Charles Dickens' Milestones

Charles Dickens was a celebrated English novelist and social critic, author of classics like A Tale of Two Cities and Oliver Twist, who vividly depicted Victorian society and championed social reform.
1812

Birth

Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth, England, to John and Elizabeth Dickens.

Family February 7, 1812
1822

Family moved to London

Moved with his family to London, where his father struggled financially.

Location January 1, 1822
1824

Father imprisoned for debt

Father was sent to debtors' prison, forcing Charles to work at a blacking factory.

Family February 20, 1824
1827

Returned to school

Returned to school after his family was released from debtors' prison.

Education January 1, 1827 - December 31, 1827

Began work as a law clerk

Worked as a law clerk and later as a court reporter, gaining insight into the legal system.

Career May 1, 1827 - November 1, 1829
1833

First published story

Published his first story, 'A Dinner at Poplar Walk,' in Monthly Magazine.

Achievement December 1, 1833
1836

'Boz' sketches published

Published 'Sketches by Boz,' a collection of observational essays and stories.

Achievement February 1, 1836 - December 1, 1836

'Pickwick Papers' published

Published 'The Pickwick Papers,' achieving widespread fame.

Achievement March 31, 1836 - November 1, 1837

Married Catherine Hogarth

Married Catherine Hogarth, with whom he had ten children.

Relationship April 2, 1836
1837

'Oliver Twist' published

Published 'Oliver Twist,' one of his most famous novels.

Achievement February 1, 1837 - April 1, 1839
1838

'Nicholas Nickleby' published

Published 'Nicholas Nickleby,' further establishing his reputation.

Achievement April 1, 1838 - October 1, 1839
1842

Visited United States

Visited the United States, giving lectures and observing American society.

Other January 22, 1842 - June 7, 1842
1843

'A Christmas Carol' published

Published 'A Christmas Carol,' which became an enduring holiday classic.

Achievement December 19, 1843
1850

Founded 'Household Words'

Founded and edited the magazine 'Household Words,' publishing fiction and social commentary.

Achievement March 30, 1850 - May 28, 1859
1858

Separated from Catherine Hogarth

Separated from his wife Catherine after 22 years of marriage.

Relationship June 1, 1858
1860

'Great Expectations' published

Published 'Great Expectations,' one of his most acclaimed novels.

Achievement December 1, 1860 - August 1, 1861
1868

Final public readings

Gave a series of farewell public readings across England and Scotland.

Achievement April 6, 1868 - March 15, 1870
1870

Death

Charles Dickens died at Gad's Hill Place, Kent, and was buried in Westminster Abbey.

Other June 9, 1870