‘The world is a comedy to those that think, a tragedy to those that feel’ (Horace Walpole)

First Published in 1764, Horace Walpole’s ‘The Castle of Otranto’ became the first gothic novel ever written and was established as the basis and influence for many other famous gothic novels to come such as Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’ and Ann Radcliffe’s ‘The Mysteries of Udolpho’.

On Wednesday 14th November, I went on an English Literature trip to visit the place that influenced Walpole’s renowned novel and to see where it all began. Walpole’s very own home is located in Strawberry Hill, Twickenham and tells a story within its self. Walpole’s home featured a range of interesting rooms and decor such as paintings of himself and his family members, historical artefacts to do with key periods of time such as the Tudor period and even the death bed of his father, Sir Robert Walpole who was the first and the longest serving British Prime minister, serving 20 years and 314 days in parliament (www.wikipedia.com)

One part of the exhibition that I found particularly interesting was the painting by the famous William Hogarth of a woman named Sarah Malcolm, most commonly known for killing three women and this painting is both chilling and interesting as it was made just two days before she was executed for murder.

It is interesting historical facts like these that make the house a story within its self. If you get the chance to, go and visit the house yourself. The Lost Treasures of Strawberry Hill exhibition is open until 24 February 2019. It is an amazing and unforgettable opportunity and I would highly recommend going if you get the chance. www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk/losttreasures