GAD'S HILL PLACE

Gad's Hill Place was the country home of Charles Dickens for the last 14 years of his life, and the only house he ever owned. He first saw it as a small child, living in Chatham and walking in the Kent countryside with his father. The Georgian rectory on its hilltop site with spectacular views made an indelible impression on the imaginative boy. When he had risen far from his humble origins, and overcome the humiliations and heartbreak of his youth to become the greatest novelist of his age, he bought it. Gad's Hill was the much-loved retreat which represented his spectacular achievements, and where he returned for family life and recuperation. Here he completed A TALE OF TWO CITIES and wrote his last two novels, GREAT EXPECTATIONS and OUR MUTUAL FRIEND, and the unfinished MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD... Gad's Hill Place - the home of Charles Dickens - is open to the public one weekend each month between April and October. Booking is essential... He died in the house on June 9th, 1870,..

Registration numbers: 1140957 (W)

Primary location: Rochester United Kingdom