City of Westminster in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

John Dryden

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 26, 2026

1. John Dryden Marker

Inscription.
John Dryden (1631-1700)
Poet, critic and satirist
lived here 1668-1686

Erected by Seven Dials Trust.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. In addition, it is included in the Seven Dials Trust series list.

Location. 51° 30.733′ N, 0° 7.58′ W. Marker is in City of Westminster, England, in Greater London. It is on Long Acre east of Upper St Martin’s Lane, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 137 Long Acre, City of Westminster, England WC2E 9LD, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: William Hazlitt (here, next to this marker); John Logie Baird (within shouting distance

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

of this marker); Aldridge’s Horse Bazaar (within shouting distance of this marker); The Long Acre (within shouting distance of this marker); John Dryden Assaulted (within shouting distance of this marker); Sir Joshua Reynolds (within shouting distance of this marker); Agatha Christie Memorial (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Sir John Gielgud (1904-2000) (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in City of Westminster.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . . John Dryden (Seven Dials Trust). Excerpt:

A masterly translator of Virgil, Dryden was also a brilliant versifier, a discerning critic and a savage satirist. He has been called 'the literary dictator of his age' and the first master of modern English prose. Dryden had his admirers but also enemies. In 1679 he was mercilessly beaten up by three thugs in nearby Rose Street, by the Lamb and Flag. Who paid them and why remains a mystery, though the ultra-debauched but poetically gifted Earl of Rochester is the usual suspect. Another suspect was one of Charles II's mistresses.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 26, 2026

2. John Dryden Marker - wide view
Having managed to get away with praising Cromwell and Charles II, Dryden converted to Catholicism and remained doggedly loyal to James II, though it cost him posts of profit and honour, including the Laureateship. His wife accused him of preferring his books to her company and vowed to transform herself into a library volume to get her due share of attention. Dryden advised her to make it an almanac so he could at least change her annually. Later occupants of the building were Dryden Press, run by the printers J Davy & Sons in the late 19th century.

(Submitted on April 15, 2026.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 15, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 15, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.