Robert Tressell
(1870-1911)

Died aged c. 41

Robert Noonan (17 April 1870 – 3 February 1911), born Robert Croker and best known by the pen name Robert Tressell, was an Irish writer best known for his novel The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists. Tressell spent his entire early adult working life in South Africa. It was in Johannesburg that he was drawn into labour organisation and socialist politics. In Johannesburg, he was also involved with some of the leading protagonists of Irish nationalism. Having arrived back in England he worked as a painter and decorator in Hastings and wrote his novel The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, probably between 1906 and 1910, 'about exploitative employment when the only safety nets are charity, workhouse and grave.' George Orwell called it a wonderful book.

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Commemorated on 5 plaques

Robert Noonan 1870-1911 Author as Robert Tressell of "The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists" The first working-class novel written in this house 1906 - 1910

241 London Road, Hastings, United Kingdom where they wrote

Robert Tressell socialist reformer & writer lived here c.1901

Plynlimmon Road, Hastings, United Kingdom where they lived

Robert P Noonan born Robert Croker Dublin 18 April 1870 As Robert Tressell he wrote 'The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists' published in 1914 He died here at the Royal Infirmary 3 February 1911

70 Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom where they died (1911)

Robert Tressell born Robert Noonan socialist, painter signwriter and author of "The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists" 18th April 1870 - 3rd February 1911

37 Wexford Street, Dublin 2, Dublin, Ireland where they was born (1870)

Robert Noonan (Tressell) author: The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists born Dublin 18 April 1870 died Liverpool Royal Infirmary 3 February 1911 of tuberculosis.

70 Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom where they died (1911)