Attention time travellers and literary enthusiasts: set your sights on Portsmouth in February 1812, where a baby named Charles Dickens has just entered the world. This future titan of literature would go on to create unforgettable characters, from Ebenezer Scrooge to Oliver Twist, and capture the struggles of Victorian England with wit and heart. A week-long visit to Portsmouth offers the perfect opportunity to explore the world that shaped Dickens and the city he called home in his earliest years.
Day 1: Arrival in Portsmouth – A Port City of Change
Destination: Old Portsmouth Docks
Step off your time machine and into the bustling naval hub of Portsmouth, a city alive with maritime trade and military importance. Begin your journey at the docks, where the sights, sounds, and smells of shipbuilding and sea trade set the tone for Dickens’ birthplace. Take a moment to admire the tall ships and interact with sailors sharing tales of their adventures on the high seas.
Day 2: Visit the Dickens Birthplace Museum
Destination: 1 Mile End Terrace (Now 393 Old Commercial Road)
The star attraction of your trip is the house where Charles Dickens was born. Now a charming museum, this modest Georgian terrace home offers a glimpse into the humble beginnings of a literary giant. Explore the rooms filled with period furnishings and Dickensian memorabilia, and imagine the world through the eyes of a newborn who would grow up to write stories that shaped Victorian England.
Day 3: Explore Georgian Portsmouth
Destination: High Street and Gunwharf Quays
Stroll along Portsmouth’s High Street, where Georgian architecture meets maritime charm. Visit local shops and enjoy a meal at a historic tavern to get a taste of life in early 19th-century England. Then, head to Gunwharf Quays to witness the bustling commercial activity of the era. It’s easy to see how Dickens might have drawn inspiration from the vibrant characters of this thriving port city.
Day 4: Discover Portsmouth’s Naval Heritage
Destination: HMS Victory and the Historic Dockyard
Dive into the naval history that loomed large over Dickens’ birthplace. Visit HMS Victory, Lord Nelson’s flagship during the Battle of Trafalgar, and explore the historic dockyard. The pride and power of the Royal Navy were integral to Portsmouth’s identity, providing a backdrop of industry and perseverance that Dickens often wrote about in his novels.
Day 5: Trace Dickens’ Legacy
Destination: Portsmouth Central Library and The Hard
Spend a day exploring the literary legacy of Dickens. Visit Portsmouth Central Library to view exhibits on his life and works. Then, take a walk through The Hard, a bustling area that once embodied the struggles and triumphs of working-class life—a theme Dickens would later explore with vivid empathy.
Day 6: A Day Trip to Chatham
Destination: Chatham Dockyard and Dickens World
Venture outside Portsmouth to Chatham, where Dickens spent much of his childhood. Explore the dockyard that influenced his fascination with hard work and resilience. Visit the immersive Dickens World attraction to step into the streets of Victorian London, encountering some of his most famous characters along the way.
Day 7: Reflect on Dickens’ Impact
Destination: Southsea Common and The Solent
Conclude your week with a serene walk along Southsea Common, overlooking the Solent. Reflect on how Dickens’ works have shaped our understanding of social justice, family, and human perseverance. His stories remain as relevant today as they were in his time, offering timeless insights into the human condition.
Did You Know?
- Prolific Output: Dickens wrote 15 novels, hundreds of short stories, and numerous articles and essays, many serialized to eager Victorian audiences.
- Social Reformer: Dickens used his works to highlight social injustices, including poverty, child labour, and the need for education reform.
- A Global Icon: By the time of his death in 1870, Dickens was one of the most famous authors in the world, with a legacy that continues to influence literature and popular culture.
Tips for Time Travellers
- Pack for Port Weather: Portsmouth in February can be chilly and damp, so bring a warm cloak and sturdy boots.
- Blend In: Georgian fashion is a must to fit in with the locals—a cravat and waistcoat will do the trick.
- Read Ahead: Familiarize yourself with Dickens’ early works, such as Sketches by Boz, to deepen your appreciation for the places he’d later draw upon.
Want to Know More?
For further exploration of Charles Dickens’ life and works, check out these resources:
- Books:
- Charles Dickens: A Life by Claire Tomalin
- The Invisible Woman: The Story of Nelly Ternan and Charles Dickens by Claire Tomalin
- Websites:
- Charles Dickens Museum (www.dickensmuseum.com)
- Portsmouth Museums (www.portsmouthmuseums.co.uk)
- Articles:
- Charles Dickens and the Victorian Novel on BBC History Extra
- Portsmouth and Dickens: A Writer’s Roots in History Today
Portsmouth in February 1812 offers a fascinating glimpse into the world that shaped Charles Dickens. From the modest home where he was born to the bustling docks and vibrant streets of Georgian England, this city break is a literary pilgrimage and historical adventure rolled into one. Don’t forget your notebook—you might find inspiration for a novel of your own!
