With support from the University of Richmond

History News Network

History News Network puts current events into historical perspective. Subscribe to our newsletter for new perspectives on the ways history continues to resonate in the present. Explore our archive of thousands of original op-eds and curated stories from around the web. Join us to learn more about the past, now.

Dickens statue 'against wishes'

Plans to erect a statue of Charles Dickens in Kent, where he lived for many years, have been criticised. Experts say it would be against the dying wishes of the Victorian novelist, who specified in his will that he did not want a memorial erected. Medway Council, who say the idea is in its very early stages, has said it will take guidance from the Dickens family about whether a statue would be appropriate. His great, great grandaughter, Liz Dickens, told BBC South East Today she would be delighted, but others are not so sure. Malcolm Andrews, Professor of English at Kent University, said: "He was clear enough in his will that he did not want that ever to happen. I don't think it is a matter of enough time elapsing. Dickens is a household name - a worldwide name. Why do we need a statue? He is remembered already."
Read entire article at BBC South East Today