Charles Dickens Timeline by Nicola Tonetto

1812: Birth of Charles Dickens

tonenico — 2024-06-09 16:53:13 UTC

Charles John Huffam Dickens is born on February 7, 1812, in Portsmouth, England. He was the second of eight children in his family.

1824: Father's Imprisonment

tonenico — 2024-06-09 16:53:13 UTC

At the age of 12, Dickens' father, John Dickens, was imprisoned for debt. This event forced young Charles to leave school and work at a blacking factory to support his family.

1832: New Job

tonenico — 2024-06-09 16:53:13 UTC

After working as a clerk in a lawyer's office, he learnt shorthand and became a parliamentary reporter and journalist.

1837: Marriage to Catherine Hogarth

tonenico — 2024-06-09 16:53:13 UTC

In April 1836, Dickens marries Catherine Hogarth. The couple eventually has ten children together.

1837-9: Oliver Twist is published

tonenico — 2024-06-09 16:53:13 UTC

Oliver Twist, the story of an orphan boy who endures harsh conditions in a workhouse and later falls into the clutches of a criminal gang in London, is published in instalments

1842: America

tonenico — 2024-06-09 16:53:13 UTC

Charles Dickens visits America for the first time and makes a second trip later.

1858: He separated from his wife

tonenico — 2024-06-09 16:53:13 UTC

Charles fall sin love with an 18-year-old actress and leaves his wife.

1867: Second U.S. Tour

tonenico — 2024-06-09 16:53:13 UTC

Dickens embarks on a second tour of the United States, where he is received warmly and gives many readings of his works.

1870: Death of Charles Dickens

tonenico — 2024-06-09 16:53:13 UTC

Charles Dickens dies on June 9, 1870, at Gad's Hill Place in Higham, Kent. He leaves behind a legacy of timeless literary works.