Oscar Wilde's British Library card reissued 130 years after being revoked over gay conviction

The celebrated Irish writer had his pass revoked in 1895 after being imprisoned for a gay relationship.

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The celebrated novelist, poet and playwright was excluded from the library's reading room in 1895 over his charge for having had homosexual relationships, which was a criminal offence at the time.

The new card, which will be collected by his grandson, author Merlin Holland, on Thursday, is intended to "acknowledge the injustices and immense suffering" Wilde faced, the library said.

Mr Holland said the new card is a "lovely gesture of forgiveness and I'm sure his spirit will be touched and delighted".

The decision to revoke Wilde's pass for the library - then the British Museum reading room - was recorded without comment in the trustees' minutes for 15 June 1895.