Find Spot MPM1968 - Gravestones, Dickens Birthplace Museum

Three gravestones re-used as paving slabs in the front path at Charles Dickens Birthplace. Discovered when the slabs were lifted and re-laid in November 2019.

Three gravestones re-used as paving slabs in the front path at Charles Dickens Birthplace (section in front of cellar steps). The stones were discovered when three paving slabs were lifted and re-laid in November 2019. It is assumed they would have been in place prior to restoration work at the museum carried out between 1968 and 1970, as a plan of the work notes that this section of paving was to be re-laid to link with the front path, whereas the front path was to be taken up and replaced with flag stone paving. This suggests they would have been at the site for some time.

One section of gravestone that was photographed by contractors appeared to be inscribed with the surname 'Sampson'. They were not recorded before being re-laid. They may have come from a local churchyard or cemetery. The fact that they appear to have been in place prior to restoration works in the late 1960s suggests that they may pre-date the clearance of Mile End Cemetery.

Dowell, Norman (Portsmouth City Council), 1967, Restoration of Charles Dickens Museum (Unpublished document). SPM572.

HER Officer, 2019, Gravestones, Charles Dickens Birthplace (Unpublished document). SPM574.