Portsmouth’s literary heritage is certainly inspiring: the birthplace of Charles Dickens, the childhood home of Rudyard Kipling, the workplace of HG Wells and the city where Arthur Conan Doyle began writing his Sherlock Holmes novels. This literary tradition continues today: Portsmouth has a growing live literature scene, particularly strong in poetry, along with an annual book festival. Writers and readers groups met across the city, and Portsmouth even has it's own Poet Laureate.

The Portsmouth Writers iPhone app will reveal Portsmouth as The Home of Great Writing. The Map will lead you to the wealth of historical sites around the city, as well as marking other relevant locations such as libraries, bookshops and venues. Also included is a News Feed, keeping you up to date on the latest stories and opportunites, as well as videos, podcasts and highlights from our literary collections; and an Events calendar showcasing how you can expericence the city's writing and storytelling.