Charles Dickens, the legendary author, has penned many beloved classics like “A Tale of Two Cities” and “Oliver Twist.” His vivid storytelling and memorable characters have captured the hearts of readers for generations. But Dickens was also a man of many peculiarities, and today, we’ll explore five strange facts about this renowned writer that you may not know.
Dickens Had a Secret Door in His Bookcase
Did you know that Charles Dickens had a secret door in his house, hidden behind a bookcase? This door led to a secret chamber where Dickens kept his favorite books and personal items. He loved to show off this hidden space to his friends and visitors. This mysterious room was his retreat, a place where he could escape from the world and immerse himself in his stories and writings.
He Was Obsessed with Ghosts
Charles Dickens had a fascination with ghosts and the supernatural. He was a member of The Ghost Club, a group of enthusiasts who met to discuss and investigate paranormal events. Dickens also included ghosts in many of his stories, such as the famous spirits in “A Christmas Carol.” In his personal life, he would often visit haunted locations and even participated in séances to communicate with the dead.
Dickens Gave His Children Odd Nicknames
Charles Dickens was a loving father to his ten children, but he also had a strange habit of giving them unusual nicknames. Some of these peculiar monikers included “Chickenstalker,” “Skittles,” “Lucifer Box,” and “Plorn.” It seems that Dickens had a penchant for humor and whimsy, even when it came to naming his offspring.
He Walked for Miles Every Day
Dickens was known for his love of walking, often covering great distances in a single day. He believed that walking helped clear his mind and stimulate his creativity. Many of his best ideas for stories and characters came to him during these long, solitary walks. He would walk up to 20 miles a day, often late into the night. His friends would sometimes join him, but they often struggled to keep up with his brisk pace.
He Had a Pet Raven Named Grip
Charles Dickens had a peculiar fondness for ravens and owned several as pets throughout his life. His favorite raven was named Grip, who even had a role in one of his novels, “Barnaby Rudge.” When Grip passed away, Dickens was devastated and had the raven stuffed to preserve his memory. The stuffed raven still exists today and can be found in the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Rare Books Department.
Charles Dickens, one of the most celebrated authors in literary history, was indeed a man of many quirks and peculiarities. These strange facts about his life make him even more intriguing and reveal the fascinating person behind the great novels. So the next time you curl up with a Dickens classic, remember the secret door, the ghosts, the odd nicknames, the long walks, and the beloved pet raven that inspired and accompanied him throughout his life.
Dr KATE 