Charles Dickens is one of the most celebrated authors in the world, and his works have been beloved by readers for generations. His novels captured the essence of Victorian London, and his descriptions of the city’s streets and neighborhoods are still vividly remembered today.
If you’re a fan of Dickens, you might be curious about where he lived during his time in London. Here’s a rundown of some of the places he called home.
1. 48 Doughty Street
Charles Dickens’ first London home was at 48 Doughty Street in Bloomsbury. This is where he wrote some of his most famous works, including “Oliver Twist” and “Nicholas Nickleby.” The house has now been turned into a museum dedicated to Dickens’ life and works, and it’s well worth a visit if you’re a fan.
2. Furnival’s Inn
After leaving Doughty Street, Dickens moved to Furnival’s Inn in Holborn. This was a set of chambers that he shared with other writers, including William Makepeace Thackeray. Furnival’s Inn no longer exists, but there is a plaque on the site commemorating its literary history.
3. 1 Devonshire Terrace
In 1839, Dickens moved to 1 Devonshire Terrace in Marylebone with his wife Catherine and their growing family. This was one of his favorite homes, and he wrote many famous works there, including “David Copperfield” and “Bleak House.” The house has since been demolished, but again there is a plaque on the site commemorating its literary history.
4. Tavistock House
In 1851, Dickens moved to Tavistock House in Tavistock Square in Bloomsbury. This was a large house that he shared with his family and also used as his workplace.
It was here that he wrote “A Tale of Two Cities” and “Great Expectations.” Tavistock House has since been demolished, but there is a garden on the site named after Dickens.
5. Gad’s Hill Place
Finally, in 1856 Dickens moved to Gad’s Hill Place in Higham, Kent. This was a country home that he had admired as a child and had always dreamed of owning.
He wrote some of his later works there, including “Our Mutual Friend” and “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.” Gad’s Hill Place is now a private residence, but you can still see it from the road.
- In conclusion, Charles Dickens lived in several different places during his time in London. Each of these homes played an important role in his life and career, and many of them have been commemorated with plaques or turned into museums. If you’re a fan of Dickens’ work, it’s well worth taking a tour of these locations to get a sense of where he lived and wrote.