To celebrate the bicentenary of Dickens’ birth we asked film/literary historian, Sandra Shevey to tell us a bit more about his links to the borough of Camden.

“Charles Dickens spent most of his life in the borough of Camden and it is the scenes from early life which are reconceived in the great novels. Camden was one of London`s poorest boroughs, and thus proved an ample subject for much of the author`s political and social rhetoric.

“Any number of actual places from the time find their way into Dickens` novels albeit in fictionalised ways. The Field Lane Ragged School at Saffront Hill became Fagin`s den of thieves. The Bayham Street residence of Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim were scenes from his own life. The poverty, the debt, and the lack all comprise elements of the great author`s spare childhood.

“Charles Dickens portrait of London is one of the most profound and moving because it references the utter despair of the place as well as its inherent charm and character.”

Sandra has created two walks for people to find out more about Dickens:

Stations of the Cross: Charles Dickens in Camden

Every Sunday, 11am till 2pm.
The walk identifies all the places where Dickens lived as a boy and which feature in the novels.
Cost £25 excl.
Contact: sandra_shevey@yahoo.com

Dickens in Film

Tuesdays and Fridays, 11am till 2pm
The walk references film/literary locations from`Oliver Twist`, `A Christmas Carol` and `Little Dorrit` dotted not only across Camden but the City of London and Southwark too. Original storyboards from Christine Edzard`s film of `Little Dorrit` contribute to an understanding of literary adaptation.
Cost £25 excl.
Contact: sandra_shevey@yahoo.com
 

There are also a number of walks in Holborn:

Charles Dickens and Oliver

Charles Dickens and Barnaby Rudge

Charles Dickens and sketches by Boz

If you can't make any of these walks why not download the Dickens Walk from Love Camden and find out more about Dickens at a time that suits you.