Dickens and the workhouse.

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In today's Daily Telegraph a page is given to work of a researcher. Ruth Richardson an historian and author believes that she has located a building in central London that Charles Dickens used as a model for the workhouse in Oliver Twist.
The building in Cleveland Street is a short walk from where Dickens spent some of his childhood and early adult years. He probably walked past it often. Dickens was vehemently against such treatment of children and adults in these workhouses, hence the story of Oliver Twist.
Today the building is assessed for demolition and names from the theatre are opposing this . Would Dickens have agreed with the action proposed , we will never know, but pondering how his books all showed society in it's darkest and meanest sense perhaps he would have signed in favour.
The full story can be found here.
Photo courtesy of the above site.

Comments

JoAnn said…
Very interesting! Having just finished Bleak House at the end of the year, I would be very interested in seeing sights that inspired Dickens writing.

It's good to see you blogging again. Hope all is well.
24 January 2011 at 01:58
Susan said…
Interesting article, Mog. Thanks for linking it for us. I wonder that the MP didn't think it was worth saving, when there are only two like it North of the river? I would think that its evolution into a hospital and then now a place for the very low-income to live - how ironic! - would have more interest than if it were completely derelict. I hope they manage to save it. What do you think?
24 January 2011 at 02:57
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