Blake's Jerusalem cottage bought following campaign

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William Blake's cottage
Image caption,

The 17th century cottage will be restored and renovated

The cottage where William Blake wrote his most famous poem, Jerusalem, has been bought by the Blake Society.

He lived in the cottage in Felpham, near Bognor Regis, from 1800 to 1803.

When it went on the market in 2013 a fundraising campaign backed by Stephen Fry, Russell Brand and society president Philip Pullman was launched in a bid to buy it.

After raising £500,000, the trust has now bought the Grade II-listed thatched cottage.

It will be restored and could be used as a "refuge" for artists and musicians.

Tim Heath, who is the chairman of the Blake Society, said: "One idea is to let it out to people who would love to stay in William Blake's cottage, to sleep in Blake's bed.

"Part of the year it could be let out to people who would pay a premium to inhale Blake, and that would subsidise others like artists and musicians looking for respite and refuge.

"And finally, the cottage would have an element of public access."

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England's 'maverick' artist

William BlakeImage source, Getty Images
  • Visionary poet and engraver William Blake is recognised among the greatest contributors to English literature and art.

  • Blake was born in Soho in 1757 and spent most of his life in London.

  • His long list of works, including 1789's Songs of Innocence, are said to show "relentless energy and drive".

View a slideshow of paintings by William Blake

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