Historian, social writer, ethical thinker and powerful public speaker, Thomas Carlyle lived in this 1708 Queen Anne terraced house, close to the Thames in Chelsea, from 1834 to 1881. His wife Jane is now considered one of the finest 19th century women of letters. Opened in 1895 as a literary shrine, it contains some of the Carlyles' furniture, books, pictures and personal possessions, together with portraits and memorabilia collected by devotees. There is a small walled garden and the surrounding streest are rich in literary associations.