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Thursday, 23rd July 2009 (923 views)

A gold engagement ring given by John Keats to his sweetheart is to go on display at the poet's former home when it reopens to the public tomorrow (July 24th).

Keats House is a Grade I-listed property in Hampstead and recently underwent a lottery-funded £424,000 refurbishment programme to restore its decor to its original state.

As well as the gold and almandine ring given by Keats to Fanny Brawne, the girl next door, items such as a gold oval brooch containing a lock of Keats's hair and a gold bracelet belonging to Ms Brawne will also be on display.

A gold locket belonging to a later resident of Keats House, actress Eliza Jane Chester, is additionally available for viewing.

Keats lived in the house between 1818 and 1820, and subsequently travelled to Rome where he died of tuberculosis at the age of 25.

His most famous works include Ode to a Nightingale, On a Grecian Urn, On Melancholy and La Belle Dame Sans Merci.

"The Heritage Lottery Fund is very proud of the immaculate renovation, which opens up new areas of the house, gives a moving insight into Keats's life and loves and will bring new, enthralled audiences to this 'melodious plot'," commented Wesley Kerr, chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund's London committee.

 

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