DICKENS’ HOUSE
Charles Dickens (1812-70) lived at number 48 Doughty Street from April 1837 to December 1839, not a long period but an important one, because it was here that he really secured his reputation. While at Doughty Street, Dickens finished Pickwick Papers and Oliver Twist, wrote Nicholas Nickleby and began Barnaby Rudge. You may see the study in which the young writer created such immortal characters as Fagin, Bill Sikes, The Artful Dodger, and the Squeers and Crummles families. You can also see the carefully reconstructed drawing room in which the family received its guests and the bedroom where Mary Hogarth died – the inspiration behind the death scene of Little Nell in The Old Curiosity Shop
Visitors to the house may see portions of Dicken’s manuscripts, letters, preliminary drawings by his illustrators, first editions of his books, including the original paper wrapped parts, the desk he used for public readings of his works, and many other exhibits, including furniture, pictures, books and memorabilia.
The Dickens House shop offers a wide range of books of Dicken’s work including hardbacks, paperbacks, rare, antique, children’s, simplified and abridged for students and biographical studies. There is a good selection of posters and prints and a wide range of souvenirs.
ROMAN BATHS
The Roman Baths in Bath is one of the most popular sights in Britain, and it is a truly amazing (and expensive) experience to go and see them. The baths were built by the romans in the 1st Century taking advantage of the natural hot springs of Bath. Its amazing to see how well preserved the roman baths are. Especially the Great Bath is impressive.
NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM
The most important attraction in Greenwich is the National Maritime Museum showing partly historical royal buildings and the naval history of Britain. One of the most important attractions are the Queen’s House, which is the first renaissance building in Britain built in a classical style. The Queen’s House was built with the purpose of being a residence for James I’s Queen, Anne of Denmark, but she died before the building was completed so in stead it became a residence of Charles I’s French wife Henrietta Maria and thus has many French characteristics. In addition to the Queen’s House the entire history of Britain is told in the museum, which also has a huge selection of ships, naval heroes equipment and paintings.
VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM