The Dennis Wheatley 'Museum'

Barbara Symonds - unrequited love

One of DW's photos of Barbara Symonds

DW's "Rules for Barbara"

Early in his relationship with Barbara, DW wrote himself
some fifty rules to help impress her. Amazingly they have
survived - this is the first page with the first eleven rules.

The peculiar numbering system has never been explained.

For a transcript of this page click here

One of DW's love letters to Barbara

For a transcript of this page click here

Barbara Symonds was DW's first, deep, and unrequited love.

DW met her when he was seventeen, and as described in the introduction to this Room, he was obsessed with her for five years.

DW was always buying her flowers and gifts, and he wore her photo in a locket worn round his neck throughout World War I. To see the photo in the locket see the Room on World War One.

References : 'The Young Man Said' page 244.
'Officer and Temporary Gentleman' pp 70-1,71-3,100,133, 218-19, 231,
234-6,239,24-2,243-4.
'Drink and Ink' pp 19,24-5,27,42.
Phil Baker pp 81,113,114,135,144,151,175,230,303.

Provenance:

Photo - 'The Young Man Said'
'Rules' and letter - Private Collection

The Dennis Wheatley 'Museum' - The Women in DW's life

Barbara Symonds - unrequited love