Famous Devon Figures

Oscar Wilde
Oscar, second son of Sir William and Lady Jane Wilde, was born Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills on October 16, 1854. At school he was embarrassed by his names, at university proud, and later dismissive, saying "As one becomes famous, one sheds some of them, just as a bolloonist when rising higher sheds unnecessary ballast". In 1892 Oscar, at the suggestion of his wife Constance, came to stay at Babbacombe Cliff Torquay where he completed his play 'A Woman of No Importance'and where he entertained his lover Lord Alfred Douglas .