Dickens and Princess Diana
Nov 29th, 2002, 05:57 PM
#1
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Dickens and Princess Diana
I've come across old posts about Beatles and Harry Potter spots in England and I was curious about Charles Dickens and Princess Diana (an odd combination, I admit). Is the Charles Dickens birthplace in London worth a visit? Are there any other places for a Dickens fan? (Great Expectations was probably my favorite book.)<BR>Is there anything (tasteful) in London that honors Princess Diana?<BR>Thanks!
Nov 29th, 2002, 07:25 PM
#2
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Dickens was born in Portsmouth, not London, so the Dickens House in London is not a birthplace. There is lots of Dickens stuff in Rochester, including the Dickens Centre and the Swiss Chalet, where he wrote and died. Many places in Rochester became locations in his novels. These are all plaqued.<BR><BR>Rochester is an easy train ride from London, both from Victoria and Charing Cross stations.<BR><BR>Well worth a day out for a Dickens fan.
Nov 30th, 2002, 08:14 AM
#5
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The main London memorial for Diana is the playground in the north west corner of Hyde Park, but adults can go only if accompanied by a child.<BR><BR>There is a memorial at her family home in Althorpe. Please see http://www.spencer-house.com/diana-a-celebration/index.asp<BR><BR>Ben Haines, London
Nov 30th, 2002, 01:47 PM
#7
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Re Diana, there is an utterly tasteless IMO display in the lower level of Harrods, a pyramid with an ever-burning candle, dedicated to Dody and Di, including the last glass of wine from which she sipped, with her lipstick imprint, etc. I know his father owns the store but I find it inappropriate and presumptive. However you may be in Harrods anyway so you might as well check it out.
Nov 30th, 2002, 02:10 PM
#8
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The thought is that single adults who go into a playground to watch children at play are suspect, and may be paedophiles. Pretty silly, I think, but the promotion of popular alarm on the matter helps to sell dumb newspapers. I have myself been reprimanded for talking to children while picking blackberries in London.<BR><BR>Your opening enquiry. I find Charles Dickens and Princess Diana to be a natural combination. Both wallowed in emotion, because it was their nature, and because their publics loved it.<BR><BR>Yours with a stiff upper lip,<BR><BR>Ben Haines<BR>
Dec 1st, 2002, 04:49 AM
#10
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Interesting thoughts. I will be accompanied by children in London, but I was curious if Ben H. was joking (apparently not). <BR>BTW, my daughter and I went to the exhibit of Diana's dresses when it was travelling (that was a few years ago)and really enjoyed it. It was extremely well done with photos and stories and really emphasized her charitable work. (In fact, the profits of the show supported her charities). Anyway, thanks again.
Dec 1st, 2002, 08:15 AM
#12
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I've been an avid reader of Dickens since childhood, and thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Dickens museum in London several weeks ago. It's at 48 Doughty St. (Russell Square tube station, then a few blocks walk), open 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Mon-Sat, admission 4 pounds.
Dec 1st, 2002, 12:08 PM
#15
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Blackberries grow wild along many suburban railway lines, and in places the brambles shoot out over or through fences, so that you may legally pick them and take them off to make jam or to eat with vanilla ice cream. I am afraid they are not so plentiful that I dare to post street addresses on Fodors. Not only I but also the local winter bazaar need the jam.<BR><BR>But if your need is pressing please e mail me.<BR><BR>Ben Haines
Dec 1st, 2002, 02:32 PM
#20
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If you want to hang out in one of Diana's haunts, visit Cutler and Gross Eyewear on Knightsbridge Green. She used to spend hours there trolling for the right pair of sunglasses to match her outfits. I wonder what Dickens would have thought about this?
