Charles Dickens Statue, Portsmouth
In 2014, two hundred years after his death, Charles Dickens' statue was unveiled in Guildhall Square, Portsmouth. Dickens was born in Portsmouth, but what he might think of the statue is anyone's guess. He specifically stated the only memorial he might crave is his readership. More than 100 invited guests, including 40 members of the Dickens family, attended the ceremony.
The bronze statue is the first of Charles Dickens in England. Its unveiling took place on his birthday, February 7. The image is of the author, book in hand, reclining, and with a stack of books by his side. He seems to be staring into space, perhaps imagining his characters.
The statue was created by sculptor Martin Jennings. Jennings said of the pose, "I wanted to suggest he is about to jump to his feet and begin one of the readings of Oliver Twist that had people weeping and fainting in the aisles." Whether Jennings succeeded in his effort to portray this image is debatable, but the Dickens family approved.
The bronze statue is the first of Charles Dickens in England. Its unveiling took place on his birthday, February 7. The image is of the author, book in hand, reclining, and with a stack of books by his side. He seems to be staring into space, perhaps imagining his characters.
The statue was created by sculptor Martin Jennings. Jennings said of the pose, "I wanted to suggest he is about to jump to his feet and begin one of the readings of Oliver Twist that had people weeping and fainting in the aisles." Whether Jennings succeeded in his effort to portray this image is debatable, but the Dickens family approved.
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Charles Dickens Statue on Map
Sight Name: Charles Dickens Statue
Sight Location: Portsmouth, England (See walking tours in Portsmouth)
Sight Type: Statue/Public Art
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Portsmouth, England (See walking tours in Portsmouth)
Sight Type: Statue/Public Art
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Portsmouth, England
Create Your Own Walk in Portsmouth
Creating your own self-guided walk in Portsmouth is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Famous English Writers Walking Tour
Jane Austen was born in 1775 in Steventon, North Hampshire. In her day, Portsmouth was a rough-edged seaport filled with people she considered "underbred." Nevertheless, she often traveled to Portsmouth to visit her brothers Francis and Charles, stationed there with the Royal Navy. Austen included Royal Naval characters in her novels, Persuasion and Mansfield Park.
Charles Dickens was... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Charles Dickens was... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Portsmouth Introduction Walking Tour
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle claims a warrior named Port and his two sons killed a noble Briton in Portsmouth in 501 AD. Winston Churchill, in his "A History of the English-Speaking Peoples," wrote that Port was a pirate who founded Portsmouth in the same year.
King AEthelwulf sent a force to drive off Viking raiders in Portsmouth in the 9th century. The Danes loved Portsmouth, but they... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
King AEthelwulf sent a force to drive off Viking raiders in Portsmouth in the 9th century. The Danes loved Portsmouth, but they... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Historical Dockyard Tour
The naval theme has always been dominant for Portsmouth. Most of the city's historic events are in one way or another associated with its seaside location. Portsmouth's Historical Dockyard is the area that offers a glimpse into the city's maritime past.
The very first notable landmark here is Victory Gate, the dockyard's main entrance. Inside, visitors will find HMS... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.4 Km or 0.2 Miles
The very first notable landmark here is Victory Gate, the dockyard's main entrance. Inside, visitors will find HMS... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.4 Km or 0.2 Miles