Marguerite Antonia Radclyffe Hall (1880 to 1943), was born at Sunny Lawn on Durley Road in Bournemouth and became one of England’s most significant writers. Best known for her ground breaking novel The Well of Loneliness (1928) a hugely influential modern classic of lesbian literature.
A controversial classic
The publication of The Well of Loneliness resulted in a trial for obscenity. Despite the defence of authors such as E.M. Forster, Virginia Woolf, and Arnold Bennett, it was banned, and the first print run was pulped.
It has subsequently become acknowledged as an important pioneering work. In adulthood, Hall often went by the name John, rather than Marguerite, dressed in masculine trousers, monocles, and hats, and self-identified as a ‘congenital invert’, after the terminology of sexologists of the day.
The inheritance she received from her wealthy, philandering father meant Hall did not need to work or marry into money to survive. This freed her up to pursue her writing, and women, most of whom she lost to marriage until she met Mabel Batten, 24 years her senior.
Batten introduced Hall to her circle of female artists and intellectuals, and encouraged her to publish.
Hall died in 1943 at the age of 63 in London.
Get creative: writing prompts
Taking inspiration from Radclyffe Hall's books complete the following exercises.
Line of desire
Write about someone or something you deeply desire from the core of your being. Is that longing returned, or does it remain unattainable?
Changing identities
Step into the shoes of someone entirely different, of a different gender, sexuality, age, ethnicity, income, ability, beliefs or anything you wish. Imagine their daily life, challenges, and joys.
Pier pressure
Take a walk along the pier and jot down everything you see, hear, and feel. Write a scene, poem, or dialogue set in this dynamic environment, perhaps inspired by the classic seaside novel of Brighton Rock.
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Explore Bournemouth like Hall
The hotel is a short walk from West Cliff, where beautiful views can be seen from West Cliff Gardens. West Cliff Zig Zag will take you down to the beach. Cafés and eateries can be found towards Durley Chine (West) or Bournemouth Pier (East).
Things to do at this location:
- walk along the pier: Reflect on the atmosphere and changing scenery as you stroll. Imagine Hall taking inspiration from the seaside views
- Hall’s childhood home can still be seen and visited today as Durley Grange Hotel, 6 Durley Road
- consider Hall’s bold approach to identity and how it influenced her creativity