Plan to allow weddings at John Keats’ former Hampstead home hits opposition

A bid to host weddings at Keats House has met with opposition from residents who are less than enamoured with the idea.

The City of London Corporation wants to raise extra cash by holding wedding and civil partnership ceremonies at the Grade I listed house in Keats Grove, Hampstead, which was home to the poet John Keats from 1818 to 1820.

A wedding licence application has been lodged with Camden Council and the City has pledged that revenue raised will be invested in the public programme at the house, which is now a museum.

Three people have so far objected, with one resident of Heath Hurst Road, whose home backs onto the building, raising concerns about noise and a lack of consultation.

The resident told Heathman she was doubtful that the City would “keep to its word” on the extent of any wedding business.

A City spokesman said there would be no amplified music, no reception parties or dinners and just 30 ceremonies a year.

He added: “We will not allow marquees in the grounds and Keats House will not be closed to the public to conduct weddings.

“If granted, the licence will run for three years and arrangements will be reviewed after one year.”

The application is now with a London Fire Brigade risk assessment officer before Camden’s registrars make a decision.