Charles Dickens - Victorian Writer
Most Popular Novelist of the 19th Century, His work is Still Read
Born in Portsmouth, England, the work of the Victorian writer Charles Dickens is still relevant, as the number of film and stage adaptations of his work testifies.
Charles Dickens, one of Britain's most popular 19th century writers was born in 1812 in Portsmouth, the famous naval port in the south of England, home to Nelson's flagship The Victory, and the restored ship of Henry VIII's fleet, The Mary Rose
Dickens' writing career ran from 1836 to 1870 during which time he created unforgettable main characters like David Copperfield, Nicholas Nickelby, Oliver Twist, Magwich, Esther, Pip and Stanley Carton. These are familiar to people from Mongolia to Mexico and during the cold war (and until quite recently, I believe), the once communist countries used Dickens' writings as an example to their people of capitalist short-comings!
The popularity of the musical “Oliver” in both stage and film versions has glamourised the story somewhat and glossed over the poverty, but it has made a mighty impact on those who have seen it, sending them back to the source book to renew acquaintance with the rich characters who people the book. If the whole story cannot immediately be brought to mind, millions of people remember Oliver asking for “more gruel”.
“Nicholas Nickleby” has been a big success for the Royal Shakespeare Company of Stratford, England, who have performed the adapted play for television, and for stage in both London and Stratford.
Charles Dickens' father had been transferred from London to work in the Navy Pay Office in Portsmouth where his son was born, but he was transferred back to London in 1815, The young Charles therefore, lived in Portsmouth for only the first 3 years of his life. It is recorded though, that he returned to the town to research material for “Nicholas Nickleby” and twice to give readings of his work.
Portsmouth City Council nowadays honours the great man, and has preserved as a museum, the house in which the family lived from 1812-1815. It is furnished in the style of the early 19th century as his parents John and Elizabeth Dickens, first set up home there in 1809. The house can easily be found by visitors to Portsmouth, as the route is well signposted .
A series of Walks around Old Portsmouth taking in Dickens House & Museum take place during the summer (Telephone for details: +44 (0) 23 9282 7261). The Museum is open from Mid-April to September, 10.00 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.and closed from October to March apart from Charles Dickens' Birthday on 7th February when the house opens from 10.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m.
Admission: £3.00. Concessions for students and adults aged 60 or over, Children under 12 go free if accompanied by a full paying adult.
