On this day, 12 March, in 1852, the writer Charles Dickens published the first part of his novel “Bleak House”. Dickens wrote many of his famous literary works in instalments which were published over a period of months, and in doing so he often created “cliffhanger endings” to encourage readers to purchase the next instalment in the series. This has become very familiar to us nowadays with soap operas and TV dramas, but it was innovative and ground-breaking at the time.
“Bleak House” was published in twenty parts, at the rate of one every month, with each instalment costing one shilling. The story centres around a protracted legal case concerning a disputed inheritance, and is seen as Dickens’ criticism of the corruption in the legal system and the suffering it can cause.
There is a Dickens link with Kent, as the author has strong connections with the county. He spent time in the Medway towns as a child, as his father worked at Chatham Dockyard. As an adult he lived in Rochester, and he spent considerable amounts of time in Canterbury and Broadstairs.
However, the “Bleak House” which can be found on a cliff-top overlooking the quaint seaside town of Broadstairs was not in fact the inspiration for Dickens’ fictional version. The house was renamed long after the writer’s death, in his honour. It was previously known as Fort House, and Dickens rented it for his family every summer for 13 consecutive years. He described it as his “most desired” residence in the town, and as “an airy place” where he is known to have written some parts of “David Copperfield.” It is possible that he did begin to pen “Bleak House” during one of his trips here.
Dickens and his family also stayed in a number of other places in Broadstairs, and they often used to arrive by paddle steamer along the Thames Estuary from London. He entertained many friends and acquaintances, including the Danish writer of fairytales, Hans Christian Anderson, and they were known to have dined at the Albion Hotel on the seafront. Dickens wrote an affectionate tribute to the town, calling it “Our English Watering Place.” He enjoyed going for a stroll in the clean coastal air, as well as swimming in the sea, and praised Broadstairs, stating, “You cannot think how delightful and fresh the place is and how good the walks.”
The Dickens House Museum can be found on the promenade, in the former tearoom frequented by the Dickens family, run by an eccentric spinster named Miss Mary Pearson Strong. His character Betsey Trotwood, from “David Copperfield,” is believed to be based on Miss Strong. Both women apparently shared a dislike of the donkeys that were once found offering rides to tourists on the nearby beach! The museum has recreated the parlour as it was described by Dickens, and there are some of his possessions and furniture on display.
This quaint seaside town became a popular 19th century resort, when seaside holidays and day trips became more common amongst the Victorians, especially due to the introduction of the railway, which enabled ordinary people to travel much more easily and affordably. The town still has much to offer to visitors – Broadstairs is accessible by train from London in less than an hour and a half. A walking tour with an accredited guide is one of the best ways to make sure you don’t miss any of the hidden details. For those particularly interested in Charles Dickens’ life and works, a full-day Dickens themed tour around Kent can also be arranged, visiting his former homes and the places that inspired his writing. Private transport can be organised, with pick-up from local train stations, hotels or even Dover cruise terminal.
Browse my website for ideas and inspiration of literary themed tours, or any other topic of interest. www.hereandtherewithclaire.co.uk
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