Charles Dickens Museum

Charles Dickens’ Museum Has the World’s Greatest Collection of Dickens’ Works:

Charles Dickens Museum - London

Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth, Hampshire in 1812 and at the age of three, the family moved to London. He has lived in many different homes throughout his lifetime in London, but the Georgian terraced house at 48 Doughty Street in Holborn is the only Dickens house that has survived. This is now the home of the Charles Dickens Museum.

Dickens’ House at 48 Doughty Street

In March 1837, a year after his marriage, Charles Dickens and his wife Catherine moved into 48 Doughty Street and lived here till December 1839. This house was designed by Sir John Sloan for himself, but Sloan died in 1837. Mary and Kate, two of the Dickens’ oldest daughters were born in this house. Dickens’ younger brother Frederick came to live in this house as did Mary, Catherine’s 17 year old sister. Mary unfortunately died here after a brief illness.

During his time at 48 Doughty Street, Dickens was most productive and he wrote the whole of Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickleby, completed the Pickwick Papers and worked on Barnaby Rudge.

The family moved to a grander home in 1839 as Dickens’ wealth grew and his family size increased.

48 Doughty Street was acquired by the Dickens Fellowship, renovated and opened as a Museum in 1925. It holds the world’s most important collection of paintings, rare editions, manuscripts, original furniture and other items relating to the life and work of Dickens. Although written in Victorian times, Charles Dickens’ novels and short stories continue to influence the world. Spread over four floors of the Museum, visitors will be see the originals of his works as well as take a peak into Dickens’ world.

Entry to the Museum Cafe, garden and gift shop is free. They also have complimentary wireless internet access

The Museum is open Monday – Sunday from 10:00 – 17:00.

Getting to the Museum:
By Bus : 7, 17, 19, 38, 45, 46, 55, 243.
By Underground: Piccadilly Line (Russell Square Station) Central Line (Chancery Lane or Holborn)

Address:
Charles Dickens Museum
48 Doughty Street
London
WC1N 2LX

Map of London:

Charles Dickens Museum