Where Lady Chatterley Danced Naked through the Vines with Her Sicilian Lover; Frank Barrett Visits Taormina,home to D.H.Lawrence in the 1920s and Inspiration for His Classic Tale of Lust

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Byline: FRANK BARRETT

WALKING beyond the limits of Corso Umberto, the pedestrianised main street of Taormina, is not something you undertake lightly. Sicilian road users drive with a terrifying disregard for their own and other people's safety - anybody crazy enough to stroll the narrow highways (most of which are pavement-free) is taking his life in his hands.

On the point of turning back after one nervy excursion, I suddenly spotted a street sign saying 'Via David Herbert Lawrence', better known as D.H.

Lawrence, author of Lady Chatterley's Lover. But why here?

The lady at the tourist office felt sure Lawrence had been a local resident but went off to ask someone who might know more. She skipped back with excitement: 'Yes, his house is on the Via Lawrence - there is a plaque.' Her informant barked more information from a back room: 'He was inspired to write L'Amante Di Lady Chatterley when he was here . . . how do …