Artists & Writers · 19th Century
Charles Dickens’s Last Words
“On the ground.”— Charles Dickens, June 9, 1870
Who Was Charles Dickens?
Charles Dickens was the most popular novelist of the Victorian era, creating iconic characters including Oliver Twist, Ebenezer Scrooge, and David Copperfield. His works championed the poor and exposed social injustice.
The Final Moments
Dickens collapsed from a stroke at his home at Gad's Hill. His last words were reportedly a request to be laid on the ground. He never regained consciousness and died the next day.
Are These Words Verified?
Georgina Hogarth, who was present at Gad's Hill when Dickens collapsed, recorded his request to be laid on the ground. This account appears in contemporary sources and authorized biographies written shortly after his death.
Sources
- firsthand Georgina Hogarth (sister-in-law) firsthand account
- biography John Forster, The Life of Charles Dickens
- newspaper Contemporary newspaper reports from June 1870
Legacy
Dickens essentially invented the modern Christmas celebration with A Christmas Carol. His social novels helped reform child labor, education, and poverty laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Charles Dickens’s last words?
“On the ground.”
How did Charles Dickens die?
Charles Dickens died on June 9, 1870 at the age of 58. Cause of death: Stroke.
Were Charles Dickens’s last words documented?
Georgina Hogarth, who was present at Gad's Hill when Dickens collapsed, recorded his request to be laid on the ground. This account appears in contemporary sources and authorized biographies written shortly after his death.
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