A PLAQUE in honour of a Victorian novelist has been erected near her former Tottenham home.

Charlotte Riddell, aka Mrs J.H. Riddell, was born in 1832 in Ireland. Following her father's death, she emigrated to London with her mother in 1855.

She married civil engineer Joseph Riddell in 1857 and went on to write more than 50 novels and hundreds of ghosts stories to become one of the most popular and influential writers of the Victorian period.

She was also editor of the prestigious St James's Magazine and a leading light in the thriving literary community.

However, unlike other 19th Century female authors, Charlotte is not widely known.

The historic building project, a joint effort between Haringey Council, Hornsey Historical Society and the Muswell Hill and Fortis Green Association, has now ensured Charlotte will be remembered forever.

It is believed Charlotte lived at St John's Lodge, in St Ann's Road — known then as Hanger Lane — with her husband Joseph, between 1868 and 1873, but moved when the quiet suburb began to be built up and lose its rural charm.

St John's Lodge has long been demolished, so the commemorative plaque was erected near the entrance to St Ann's Hospital on Monday to coincide with International Women's Day.

Charlotte died a widow in 1906.

Crime writer Alison Joseph, of the successful Sister Agnes series, helped to unveil the plaque.

The Haringey resident said: "What interests me is that Charlotte Riddell was so popular in Victorian times but after her death was virtually forgotten.

"Perhaps despite its popularity, her Gothic novels did not stand the test of time in the same way softer novels from the Jane Austens and Emily Brontes have done.

"I think that's why this plaque scheme is so fantastic. History defines an area and having the plaque there tells us who walked before us, how a place has changed, and brings back to life amazing women like Charlotte Riddell who are otherwise buried in the past."