Gad’s Hill Place

One day in 1821, when Dickens was 9, he and his father took a walk through Kent. On Gravesend Road they passed a house called Gad’s Hill Place. Young Charles was very impressed.

Dickens’s family was plagued with financial problems. However this imposing structure seemed to be part of a different world. His father noted his interest and told Charles that if he “were to be very persevering and work very hard” he might one day live there.

“Bless you, sir,” said the very queer small boy, “when I was not more than half as old as nine, it used to be a treat for me to be brought to look at it. And now, I am nine, I come by myself to look at it. And ever since I can recollect, my father, seeing me so fond of it, has often said to me, ‘If you were to be very persevering and were to work hard, you might some day come to live in it.’ Though that’s impossible!” said the very queer small boy, drawing a low breath, and now staring at the house out of window with all his might. – The Uncommercial Traveller – Travelling Abroad

Dickens did grow up to buy Gad’s Hill Place. He bought the house in 1856 and it was his country home until his death.  In fact, Dickens passed away at Gad’s Hill place in 1870.

The above photo shows Dickens at Gad’s Hill in 1862.  The back row from left to right is; H.F. Chorley, Kate Dickens, Mamie Dickens and Charles Dickens.  Seated are C.A. Collins and Georgina Hogarth.

Gad’s Hill Place Today

After Dickens’s death, his son Charles bought the home. He gave it up because of ill health.  Later, the house became Gad’s Hill School.

 

Learn More About Gad’s Hill Place

• Bonfire at Gad’s Hill Place – In September of 1860, behind his home at Gad’s Hill Place, Charles Dickens tried to cover his tracks.