The Indian-born author and poet, Rudyard Kipling, returned to London in 1889. His works include The Jungle Books (1894), Kim (1901) and Just-so Stories (1902). In 1907 he became the first English-language writer to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Noted for gardens in Rottingdean: (once part of The Elms, rented by Kip[ling for 3 guineas a week and where he wrote Stalky & Co, Kim and some of his famous Just So Stories).
The gardens later became derelict for many years under private ownership and eventually permission to build on them was sought. Fortunately, this was refused on appeal and the land was bought by The Preservation Society, who then restored the gardens creating the present Kipling Gardens. The gardens are considered a fine example of 'horticultural excellence' and have been frequent holders of the prestigious Green Flag, which is awarded to the best parks and green spaces in England and Wales.