I was delighted to have an opportunity to visit the Dickens House Museum while in Broadstairs. Actually, how could I not, it’s a “must do” when visiting the town
Upon arrival, I was greeted not by the spectral Ebenezer Scrooge but by the Museum Manager, Sarah, who then entrusted me to the wonderfully knowledgeable Jo, one of the Museum’s team of dedicated volunteer guides, each of them passionate about Dickens.
The Museum was opened in 1973 by Charles Dickens’ grandson. It’s housed in a charming cottage in the centre of town, overlooking the sea, the house having been left to the local council on condition it became a museum. It’s well-known that Dickens often based his characters on real people – some more recognisable than others – and this quaint house once belonged to Miss Mary Pearson Strong, the inspiration for Betsey Trotwood in his eighth novel, David Copperfield. The Dickens family frequently visited Mary during their many stays in Broadstairs. One can imagine the family partaking of tea and cakes, the peace suddenly broken by Mary rushing outside to chase away beach donkeys being led across the front of her house, just as Betsey did in the novel.
The Museum itself is a treasure trove both for Dickens aficionados, lovers of literature and anyone interested in the Victorian era. Each room is a meticulous homage to the man and his work. The aforementioned parlour, with its Victorian decor, will immediately transport you to the 19th century. You’ll find it’s a faithful reproduction of the parlour illustrated by H. K. Browne (aka Phiz) in David Copperfield. It’s fascinating to gaze in from behind the rope barrier and pick out all its features.
Across the corridor, you’ll find priceless Dickens’ artifacts including a plethora of first editions of novels, manuscripts, letters and notes in the great man’s hand and pieces formerly owned by him that have since been donated or procured at auctions. Look out for letters in which Dickens praises Broadstairs as well as his actual writing box, a stunning mahogany sideboard and a number of prints by his main illustrator, Phiz.
A particular highlight is a beautiful writing desk, a replica of the one Dickens used, adorned with quills and inkwells such as he employed to write his great works. It’s marvellous that he was so prolific, with nary a typewriter in sight, let alone a computer!
In the corner, you’ll also find a charming doll’s house that’s a model of the Dickens’ family home in Danby Street, London WC1, perfectly depicted, not forgetting the family cat.
When you’ve climbed the stairs, the first thing you’ll see, set behind glass, is a mannequin of Miss Havisham, the tragic character from Great Expectations. She is eerily chilling, suspended in time here, just as she was in the novel.
For those with a penchant for Victoriana, the museum does not disappoint. On the first floor, a large glass display cabinet houses a great number of fascinating objects from purses to pipes and everything in between. Set yourself a challenge to work out the uses for some of the items before asking your guide or referring to the helpful reference on the wall.
A visit to the Dickens House Museum will leave you feeling a deep connection with the author and his world. It’s a place where the lines between fiction and reality blur, and one can almost hear the clatter of horse-drawn carriages and the chatter of Victorian society. It’s rather like stepping into a Dickens novel itself—rich with character, detail, and a touch of whimsy.
Before you leave, head back downstairs and make your way to the rear of the house where you’ll find a delightful gift shop, stocked, I’m pleased to say, with tasteful souvenirs. You won’t find any plastic ‘nodding Charles’ ornaments, and I remain delighted with my very classy mug and tea-towel.
Be sure to pick up a booklet showing you the Dickens Town Trail. An easy walk will take you to all the places that became part of the family’s many stays in Broadstairs. A number of locations are easily identified, being marked by wall plaques. The town is rightly proud of its association with the great man.
On exiting, we planned a jaunt to the nearby Bleak House, where Dickens spent many a summer holiday and penned parts of David Copperfield. The house, perched on the cliffs, offers stunning views of the coastline and a palpable sense of history. Now a private residence, we could only look through the gates where a dog and cat were lounging, seemingly unaware of their home’s famous provenance.
But to provide the sustenance for that trip, we first repaired to the airy Charles Dickens pub on the right-hand corner of the block, where we enjoyed picking out the names of Dickens’ novels scripted around the wooden canopy over the bar.
Keeping Dickens’ Broadstairs alive, the town holds an annual summer festival during which visitors and locals don Victorian dress and the town offers a number of free (donations welcomed) and paid events of historical interest including Dickens’ plays.
Dickens House Museum
2 Victoria Parade
Broadstairs
Kent
CT10 1QS
Dickens House Museum: https://www.dickensmuseumbroadstairs.com
Dickens’ Festival: https://www.broadstairsdickensfestival.co.uk
Special thanks to Sarah Wakefield, Josephine Frenton & Julie Edwards for making this article possible.
