D.H. Lawrence

Arguably the first famous writer from truly working class origins

David Herbert Lawrence was the son of a former school teacher and a Nottinghamshire coalminer, brought up in the small mining community of Eastwood at a time when modern industry began transforming the East Midlands countryside.

He made his debut as a novelist in 1911 with The White Peacock with settings that were heavily inspired by the local Nottinghamshire countryside. 

Lawrence's best known works are his novels, Sons & Lovers, The Rainbow and the controversial Lady Chatterley's Lover. Their style, language and frank treatment of subjects such as female sexuality changed the face of English literature and can still court controversy today. Lady Chatterley’s Lover became the centre of a famous indecency trial, marking an important transition in public views on censorship and the arts.

Lawrence also wrote poetry, short stories and essays, painted, and travelled widely in Europe, Mexico and Australia. However, the writer retained a deep feeling for his native Nottinghamshire – which he referred to as "the country of my heart".

Discover more at the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum, walk in Lawrence’s footsteps in Eastwood by taking the Blue Line Trail, and explore the countryside that inspired novels such as the Women in Love and Lady Chatterley's Lover.