Henry James 1843-1916

American writer lived in Lamb House, Rye from 1898-1916

Visit Lamb House

"To Henry James, Lamb House was more than a spirit.  It was a passion".  Simon Jenkins -  England's Thousand Best Houses

Lamb House now belongs to the National Trust and you can visit this fine 18th Century House with some of Henry James's possessions on display.

Lamb House is open:
Saturdays and Thursdays from March to October - 2.00-6.00. West Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7ES
See Lamb House website for details

History of Lamb House

Lamb House was built in 1723 by James Lamb and the same year he was chosen mayor for the first time. In 1726 George I, returning from Hanover to open parliament, was driven ashore by a terrible storm and landed at Camber Sands. James Lamb escorted the king to his house where the family entertained him for three days.  On the first night Mrs Lamb, who had to give up the best bedroom to the king, gave birth to a baby boy. The king acted as godfather at the christening of the Lamb's son who was given the name George.

Henry James

The famous American-born writer, Henry James, wrote 20 novels, 112 stories, 12 plays and a number of works of literary criticism. For more than 20 years he lived in London and in 1898 moved to Lamb House where his later novels were written. James loved his home in Rye which was visited by many other famous writers and artists. He became a British subject in 1915 and was awarded the OM in 1916. James suffered a stroke on December 2, 1915. He died in Rye on February 28, 1916.