Discover a literary paradise
The only surviving home of the visionary poet, parliamentarian and pamphleteer John Milton.
Welcome
Milton’s Cottage is the only surviving residence of one of the world’s greatest poets, John Milton. It’s the place where he sought refuge during the Great Plague of 1665 to complete his epic masterpiece, Paradise Lost.
Today, this Grade I listed timber-frame building is open to the public as a writer’s house museum, so that everyone can experience where literary history was made.
What’s On
Printing the Revolution
Demons’ Ink
John Milton
John Milton (1608–1674) was a visionary poet, pamphleteer and parliamentarian.
Best known for his epic poem Paradise Lost, Milton is also a leading advocate of liberty. As Cromwell’s Secretary for Foreign Tongues (and unofficial spin doctor for our only republican government) he played a significant role in the revolutionary upheaval that brought modern Britain to birth.
His writing has shaped our society, and its influence can still be seen in our literature, politics, and even the language we speak: he is credited with bringing more words into the English language than any other writer, including Shakespeare.
Explore Milton’s Cottage
Milton’s Cottage opened as a museum in 1887, making us one of the oldest writer’s house museums in the world. As well as first and rare editions of Paradise Lost, our collection celebrates the extraordinary breadth of John Milton’s writing, from his early poetic works to his iconic prose pamphlets on social, religious, political and press freedoms.
We are also home to a unique literary garden, inspired by Milton’s description of the Garden of Eden in Paradise Lost and planted with trees, flowers and fruits that are referenced in his poetry.
Support us
Milton’s Cottage receives no regular or statutory funding, and we rely on the generosity of supporters who share our passion for Milton, literature and liberty.
Your donations make the work of Milton’s Cottage possible, helping to protect an irreplaceable literary landmark for future generations as well as making literature, heritage and creativity accessible to everyone.
Every donation makes a difference. Find out more about the ways in which you can support us here.