters. We were shocked to learn that Durham Cottage had been the home of Laurence (Lord) Olivier when he was married to Vivian Leigh. A shame to see such a pretty house looking so sadly neglected.
Last on our literary stroll was Cheyne Walk, a very pretty street with front gardens full of roses and clematis. here George Eliot, Bertrand Russell and Bram Stoker, among many others lived and worked.