Her Majesty the Queen has paid a visit to the Charles Dickens House Museum to mark the centenary of the house’s public opening in 1925.
Her Majesty The Queen officially visited the Charles Dickens House Museum in London to commemorate its 100th anniversary since opening to the public in 1925. The visit emphasizes the ongoing significance of literary heritage and the lasting legacy of one of Britain’s greatest authors.
During her visit, Her Majesty toured the former home of Charles Dickens at 48 Doughty Street. Dickens lived here from 1837 to 1839, a key period in his life when he wrote some of his most famous works, including Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickleby. As she walked through the restored rooms of the Georgian townhouse, The Queen had the opportunity to view a collection of original manuscripts, personal belongings, and rare artefacts that are part of the museum’s permanent exhibition. These items offer a glimpse into Dickens’s literary achievements and his profound influence on Victorian society.
The visit also included a special reading session with actors Simon Callow and Miriam Margolyes, both patrons of the museum. They read a selection of letters written by Dickens, offering personal insights into the author’s character, wit, and social concerns. Their performance added a theatrical touch to the event, bringing Dickens’s voice vividly to life.
Recognized as the world’s most comprehensive archive of Charles Dickens materials, the museum houses over 100,000 items. The collection includes original drafts, first editions, artworks, correspondence, and furniture — all preserved to deepen public understanding of Dickens’s life and cultural impact.
In addition to exploring the exhibits, The Queen met with the dedicated staff and volunteers who tirelessly maintain and operate the museum. They shared their stories and discussed the museum’s value to visitors, schools, and scholars worldwide. Her Majesty expressed her deep appreciation for their commitment and the museum’s crucial role in preserving British literary history.
The Charles Dickens House Museum continues to serve as an important cultural and educational destination. The Queen’s visit not only marks a century of public access to this historic site but also reaffirms its role as a cornerstone of Britain’s literary and historical landscape.