George Orwell
George Orwell (1903 to 1950) was a British journalist and author, who wrote two of the most famous novels of the 20th century 'Animal Farm' and 'Nineteen Eighty-Four'.
In 1932, Eric Blair was just starting his career as the writer, 'George Orwell' - a name inspired by the river Orwell in Suffolk.
He worked on Down and out in Paris and London and also found time to write a play for the boys at The Hawthorns School, Hayes, where he was a teacher. The school has gone but the Fountain House Hotel stands on the site.
In 1933, Orwell moved to Frays College, Uxbridge. One afternoon, whilst out for a ride on his motorcycle, he was caught in a downpour of rain. Without protective clothing, he was soon soaking wet. Pneumonia followed. He was treated in Uxbridge Cottage Hospital. When he left there to convalesce in Southwold, Suffolk, he did not return to this part of London.