Welcome to the Dickens House - Answer Key
A Web activity for Grades 6-9

Author: E.Bergstresser - Gifted Program Teacher - PA

Time needed : one 40-45 minute class period.

Prepare yourself for a trip to Victorian England and to walk in the footsteps of Master Charles Dickens! As you walk through the four levels of the Dickens House, be very perceptive, for there are many secrets and fascinating facts to be discovered in every room!

 

Take your time as you wander through each floor, and join us for a treasure hunt of the information. Answers to the following questions will be revealed to you. Please record your responses below. You may enter the house on any level. Enjoy your stay at 48 Doughty Street!

Enter the Dickens House for your tour.

As you take your tour, look for the answers to these questions:

1. In which room did Dickens write most of Oliver Twist?

The study

2. Who was Mary Hogarth and what happened to her? In which room?

Dickens’ sister in law. She died in "Hogarth’s room."

3. What was the copper in the basement used for? In which Dickens novel is a copper mentioned?

The copper was the chief source of hot water. Clothes boiled in it. Christmas pudding boiled in it. A Christmas Carol.

4. What novel was Dickens writing at the time of his death?

The Mystery of Edwin Drood

5. What school did Dickens attend at the age of 13 or 14?

Wellington House Academy

6. What did he do before he entered school?

He sealed bottles of liquid shoe blacking at Warren’s Blacking Warehouse.

7. In Dickens study on the first floor, there is a cabinet which contains something Dickens insisted be on his desk when he wrote. What is it?

A china monkey

8. What was the still room used for?

Perfumes and cordials were distilled. Cakes, preserves, and liqueurs were kept there. Bread, butter, coffee, and tea were prepared. Housekeeping was directed from here.

9. What item, on display in the morning room, was laid upon Dickens’ body the day he died? What was the date of his death?

A rose. June 9, 1870

10. During what years did Dickens live at 48 Doughty street?

April, 1837- December, 1839

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