Comments on: The Real Miss Havisham? Lady Lewson’s 116 Years amidst Cobwebs & Grime

By: David Castleton

David Castleton — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 06:59:13 +0000

Hi Patricia, I’d never heard the claim that Miss Havisham was based on a man or about the connection with Dirty Dicks. Sounds interesting – I’ll have to look into it.

By: Patricia O

Patricia O — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 09:54:27 +0000

Sorry to reply late. I’d heard that Miss Haversham was based on a man. I can’t remember his name but he’s the person who the Dirty Dick’s pub near Liverpool Street Station is called after. Miss Lewson does seem a likely candidate for the inspiration I must admit. Right gender, right back story.

By: David Castleton

David Castleton — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 05:49:44 +0000

In reply to Joanna Murphy. Many thanks, Joanna, glad you enjoyed my musings on Jane Lewson and Miss Havisham

By: Joanna Murphy

Joanna Murphy — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 20:07:49 +0000

Another absolutely amazing read about my favourite Dickens novel…so engrossing. Jane Lewson’s life is beyond fascinating and is surely the front runner for the greatest recluse of all time? I think the scene of Miss Haversham catching fire is perhaps the most terrifyingly brilliant moment in English literature (Ok, quite a lordly statement, I realise!) apart from the way Dickens walks us in to the discovery of her ruination amidst the debris of the wedding feast. I think Martita Hunt did a superb job of playing Miss Haversham (my husband pointed out to me the ‘have a sham’ play on words here! Though Havers-ham and Havil-land have great similarities….!) Anyway, thanks for another really great article!

By: David Castleton

David Castleton — Mon, 29 May 2023 09:20:46 +0000

In reply to Becky Spence. Thanks, Becky, glad you enjoyed the article.

By: Becky Spence

Becky Spence — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 20:56:47 +0000

Fascinating read! Thank you so much for the lengths of research you’ve gone to. A character with such emotional depth

By: David Castleton

David Castleton — Sat, 17 Dec 2022 14:04:02 +0000

In reply to Lisa. You're welcome, Lisa.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 13:35:54 +0000

Such an interesting article with amazing research on possible candidates for Dickens’ Miss Havisham. Merci for your research and vivid, memorable words,

By: David Castleton

David Castleton — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 17:39:58 +0000

In reply to Alan Cartwright. Many thanks for your comment, Alan. It's always fascinating to try to disentangle the inspirations for literary characters.

By: Alan Cartwright

Alan Cartwright — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 04:08:49 +0000

Thank you for highlighting Margaret Dick / Catherine Haviland as the inspiration behind Miss Havisham. We published a blog on our Bonchurch research in March 21. This goes into much more detail , and in particular covers the months in 1860 , when two of Dickens daughters spent months in Bonchurch looking after the Rev James White’s dying daughter.