Charles Dickens was born on the 7th February 1812. His first visit to Liverpool took place in 1838, Dickens became a regular visitor until April 1869, which was his last lecture in Liverpool.
1838
Charles Dickens first novel Pickwick Papers was serialised between 1836 - 1837, in November 1838 he made his first visit to Liverpool. During a trip to North Wales, with Hablot K. Browne who had planned to visit his son Edgar Browne who lived in Rodney Street, Liverpool, Dickens wrote a letter dated 3rd November 1838 to his colleague and friend John Forster, he wrote:
"I wrote you last night but by mistake the letter has gone to heavens knows where in my portmanteau. I have only time to say go straight to Liverpool by the first Birmingham train on Monday morning, and at the Adelphi Hotel in that town you will find me."
Dickens was aged 26 and this was his first known visit to Liverpool.
1842
Charles Dickens next visit to Liverpool was January 1842, it was during a planned visit to Boston, America, on the Cunard steamer 'The Britannia' that he arrived in Liverpool the day before the sailing. He stayed once again at the Adelphi Hotel.
On the eve of their 18 day voyage he wrote to his friend Thomas Mitton, letter dated 3rd January 1842.
1838
Charles Dickens first novel Pickwick Papers was serialised between 1836 - 1837, in November 1838 he made his first visit to Liverpool. During a trip to North Wales, with Hablot K. Browne who had planned to visit his son Edgar Browne who lived in Rodney Street, Liverpool, Dickens wrote a letter dated 3rd November 1838 to his colleague and friend John Forster, he wrote:
"I wrote you last night but by mistake the letter has gone to heavens knows where in my portmanteau. I have only time to say go straight to Liverpool by the first Birmingham train on Monday morning, and at the Adelphi Hotel in that town you will find me."
Dickens was aged 26 and this was his first known visit to Liverpool.
1842
Charles Dickens next visit to Liverpool was January 1842, it was during a planned visit to Boston, America, on the Cunard steamer 'The Britannia' that he arrived in Liverpool the day before the sailing. He stayed once again at the Adelphi Hotel.
On the eve of their 18 day voyage he wrote to his friend Thomas Mitton, letter dated 3rd January 1842.
"My Dear Mitton,
This is a short note, but I will fulfill the adage and make it a merry one. We came down in great comfort. Our luggage is now aboard. Anything so utterly and monstrously absurd as the size of our cabin, "no gentleman of England who lives at ease" can for a moment imagine. neither of the portmanteaus would go into it, there."
Charles Dickens returned home via Liverpool, 6 months later in June 1842.
1844
His next visit to Liverpool came as an invitation to take the chair of the Mechanics Institute (later re-named the Liverpool Institute on Mount Street the former school of Paul McCartney and George Harrison).
The date was 26th February 1844, at that time Charles was an established author and speaker, and a portrait of the young Dickens was commissioned to remember the occasion.
Charles was to receive a payment of £20.00 for his expenses to attend the Soiree, but he returned it to the secretary after he took advice from his friend Forster.
The admission fee for the evening was 3s.6d, and The Liverpool Mercury reported the event as follows:
"Upwards of 1200 gay, happy and intelligent beings thronged to listen to the voice of one of whose writings, by their truthfulness in the delineation of character in the lights and shadows of life, had before touched their feelings, warmed their hearts, and gladdened their sympathies."
This is a short note, but I will fulfill the adage and make it a merry one. We came down in great comfort. Our luggage is now aboard. Anything so utterly and monstrously absurd as the size of our cabin, "no gentleman of England who lives at ease" can for a moment imagine. neither of the portmanteaus would go into it, there."
Charles Dickens returned home via Liverpool, 6 months later in June 1842.
1844
His next visit to Liverpool came as an invitation to take the chair of the Mechanics Institute (later re-named the Liverpool Institute on Mount Street the former school of Paul McCartney and George Harrison).
The date was 26th February 1844, at that time Charles was an established author and speaker, and a portrait of the young Dickens was commissioned to remember the occasion.
Charles was to receive a payment of £20.00 for his expenses to attend the Soiree, but he returned it to the secretary after he took advice from his friend Forster.
The admission fee for the evening was 3s.6d, and The Liverpool Mercury reported the event as follows:
"Upwards of 1200 gay, happy and intelligent beings thronged to listen to the voice of one of whose writings, by their truthfulness in the delineation of character in the lights and shadows of life, had before touched their feelings, warmed their hearts, and gladdened their sympathies."
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Charles Dickens aged 32 - Portrait commissioned for the Mechanics Institute
1847
His next visit came as a performer at the Theatre Royal, Williamson Square, the date was 28th July 1847, and Charles was to appear in 'Every Man In His Humour' an amateur performance which also included John Forster in the cast.
Liverpool during that time was going through a major transformations, work had started in 1842 on St George's Hall, on Lime Street. Which became a regular venue for his lectures.
His next visit came as a performer at the Theatre Royal, Williamson Square, the date was 28th July 1847, and Charles was to appear in 'Every Man In His Humour' an amateur performance which also included John Forster in the cast.
Liverpool during that time was going through a major transformations, work had started in 1842 on St George's Hall, on Lime Street. Which became a regular venue for his lectures.
1848
The following years Liverpool welcomed Charles Dickens as a regular visitor.
On the 5th June 1848 his company performed 'The Merry Wives Of Windsor' and a farce titled, 'Love, Law and Physic.'
1852
On 13th and 14th February 1852 Dickens attended the Philharmonic Hall, 'Not So Bad As We Seem' by Bulwer Lytton and his own 'Mr Nightingale's Diary' which he wrote in 1851 with Mark Lemon.
This was a very successful trip for Dickens, he wrote to Bulwer Lytton the following day.
"I left Liverpool at 4 o'clock in the morning, and I am so blinded by excitement, gas and waving hats and hankerchiefs, that I can hardly see to write, but I cannot tell you what a triumph we had."
Dickens returned to the Philharmonic Hall later that year on September 3rd, performing 'Used Up', 'Charles XII' and 'Mr Nightingale's Diary' to an audience of 1,668.
The following years Liverpool welcomed Charles Dickens as a regular visitor.
On the 5th June 1848 his company performed 'The Merry Wives Of Windsor' and a farce titled, 'Love, Law and Physic.'
1852
On 13th and 14th February 1852 Dickens attended the Philharmonic Hall, 'Not So Bad As We Seem' by Bulwer Lytton and his own 'Mr Nightingale's Diary' which he wrote in 1851 with Mark Lemon.
This was a very successful trip for Dickens, he wrote to Bulwer Lytton the following day.
"I left Liverpool at 4 o'clock in the morning, and I am so blinded by excitement, gas and waving hats and hankerchiefs, that I can hardly see to write, but I cannot tell you what a triumph we had."
Dickens returned to the Philharmonic Hall later that year on September 3rd, performing 'Used Up', 'Charles XII' and 'Mr Nightingale's Diary' to an audience of 1,668.
1848
The following years Liverpool welcomed Charles Dickens as a regular visitor.
On the 5th June 1848 his company performed 'The Merry Wives Of Windsor' and a farce titled, 'Love, Law and Physic.'
1852
On 13th and 14th February 1852 Dickens attended the Philharmonic Hall, 'Not So Bad As We Seem' by Bulwer Lytton and his own 'Mr Nightingale's Diary' which he wrote in 1851 with Mark Lemon.
This was a very successful trip for Dickens, he wrote to Bulwer Lytton the following day.
"I left Liverpool at 4 o'clock in the morning, and I am so blinded by excitement, gas and waving hats and hankerchiefs, that I can hardly see to write, but I cannot tell you what a triumph we had."
Dickens returned to the Philharmonic Hall later that year on September 3rd, performing 'Used Up', 'Charles XII' and 'Mr Nightingale's Diary' to an audience of 1,668.
The following years Liverpool welcomed Charles Dickens as a regular visitor.
On the 5th June 1848 his company performed 'The Merry Wives Of Windsor' and a farce titled, 'Love, Law and Physic.'
1852
On 13th and 14th February 1852 Dickens attended the Philharmonic Hall, 'Not So Bad As We Seem' by Bulwer Lytton and his own 'Mr Nightingale's Diary' which he wrote in 1851 with Mark Lemon.
This was a very successful trip for Dickens, he wrote to Bulwer Lytton the following day.
"I left Liverpool at 4 o'clock in the morning, and I am so blinded by excitement, gas and waving hats and hankerchiefs, that I can hardly see to write, but I cannot tell you what a triumph we had."
Dickens returned to the Philharmonic Hall later that year on September 3rd, performing 'Used Up', 'Charles XII' and 'Mr Nightingale's Diary' to an audience of 1,668.
The Philharmonic Hall visitors book, 1858 signed by Charles Dickens
1858
Dickens returned to the Philharmonic Hall to give the first of his readings, each of the readings would last two hours, and he appeared over four days on the 18th, 19th 20th and 21st of August, on his first night the Philharmonic Hall was a sell out and Dickens performed to 2,300 people, during his lectures he read, 'Dombey and Son', 'Boots At Holly Tree Inn', 'Mrs Gamp' and the last lecture was, 'A Christmas Carol'.
Dickens also took the opportunity to sell his books at the lectures and soon sold out, in a letter to Forster he wrote,
"They turned away hundreds, sold all the books, rolled on the ground of my room knee-deep in cheques and made a perfect pantomime of the whole thing."
Dickens returned to the Philharmonic Hall on the 15th October and gave another two readings.
Dickens returned to the Philharmonic Hall to give the first of his readings, each of the readings would last two hours, and he appeared over four days on the 18th, 19th 20th and 21st of August, on his first night the Philharmonic Hall was a sell out and Dickens performed to 2,300 people, during his lectures he read, 'Dombey and Son', 'Boots At Holly Tree Inn', 'Mrs Gamp' and the last lecture was, 'A Christmas Carol'.
Dickens also took the opportunity to sell his books at the lectures and soon sold out, in a letter to Forster he wrote,
"They turned away hundreds, sold all the books, rolled on the ground of my room knee-deep in cheques and made a perfect pantomime of the whole thing."
Dickens returned to the Philharmonic Hall on the 15th October and gave another two readings.
1860
Dickens returned to Liverpool this time as a researcher on the book, 'The Uncommercial Traveller' which he started in 1859, during this visit Dickens joined the Liverpool Police Force, as a special constable where he would roam the area of the docks he used this experience in Chapter V, 'Poor Mercantile Jack' for the character 'Mercantile Jack'.
Dickens tells us of his own experience as a Special Constable:
"I had entered the Liverpool Police Force, that I might have a look at various unlawful traps which are every night set for Jack. As my term of service in that distinguished corps was short, and my personal bias in the capacity of one of its members has ceased, no suspicion will attach to my evidence that it is an admirable force. Besides that, it is composed, without favour, of the best men that can be picked, it is directed by an unusual intelligence. It organisation against fires, I take to be much better than the metropolitan system."
In Chapter VIII, 'The Great Tasmania's Cargo' Dickens goe's on to tell of his visit to the Liverpool Workhouse, to see the plight of solidiers returning from India.
"I entered the workhouse of Liverpool. For, the cultivation of laurels in a sandy soil, had brought the soldiers in question to that abode of Glory. Before going into their wards to visit them, I inquired how they had made their triumphant entry there? They had been brought through the rain in carts it seemed, from the landing-place to the gate, and had then been carried up-stairs on the backs of paupers. My hand and my heart fail me, in writing my record of this journey. The spectacle of the soldiers in the hospital-beds of that Liverpool workhouse (a very good workhouse, indeed, be it understood), was so shocking and so shameful, that as an Englishman I blush to remember it. It would have been simply unbearable at the time, but for the consideration and pity with which they were soothed in their sufferings."
Another Liverpool character to have an affect on Dickens was the plight of Sarah Biffin born in 1784, with no arms and stumps for legs. Sarah only learned to read and write as an adult, she was an accomplished artist, holding the paint brush with her mouth, despite of her handicap, she was well known for her paintings of miniatures. Sarah's later years where spent in Liverpool, living at No8 Duke Street, she died aged 66 in 1850, and was buried in St James Cemetery, Dickens went on to mention Sarah in his novels, 'Little Dorrit', 'Martin Chuzzelwit' and 'Nicholas Nickleby'.
Dickens returned to Liverpool this time as a researcher on the book, 'The Uncommercial Traveller' which he started in 1859, during this visit Dickens joined the Liverpool Police Force, as a special constable where he would roam the area of the docks he used this experience in Chapter V, 'Poor Mercantile Jack' for the character 'Mercantile Jack'.
Dickens tells us of his own experience as a Special Constable:
"I had entered the Liverpool Police Force, that I might have a look at various unlawful traps which are every night set for Jack. As my term of service in that distinguished corps was short, and my personal bias in the capacity of one of its members has ceased, no suspicion will attach to my evidence that it is an admirable force. Besides that, it is composed, without favour, of the best men that can be picked, it is directed by an unusual intelligence. It organisation against fires, I take to be much better than the metropolitan system."
In Chapter VIII, 'The Great Tasmania's Cargo' Dickens goe's on to tell of his visit to the Liverpool Workhouse, to see the plight of solidiers returning from India.
"I entered the workhouse of Liverpool. For, the cultivation of laurels in a sandy soil, had brought the soldiers in question to that abode of Glory. Before going into their wards to visit them, I inquired how they had made their triumphant entry there? They had been brought through the rain in carts it seemed, from the landing-place to the gate, and had then been carried up-stairs on the backs of paupers. My hand and my heart fail me, in writing my record of this journey. The spectacle of the soldiers in the hospital-beds of that Liverpool workhouse (a very good workhouse, indeed, be it understood), was so shocking and so shameful, that as an Englishman I blush to remember it. It would have been simply unbearable at the time, but for the consideration and pity with which they were soothed in their sufferings."
Another Liverpool character to have an affect on Dickens was the plight of Sarah Biffin born in 1784, with no arms and stumps for legs. Sarah only learned to read and write as an adult, she was an accomplished artist, holding the paint brush with her mouth, despite of her handicap, she was well known for her paintings of miniatures. Sarah's later years where spent in Liverpool, living at No8 Duke Street, she died aged 66 in 1850, and was buried in St James Cemetery, Dickens went on to mention Sarah in his novels, 'Little Dorrit', 'Martin Chuzzelwit' and 'Nicholas Nickleby'.
1861
Dickens visited Liverpool 15th December 1861 for a series of readings. When Dickens arrived news broke on the death of the Prince Concort who had died the day before, and Dickens was advised by The Liverpool Lord Mayor and Town Clerk to postpone the readings as a mark of respect for the Queen. Dickens who was staying at the Adelphi Hotel and wrote to the Assistant Editor of, 'All Year Round' W.H. Wills with reference to this request.
"I have been very doubtful what to do here, we have a great let for tomorrow night. The Mayor recommends closing tomorrow, and giving the Readings on Tuesday and Wednesday, so doe's the Town Clerk, so do other agents. But I have a misgiving that they hardly understand what the general sympathy of the public with the Queen will be. Further, I feel personally that the Queen has always been very considerate and gracious to me, and I would on no account do anything that might seem unfeeling or disrespectful. I shall attach great weight, in this state of indecision, to your telegram."
The Readings was cancelled and re-arranged for January 1862
1862
Dickens returned to Liverpool in January to honour his Readings, the venue was the Small Concert Room in St George's Hall, which Dickens thought was ideal for his Readings, he gave three Readings, 'Bob Sawyer', 'David Copperfield' and 'Nicholas Nickleby' he was due to give another three Readings the following day, but feeling unwell he travelled over to Birkenhead to clear his head. he described this in a letter to Miss Hogarth.
"My Dearest Georgy,
The Beautiful room was crammed to excess last night, and numbers were turned away. Its beauty and completeness when it is lighted up are most brilliant to behold, and for a reading it is simply perfect. You remember that a Liverpool audience is usually dull, but they put me on my mettle last night, for I never saw an audience, no not even Edinburgh. I slept horribly last night, and have been over to Birkenhead for a little change of air today. My head is dazed and worn by gas and heat, and I fear that "Copperfield" and "Bob" together tonight won't mend it. I am going to buy two boys some Everton Toffee."
From the context of that letter you can feel that the constant touring and readings where taking a toll on Dickens now aged 50. It was a gap of four years before Dickens would return to Liverpool.
Dickens visited Liverpool 15th December 1861 for a series of readings. When Dickens arrived news broke on the death of the Prince Concort who had died the day before, and Dickens was advised by The Liverpool Lord Mayor and Town Clerk to postpone the readings as a mark of respect for the Queen. Dickens who was staying at the Adelphi Hotel and wrote to the Assistant Editor of, 'All Year Round' W.H. Wills with reference to this request.
"I have been very doubtful what to do here, we have a great let for tomorrow night. The Mayor recommends closing tomorrow, and giving the Readings on Tuesday and Wednesday, so doe's the Town Clerk, so do other agents. But I have a misgiving that they hardly understand what the general sympathy of the public with the Queen will be. Further, I feel personally that the Queen has always been very considerate and gracious to me, and I would on no account do anything that might seem unfeeling or disrespectful. I shall attach great weight, in this state of indecision, to your telegram."
The Readings was cancelled and re-arranged for January 1862
1862
Dickens returned to Liverpool in January to honour his Readings, the venue was the Small Concert Room in St George's Hall, which Dickens thought was ideal for his Readings, he gave three Readings, 'Bob Sawyer', 'David Copperfield' and 'Nicholas Nickleby' he was due to give another three Readings the following day, but feeling unwell he travelled over to Birkenhead to clear his head. he described this in a letter to Miss Hogarth.
"My Dearest Georgy,
The Beautiful room was crammed to excess last night, and numbers were turned away. Its beauty and completeness when it is lighted up are most brilliant to behold, and for a reading it is simply perfect. You remember that a Liverpool audience is usually dull, but they put me on my mettle last night, for I never saw an audience, no not even Edinburgh. I slept horribly last night, and have been over to Birkenhead for a little change of air today. My head is dazed and worn by gas and heat, and I fear that "Copperfield" and "Bob" together tonight won't mend it. I am going to buy two boys some Everton Toffee."
From the context of that letter you can feel that the constant touring and readings where taking a toll on Dickens now aged 50. It was a gap of four years before Dickens would return to Liverpool.
1866
In April Dickens returned to St George's Hall to give a lecture of five readings such was his popularity in Liverpool that on the first night an estimated 3,000 people had to be turned away.
1867
Dickens returned again to St George's Hall which was now his favorite venue, giving a series of reading in January and February, in a letter to Miss Hogarth he writes,
"The day has been very fine, and I have turned it to the wholesome account by walking on the sands at New Brighton all the morning. It is 'Copperfield' tonight, and Liverpool is the 'Copperfield' stronghold."
In November of 1867 Dickens travelled through Liverpool on his way to Boston, America, Dickens was touring America for a number of months returning in May 1868.
1868
In late 1868 Dickens was back in Liverpool appearing at St George's Hall on the 12th, 13th and 14th October and the 26th, 27th, and 28th, where he Read, 'David Copperfield' and 'Mr Chops, the Dwarf" to packed houses. Dickens health was suffering and in late 1868 Dickens agent announced a series of farewell tours for Dickens.
1869
Dickens returned to Liverpool for the last time on his farewell tour on the 5th-9th of April, he had planned to book his favourite venue St George's Hall, but the demand for tickets was so great that the venue was change to The Theatre Royal in Williamson Square one of the Reading chosen was 'Oliver Twist' and this made his Liverpool Tour a brilliant success.
The 9th April was to be his last performance in Liverpool. The following day 10th April 1869 Dickens was entertained in St George's Hall with a banquet held in his honour which was attended by the Lord Mayor and the great and the good of Liverpool. During the banquet a toast was made to Charles Dickens in which he replied,
"That Liverpool had never failed him when he had asked the help of her citizens in the cause of literature and benevolence, and that her response had been spontaneous, open handed and munificent."
During his farewell tour Dickens wrote...
"One of the pleasantest things I have experienced here this time is the way in which I am stopped in the streets by working men who want to shake hands with me, and tell me they know my books."
In April Dickens returned to St George's Hall to give a lecture of five readings such was his popularity in Liverpool that on the first night an estimated 3,000 people had to be turned away.
1867
Dickens returned again to St George's Hall which was now his favorite venue, giving a series of reading in January and February, in a letter to Miss Hogarth he writes,
"The day has been very fine, and I have turned it to the wholesome account by walking on the sands at New Brighton all the morning. It is 'Copperfield' tonight, and Liverpool is the 'Copperfield' stronghold."
In November of 1867 Dickens travelled through Liverpool on his way to Boston, America, Dickens was touring America for a number of months returning in May 1868.
1868
In late 1868 Dickens was back in Liverpool appearing at St George's Hall on the 12th, 13th and 14th October and the 26th, 27th, and 28th, where he Read, 'David Copperfield' and 'Mr Chops, the Dwarf" to packed houses. Dickens health was suffering and in late 1868 Dickens agent announced a series of farewell tours for Dickens.
1869
Dickens returned to Liverpool for the last time on his farewell tour on the 5th-9th of April, he had planned to book his favourite venue St George's Hall, but the demand for tickets was so great that the venue was change to The Theatre Royal in Williamson Square one of the Reading chosen was 'Oliver Twist' and this made his Liverpool Tour a brilliant success.
The 9th April was to be his last performance in Liverpool. The following day 10th April 1869 Dickens was entertained in St George's Hall with a banquet held in his honour which was attended by the Lord Mayor and the great and the good of Liverpool. During the banquet a toast was made to Charles Dickens in which he replied,
"That Liverpool had never failed him when he had asked the help of her citizens in the cause of literature and benevolence, and that her response had been spontaneous, open handed and munificent."
During his farewell tour Dickens wrote...
"One of the pleasantest things I have experienced here this time is the way in which I am stopped in the streets by working men who want to shake hands with me, and tell me they know my books."
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