A Walk Through Literary History – Charles Dickens’ Summer In Bonchurch

Born in Portsmouth on February 7, 1812, Charles John Huffam Dickens is widely regarded as one of the finest English authors of the Victorian era. Recognised for his work on enduring literature masterpieces and characters, Dickens achieved more recognition and popularity than any other author of his time.   Charles Dickens and his family spent the summer of 1849 in Bonchurch, a small village east of Ventnor, IOW. He enjoyed wandering through the village and its surroundings. Many of the locals he met influenced his writing. A handful of the local personalities feature in some of his most acclaimed literary works, including David Copperfield and Great Expectations.  

Miss Havisham, Great Expectations -1860

  At Holy Trinity Church in 1860, the morning of her wedding, Margaret Catherine Dick (Charles Dick’s sister) was abandoned by her fiancé at the altar. In her despair, she fled her family home to live in solitude at Madeira Hall.   Margaret Dick’s disastrous wedding day is often regarded as the inspiration for the character concept of Miss Havisham. She was also abandoned at the altar in Charles Dicken’s novel, Great Expectations. Opposite her home at Madeira Hall, a coach house and old stables were erected in 1860 for a “Miss Haviland”, now known as Haviland Cottage. A similar setting is described for Statis House in the novel.   It is believed that the character concept for Miss Havisham was based on Margaret Dick and named for Catherine Haviland, her neighbour. Miss Havisham is depicted as a wealthy, middle-aged woman who struggled with mental health issues thanks to her runaway would-be groom in her youth. In the novel, she lives in her once-opulent home and wears her wedding gown for the rest of her days.  

Mr Dick, David Copperfield- 1850

  Dickens’s Miss Betsy Trotwood considered her tenant and relative, Richard Babley (Mr Dick), as the wisest man in her company, although his family believed him to be somewhat peculiar and wanted him put away. Despite his childish demeanour, Mr Dick possessed common sense and was a David Copperfield supporter.   Mr Dick first appears in Chapter 13 of the novel. The first chapter Dickens wrote during his summer in Bonchurch. Local sources indicate that Charles Dickens became acquainted with the entire Dick family, led by Captain Samuel Dick, and frequently visited them at Uppermount residence. It was Charles George Dick who became a close friend to Dickens, and the two men, both 37 at the time, enjoyed many walks together, particularly up Saint-Boniface Down (Isle of Wight’s highest point), which was an ideal location for kite flying. Dickens named his character ‘Mr. Dick’ to honour his friend, but had conceptualised his character traits long before.   Samuel Dick passed at age 72 in 1856 and was laid to rest in the Ashford, Kent family vault. Charles Dick was laid to rest at Ventnor Cemetary at 77 in 1888.   Take A Walk Through Literary History   Flip back through the pages of history by visiting the Isle of Wight today. Literary fans will enjoy visiting Bonchurch and Ventnor to walk along many of the same pathways the late and Great Charles Dickens and some of his most memorable characters walked themselves.   The Best of Isle Of Wight Blog is full of intriguing articles about the Island and its attractions. Visit our page regularly to learn more.