Dickens’ Writing Chalet

“One of the most remarkable houses of literature” or a Victorian Prefab?

“Miracle of Survival that is Dickens Chalet” – Chatham News 6 Aug. 1965

The future of Charles Dickens’ writing Chalet has been saved for the Nation on a number of occasions. 

• The auctioneer selling Dickens’ estate refused to sell the Chalet separate from Gads Hill  to deter American buyers, and the loss of the Chalet to the nation.
• Dickens’ daughters and sister-in-law insisted the Chalet being kept and arranged for it to be exhibited at the Great Exhibition in Sydenham, London.
• Lord Cobham then offered sanctuary for the Chalet on his estate.
• When money became tight, Lord Cobham, aware of the portability of the Chalet, delayed selling the Chalet to allow Rochester Council / Dickens Fellowship to raise money to acquire it.
• Eventually, and much later, the Ministry of Works ‘sold’ the Chalet to Rochester Corporation in the expectation of the public having access. The work required extensive timber preservation work to be undertaken before it could be re-erected.
• Sadly, the Chalet is on ‘life-support’ again, held upright / square by huge internal beams, and the balcony is now held up by a combination of wood filler and acrow props.

This is the Chalet’s story as currently known –

I’m hoping by telling it, it will may have a happy ending. 

Text in Green, Purple, Blue has been added since this blog was first posted

A ‘Compilation Biography’ of Charles Dickens’ Writing / Swiss Chalet

Dickens’ Swiss or writing Chalet which is now located in the grounds of Eastgate House, Rochester, has had quite a journey to get there – Innsbruck, Higham, Sydenham (South London), Cobham (Kent), and finally Rochester. During its ‘journey’ it was saved more than once from being lost to the Nation, and dereliction – a condition it finds itself in again. It’s screened off because it is in a dangerous condition; held square by huge internal beams, and the balcony held up by a combination of wood filler and acrow props.

I am actively advocating for steps to be taken not only to save the Chalet but to return it to a cultural asset and to create some commercial use whereby any income could used to prevent it from again getting into a deplorable state.

I’m producing this blog in order to place the story of Chalet and a case for its restoration, out-there, in the hope that it will help those who could fund or may apply for funding to save the Chalet.

What is known of the Chalet’s story is spread around various places. My intention is to pull together what we know of the Chalet into one piece / place, and to reference my sources. This blog now probably represents the most complete record of the Chalet’s ‘life’ that can be found on the internet and perhaps in print – May 2024. However, having made such a claim, many of the sources are newspaper articles and therefore need to be regarded as secondary sources. They can be contradictory, cut & pasted from other newspapers – and may even have been made up!

How did the Chalet Arrive at Higham, Kent?

The Chalet was a gift to Charles Dickens from his anglo-french friend Charles Fechter – a successful actor, playwright and perhaps not so successful theatre manager. One news report stated that the “famous chalet was given to Mr Dickens by English residents in Switzerland, and brought to England by Mr Fechter [1]. Another report suggested similar – but using distinctly different wording: Dickens prior to his death spent time … “in the chalet presented to him by a few Swiss admirers two years since.” [2] A report of the auction of Dickens’ property stated that “… the pretty Swiss edifice brought over by Mr Fechter and presented to the novelist” [3]. Could this explain why some news reports say it was ‘presented’ rather than ‘gifted’ by Fechter?

The Chalet comprised of two square rooms (19sq ft), one on top of the other. The upper room was reached by an outside staircase. One description stated that “each room was furnished with seats covered with purple Morocco leather and a commodious table, the walls being plain polished pine.” (4)

What do we know the Chalet’s Background?

In short not a lot – at present. The Peninsula Times stated in December 2012 that the Chalet was made in Innsbruck but provides no reference to back this up. What we do know for sure is that it arrived at Higham in 1864 as a flat-pack comprised of 94 pieces packed into 58 cases. 

As the canal had closed by 1863 the cases containing the Chalet probably arrived at Higham by train. When Dickens was proposing to purchase Gads Hill Place he noted:  a “railroad has opened from Rochester to Maidstone which connects Gads Hill at once with the whole sea coast.” [5].

Sure that it would be a simple 3D puzzle Dickens and his Christmas visitors in 1864 tried but failed, to assemble it – their task made all the more difficult by the instructions being in French. There are a number of accounts as to how the ‘puzzle’ was solved. It is mostly reported that a French carpenter (M. Godin [6]) from the Lyceum theatre was called upon to erect the Chalet [7]. But it has also been reported that he also failed and gave it up as a bad job, and that it was finally erected by Mr Couchman, a Strood builder, who was assisted by Henry Dickens who was able to read the instructions that were in French [8], (also Evening Post 18 April 1977.)

The completed Chalet stood in an area known as the Wilderness, situated between two Cedars.

This piece of land was on the opposite side of what was, at that time, the main Gravesend to Dover Road. Dickens had acquired this separately to Gads Hill Place for £90 [9]. To reach this area Dickens obtained permission to construct a subway from the lawn in front of the house to the Wilderness under a very busy road. One unreferenced source says it was constructed in 1859 to avoid the traffic and mud [10]; this was five years before the arrival of the Chalet.

Clearly Dickens would have wanted to avoid heavy traffic or the need to paddle across a road covered in mud and ‘horse-exhaust’, but once the Chalet had become a workspace I suspect he would have also wanted to avoid his journey to the Chalet being interrupted by tourists/fans [11] or people who could have known of Dickens’ generosity:

“No country road, perhaps, in England is so much traversed by tramps and beggars as the high-road between Gravesend and Rochester, especially in the hop season, when London seems to pour out every available kind of pauper—male, female, and child for the hop-picking; although, be it said, amongst this class even, there were some to whom a deaf ear was never turned when they made their necessities known to the owner of “Gad’s or his amiable family.” [12]

The Chalet in-Situ

An illustration of the Chalet published in the Illustrated Times in 1870 suggests that the gradients of the Wildnesses necessitated Dickens to occupy the upper storey as his study; this would have afforded him the views that he so appreciated:

The Swiss Chalet was “erected in the shrubbery opposite his residence, and approached by a tunnel underneath the turnpike road. This chalet, embosomed in the foliage of some very fine trees, stands upon an eminence commanding a magnificent view of the mouth of the Thames, and the opposite coast of Essex.” [13]

Various other descriptions of working in the Chalet were reported in the Press – all probably taken from John Foster’s “The Life of Charles Dickens” that was published in 1875 – and available free on the internet as an ebook.

“my room” he writes, is up among the branches of the trees, and the birds and the butterflies fly in and out, and the green branches shoot in at the open windows and lights and shadows of the clouds come and go with the rest of the company. The scent of the flowers, and indeed everything that is growing for miles, and miles, is most delicious.”

“I have put up five mirrors in the chalet where I write”, he told an American friend, “and they reflect and refract, in all kinds of ways, the leaves that are quivering at the windows, and the great fields of waving corn, and the sail dotted river. My room is up among the branches of the trees, and the birds and the butterflies fly in and out, and the green branches shoot in at the open windows”. [14]

Another reporter recorded Dickens describing working in the Chalet:

“Altogether it is a charming spot, but beautiful and grateful to the eye as are the hues of the masses of foliage in the background, all would fall almost into commonplace without the two grand cedars which flank the exit from the subway on either side. These magnificent trees, with their vast boles and arms, their dark green leafage, their crowded and pensile branchlets. must have been to one of Dickens’s temperament like a perpetual benediction.” [15]

His friend John Foster also wrote that Dickens “made great boast .. not only of his crowds of singing birds all day, but of his nightingales at night.” [16]

Mamie, Dickens’ daughter, said her father made use of the mirrors to ‘perform’ his characters. There were no books in the Chalet, and desk faced the mirrors rather than the window. (Emily Bell in her blog of the site of the Huntington Museum. Blog contains other images of Gads Hill Place.)

On the front of balcony railings can be seen an ‘unofficial’ coat of arms / family crest. It seems that John Dickens, father of Charles, and probably the basis of Mr Micawber, appropriated the crest of William Dickens – a merchant and first cousin once removed of John. It was of a laying down lion holding a “cross patonce”. In 1840 Charles Dickens commissioned John Overs, a cabinet maker, to redesign the crest – replacing the cross patonce with a Maltese cross. The history suggests Charles did this to separate himself from his profligate father. (https://www.martyndowner.com/sale-highlights/charles-dickens-silver-meat-dish/)

When this crest was added to the Chalet is yet to be discovered – but it is present in photos of the Chalet when located in Cobham Park. It is also shown in a sketch of the Chalet when located in the Shrubbery at Gad Hill Place.

It was in the Chalet that his daughter, Katey, said an emotional goodbye to her father. Dickens’ daughters, Katie and Mamie, visited Gads Hill over the weekend before their father died; it was clear he was unwell. As the daughters were preparing to leave on the Monday (6 June 1870), Katie felt the need to go to the Chalet to say goodbye – no one disturbed Dickens while he was working in the Chalet. It is reported that instead of proffering his cheek for a kiss, they embraced. Dickens worked again in the Chalet during the day on the 8th, collapsed in the evening, and died on the 9th. (Charles Dickens and Georgina Hogarth, Christine Skelton. 2023, p176.)

Disposal of Dickens’ Estate

Dickens died on 9 June 1870 leaving the copyrights to his works worth nearly £80,000 for his family. He had completed the fourth, fifth and sixth monthly parts of ‘Edwin Drood’ and an outline of the remaining portion of the story in what Dickens termed his ‘waste-book’. Wilkie Collins apparently took this material with the intention of completing the story. [17]  However, it was also reported that Dickens’ publisher, Messrs. Chapman and Hall, had stated that they would not permit another writer to complete the work that Dickens had left.[18] Items other than the copyrights which would have had enduring income potential, were disposed of. Dickens had further directed that the house and contents were to be sold.

House & Chalet of National Importance

There were many of the view that Gads Hill Place and the Chalet should not be sold. Within two weeks of Dickens’ death the press was reporting on discussions happening in Rochester about what should happen to Gads Hill Place and the Swiss Chalet – presumably because its disposal was being advanced? Under the headline of “Proposed Memento to Charles Dickens”[19] “It was being suggested that the house should be retained by Mr. Dickens’ family for a term. At the end of this period and with the consent of the family, the place will merge in trustees”. [20]

An auction of Gads Hill Place, and its contents commenced on Friday 12 August 1870. It was reported that the auctioneer was strongly urged to offer the Chalet as a separate lot but declined to do so – even though if sold separately it may have attracted a high price.

National Pride requires No Foreign Buyers!

It was thought that had the Chalet been sold as a separate lot a large amount of money would have been bid. [21] The auctioneer stated that he had received several applications for the purchase of the Chalet. He mentioned that some Americans had made an offer for the Chalet, and one gentleman, it was said, was determined to purchase the Chalet at any price. The auctioneer went on to state that he “hoped that a feeling of national pride would prevent the house passing into the hands of any foreign agent” – a comment that was met with applause.[22] In the belief that it would be sacrilege [23] to sell the Chalet separate from the house, buyers wanting the Chalet would have been obliged to bid for it and the house; something which would have curtailed some interest.

In the same report it was stated that though many attended the auction there were few bidders. It was said that many present were aware that Charles Dickens jr., (Charley) was bidding and those likely to bid had been informed that the family desired to retain the house. Great satisfaction was apparent among those present when it became known that Mr Dickens had become the proprietor of his late father’s residence.[24]

{Charley purchased the house and garden with the Chalet for £6,000 – much below the guide price [25,26]. Another report states Charles Dickens jr., paid £6,600. The auctioneer initially offered the property for £10,000 expecting it to go for £20,000. [27] Bidding though started at £5,000 which went up in increments of £100.[28]}

[Georgina, Dickens’ sister-in-law, was apparently unhappy about this as Charley’s bidding suppressed the value and benefit to the estate (Charles Dickens and Georgina Hogarth, Christine Skelton, 2023)].

In 1878 Gads Hill Place and contents were sold again up for auction – but no reference to the Chalet.[29] 

Contents of the Chalet

News reports pertaining to the auction of items from the Chalet, after Dickens’ death, offers another dimension of Dickens’ working environment. (These reports also detailed the items sold from the house – which are not covered in this blog.)

[‘Bank of England Inflation Calculator’ estimates that £10 in 1870 could be worth around £1,000 in 2024.]

“In the upper two rooms Mr. Homan [auctioneer] stated Mr. Dickens spent the last afternoon of his life, and the competition for the tables, stools, and chairs in the room was very keen. A bird’s-eye maple cane chair which Dickens used realised £11; the oak table, 4 feet by 2 feet, on which he wrote, brought £5 (strong competition [30]); the stools from 14s. to 18s.; and the looking-glasses, 36 inches square, in maple frame, prices varying from 32s. to 36s.

“An empty oak tool box, which was in the lower room, and which happened to have Charles Dickens” on the lid, sold for £3 6d.” [31] {Should be £3 3s as it seems to be accepted the box sold for 3 guineas}. The tool box was about to be sold for 10s until the auctioneer mentioned the name ‘Charles Dickens’ was engraved on the lid. [32] The tool box was reported to be 2ft by 14in.[33] {The news report – duplicated in other papers – was clear – “in the upper two rooms”. There is no evidence that the upper room was split so I wonder if the paragraph should have read – “in the upper of two rooms”?}

“The furniture in the Swiss chalet commanded great attention, and there were many eager bidders, An oak tool chest about 2 feet by 14 inches without tools sold for three guineas ; an oak table said to be the one on which Mr. Dickens last wrote, £5. The bird’s-eye maple bergia arm chair, the one in which he constantly sat when in the chalet attracted many bidders, and after sharp contests between three or four who were anxious to possess it, it was knocked down for £11.[34] “.. the purchaser being understood to be the schoolfellow of Charles Dickens, who is so pleasantly referred to in the ‘Uncommercial Traveller’, as Dr Specks of Dulborough Town.[35]

The Chalet’s Journey – Higham to Sydenham

Driven by ‘Girl Power’? Georgina Hogarth (sister-in-law) and Mamie Dickens (daughter).

Although Dickens had directed that all his property – apart from a few items – were to be sold some members of the family seemed keen to hold onto some parts of Charles Dickens estate – a view particularly held by Charles Dickens’ daughters and sister-in-law [36], and his son Charley who successfully bidded for Gads Hill Place – apparently without the funds to cover the purchase price. (Charles Dickens and Georgina Hogarth, Christine Skelton, 2023.) This could explain why he sold the Chalet.

Perhaps as a means to retain the Chalet within our shores, and remove responsibility for it from its new owner, arrangements were made for the Chalet to be exhibited in the Crystal Palace. It would appear to have been at the request of the Crystal Palace Company who had found a model of Shakespeare’s House, at Stratford-on-Avon, had proved to be a great attraction for visitors. The company stated that the Chalet would be exhibited “in its virtual condition, in the transept of the Palace”,[37], “In its entirety”. [38] (There were three transepts South, Great Central and North. The guide book of 1871 makes no mention of the Chalet or indeed teh model of Shakespeare’s house.) In another report it was reported that the Crystal Palace Company paid £700 for, or to secure, the Chalet.[39] I wonder if Charley facilitated this offer? He was the owner of the Chalet and he was the owner of the Crystal Palace Press. [40]

Plan from the 1871 guidebook

There had been a fire at Crystal Palace in 1866. The part damaged in the fire was only partially rebuilt due to a lack of money. A new public attraction – an aquarium – was opened in 1871 but financial problems remained (the Crystal Palace did not make a profit after 1884 [41]). Could the ‘acquisition’ of the Chalet in or around 1871 been an effort to attract more visitors?[42] Reports of Dickens’ death and stories about his life and work associated with the Chalet, would have still been fresh. This could have made the Chalet quite an attraction. 

It is unclear what rights the Crystal Palace Company secured over the Chalet – from when to when. Some reports state that it was sent ‘on-loan’ for one year.[43] It was also reported that the Company had purchased the Chalet [44, 45]; however no mention of the Chalet or indeed Shakespeare’s house is made in the guide of 1871. Could this be because it was never erected at the Exhibition?

Christine Skelton in ‘Charles Dickens and Georgina Hogarth’ suggests that Georgina and Mamie became aware that the man to whom the Chalet had been sold, planned to use it for a touring exhibition. Distressed by this, as perhaps indicated by the ‘accusation’ that the Chalet would become a ‘peep-show’ Georgina made arrangements to purchase the Chalet back. I therefore wonder if the Chalet ever reached Crystal Palace with it going directly from Gads Hill to Cobham Park – but there was a news report that suggests it was erected at Sydenham.

The Chalet’s Journey – Sydenham to Cobham Park – via a Barn!

A news report in 1871 stated that the public (“crowds”) did not have the opportunity to see the Chalet – “some difficulties arose, the chalet was again taken down and conveyed to Cobham Hall; where we understand it is now housed  in a barn but not erected.” It was apparently stored in a barn before being re-erected. (Chatham News, 3 June 1871.) [Could this suggest that this was a hasty as opposed to planned relocation?]

The reason for the Chalet being relocated was said to be a mystery but it was reported that some members of the family had objected to the chalet being used as a peep show. (Chatham News, 3 Jun. 1871.) However, at the official opening of the Chalet when it was relocated to Rochester in 1961, Countess Huntington, then the President of the Dickens Fellowship, stated that Charlie Dickens had sold the Chalet to the Crystal Palace Company which intended to use it for a travelling exhibition around America. Mamie (Dickens daughter) and Georgina (sister-in-law) were apparently horrified by this proposals and bought the Chalet back for £250 and gave it to Lord Cobham. (Chatham News, 29 Sept. 1961.) [I would suggest that this based on dates and the lack of inclusion in the Exhibition’s programme, is more plausible than the explanation offered in 1977 which stated that the Dickens family objected to the Chalet being screened-off and the public being charged to view it – something that they thought was no more than a degrading peep-show. (Chatham News. 13 May 1977.)

There are diverse reports as to how Lord Darnley acquired the Chalet – ‘it was given’ [47, 48], ‘it was presented’ [49, 50,51], ‘it was purchased’ [52]. Whatever the terms may have been I suspect Lord Darnley’s acted out of empathy for Dickens’ daughter and sister-in-law were upset by the commericalisation of Dickens’ memory – and the potential lost of the Chalet to America.

The Chalet in the grounds of Cobham Hall

I’ve yet to discover how the arrangement with the Crystal Palace Company ended but a newspaper article in January 1880 stated that the Chalet was now located in the grounds of Cobham Hall. [46]

When the arrangment ended with the Crystal Place Company is not clear but the Chalet’s ‘stay’ in Sydenham though must have been very short. In less than a year of Dickens’ estate being wound-up there were news reports that the Chalet had been reconstructed in the grounds of Cobham Hall. 

Regardless of how Lord Darnley acquired the Chalet it was relocated to the grounds of Cobham Hall – some distance from the Hall. It would appear not to have been a universally welcome move.  A news report in 1885 criticised a “noble lord” for taking the Chalet to his own estate; “He is none the better for it, and Dickens’ memorials are the worse.”[53]

The Chalet become an ‘Attraction’ – for a few Dickens aficionados

In 1904 Lord Darnley gave the Dickens Fellowship, that was undertaking a tour of places with Dickensian connections, the opportunity to visit the Chalet that was said to be situated in the earl’s private gardens. [54]

During 1912 there were a number of events to mark the centenary of Dickens’ birth. In July of that year the Earl and Countess of Darnley held a reception at Cobham Hall for around 100 members of the Rochester Branch of the Dickens Fellowship. In the party where Mr & Mrs Edwin Harris and Mr & Mrs A W Ratcliffe. The party had a tour of the Hall conducted by Lord Darnley and a visit to the Chalet. To mark the occasion the Fellowship presented a centenary edition of ‘David Copperfield’ to Lady Darnley, who then at the request of the Fellowship presented to Mr Secretary Radcliffe a handsome silver cigar case, and a silver tea service to Mrs Radcliffe, as mementoes for services rendered. [55]

In 1916 upwards of 100 teachers from Gravesend, Maidstone and Gillingham, met in the Ship Inn at Cobham. After their meeting they were taken on a tour of the private grounds of Cobham Hall. On reaching the Swiss Chalet the teachers sang the National Anthem in acknowledgement of it being the King’s Birthday. [56]

“One of the most remarkable houses of literature” is put-up for sale

Due to heavy death duties and the impoverishment of the land, Lord Darnley said in 1929 that he was compelled to sell-up, and place the Chalet, that had been given to his grandfather,  on the market. Under the headline “Dickens Relic May Go To America” it was reported that the Mayor of Rochester had said “that a great effort is to be made to save the Chalet for the Nation”. Lord Darnley similarly wished “that this national shrine” should rest in the heart of “Dickens’s Land”. This though would only be achieved “if all lovers of Dickens will combine, and offer a sum which will compensate the earl”. In order to allow time for local money to be raised the earl withdrew the Chalet from sale “for patriotic and sentimental reasons”, but he could not afford to accept a too smaller sum. [57]

“… although he [Lord Darnley] has said that Rochester shall have first refusal of it, he does not appear to have stated a price at which he is ready to effect a sale. As Rochester is expected to start bidding, it does not look very hopeful that the city of Rochester will be able to possess itself of one of the most remarkable houses of literature…” [58]

Walter Dexter, editor of the Dickensian, also expressed the fear that the ‘portability’ of the Chalet could make it attractive to an overseas bidder. He felt the Chalet should be secured for the Nation and placed in the Castle grounds at Rochester. [59]

The risk of a sale to America was significant. Dickens was well known in America and had a number of friends there. Despite the new owner of Gads Hill Place refusing access, many hero-worshiping Americans continued to visit Gads Hill Place –  “eager to see the last home of the eminent novelist.” [60]

An appeal for public donations was made in the Chatham News. It took the form of a letter from Edwin Drood to the people of Cloisterham, as Dickens referred to Rochester in his Mystery of Edwin Drood (Chatham News 22 Feb. 1929). After commenting on aspects of Rochester ‘Edwin’ went on to write:

“you will do yourself a grave injustice my good friends of Cloisterham if you allow the Chalet of beloved memory to find the house in any place in the World. Never mind what it costs you, back up the appeal of the Worshipful Mayor to the utmost of your powers. Don’t let such a tangible memory of that unparalleled genius go elsewhere if you have any respect for your city, your name or yourselves. 

I understand someone promised or gave half a crown to the Mayor. That’s a good beginning. Let everyone in Cloisterham or Kent, man, woman, even Tiny Tim’s children, go and do likewise according to ability, and so remove all possibility of reproach. Wishing you all good luck, believe me. Yours sincerely, Edwin Drood, in the Fields Elysian. Feb 1929.” {Elysian is a poetic reference to heaven or paradise.}

Clearly a sale was not progressed as the Chalet remained in the grounds of Cobham Hall; unloved and unwanted, the Chalet continued to deteriorate.

In 1959 Lord Darnley, unable to contribute towards the repair of Cobham Hall – £25k was required  [61]– sold the Hall to the Ministry of Works. [62]

Who would ‘love’ the Chalet the best?

There are conflicting reports as to whether the Ministry of Works sought bids for the Chalet or whether Mr Charles Eade a well-known Dickensian and owner of Bleak House, at Broadstairs, spotted an ‘opportunity’. [63]  He stated he would spend £600 on having it relocated and once done, he would open the Chalet to the public. [64]

Mr Eades proposal was countered with one that involved relocating the Chalet to the grounds of Eastgate House which would be fitted out with Dickens’ desk and papers, that were held by the museum, and thereby transformed into the study that could be shown to the public. The Rochester Corporation offered to set the Chalet on a concrete base behind the museum, Eastgate House – a building with associations with Charles Dickens’ work.[65]

The counter proposal to the Chalet being moved to Rochester was made by Strood Council. Under the headline “The struggle for Dickens’ chalet – Strood enters the field” Strood Council stated it felt that the parishioners of Higham and Cobham should be consulted as there was a case for the Chalet to be sited in Cobham Village or to be returned to Gads Hill Place. 

It appears that the Ministry of Works may have looked at these possibilities as it was pointed out that no suitable location had been found at Cobham, and that Gads Hill Place was now privately owned [66] – which presumably would have prevented public access. Strood Council therefore decided to recommend to the Cobham Parish Council that the Chalet should be left where it is and that it should take on responsibility for its maintenance. [67]

Despite Strood Rural District Council’s protest and appeal not move the Chalet, it was reported in April 1960 that the Ministry of Works had decided that Rochester Council should receive the Chalet  and re-erect it in the grounds of Eastgate Museum  – “… so it could be preserved and kept available for visits by the public.” [68]

The Chalet’s Journey – Cobham to Rochester

Eastgate House – before the Chalet’s arrival

In April 1961 work commenced on dismantling and treating the timbers of the Chalet in advance of it being moved to Eastgate House:

“This week, among the spring flowers which now carpet Cobham Park, where the chalet has stood for many years, a team of tradesmen, carpenters and joiners are dismantling the building, piece by piece. 

These experts are members of Woodworm and Dry Rot Control Ltd., who have taken on the difficult task of dismantling the building, restoring it to its original character, and moving it to Rochester. 

All the sections are being housed in a large marquee in front of ancient Cobham Hall where other experts are examining and treating the timber.

Quite a considerable amount of the wood is affected by woodworm and damp rot and this will receive special treatment from the experts, while that which is irreparable will be replaced by matching pieces.

It is no easy task, requiring a lot of delicacy and patience. One of the major difficulties, according to Mr. V. S. Hancock, the timber infestation surveyor, was choosing a method of taking the building down.

Another problem was conveying the pieces from the woodland site to the marquee without damaging the surrounding property.”

Public helped fund the relocation

“… it will not be long before Dickensians in the Medway Towns, many of whom are helping towards the cost of the project, estimated to be almost £1,500, will have an opportunity of seeing the Chalet in all its splendour at Rochester.”

“Just one more move now and the Chalet will finally rest in the very heart of the area where Charles Dickens created some of his most famous and well-loved characters.” [69]

Other reports state that the cost was met by the Council and the Dickens Fellowship (Chatham News, 13 May 1977), as well as with a £1,000 charitable grant.

Chalet Opens to the Public

In November 1961 the opening ceremony was performed by the “Countess of Huntington better known as Margaret Lane, author, critic and president of the Dickens Fellowship. She claimed that the chalet was sold to Lord Darnley by Charles Dickens daughters and sister-in-law. Several made a bid for the chalet but Countess Huntington said she persuaded the Ministry of Works that the Dickens Fellowship had most right to it. “It was a question of raising the money for for transportation, erection and maintenance of the chalet, and it was suggested to me that I might ask the Wolfson Foundation for financial help” – £1,000 was awarded.” It would appear that Wolfson Foundation may have needed some persuasion as Lord Burkett was credited with persuading the Isaac Wolfson Foundation to make a donation. (Chatham News, 29 Sept. 1961.) 

A later report stated that the Chalet officially opened on 22 Sept, 1961 (Chatham News, 13 May 1977); perhaps there is a distinction between being ‘opened’ and being ‘officially opened’.

Criticisms were soon being voiced (1965) about the location of the Chalet. One press report observed that although the Chalet was a “Mecca” for tourists from around the world it was hidden in the grounds of Eastgate House. It was observed that coach-loads of Americans visited the Chalet en-route to Canterbury, and had been visited by Russian students and local government officers from New Zealand, as well as Bulgarian dancers. The reporter though was pleased that the Council had decided to re-prioritise the painting of the Chalet although colours had not be decided. (Chatham News, 6 Aug. 1965.) [NB: painting – not re-painting, and presumably there was no colour to be matched – could it be that it had not been previously painted? See below.]

Should the Chalet be moved to the Esplanade?

Twelve years have the press reported dissatisfaction with the location of the Chalet – there was an outcry when an alternative location was proposed.

A major controversy blew up over the location of the Chalet in April 1977. “The Tory Council” wished to relocate what was described a “tourist asset and trump card for attracting visitors to Rochester”. The Councillors argued that by relocating the Chalet would “seduce tourists away from the centre and spread the profits more widely”. Conservationists argued the move would harm the Chalet and it would, at. Cost of £9,000, be a waste of money (Evening Post, 18 April 1977); the Council backed down in the light of “fierce opposition” (Chatham News, 13 May 1977). 

Chalet Closes to the Public 

The Chalet seems to have closed to the public in the early 1980s. Since then a number of interventions have been made to reverse some of the deterioration – conservation rather that restoration.

In November 2000, £35,000 was spent on some refurbishment of the Chalet. The work was overseen by Eric Gransden founder of E C Gransden builders and contractors of Upchurch. All shutters and doors were removed, and parts stripped back to bare wood and restored; this work exposed details that had been lost under layers of paint. Some rails had new pieces spliced into them. Jane Davis, Conservation Officer of Medway Council stated there was no record of what the Chalet looked like in Dickens time so existing colours were used gain; she speculated though that it may have been bare wood and not painted in Dickens time (Medway News, 10 November 2000.)

Sadly less than 10 years later the Chalet was in “dire need” again. It was estimated that £100,000 was needed to “fix the icon”. It was reported that the Rochester & Chatham branch of the Dickens Fellowship were steering a campaign to raise £50,000 from Heritage Lottery Fund. It was also reported that Fellowships in America and Canada were also undertaking fundraising activities (Medway News, 1 April 2010).

For the love of the Chalet

People are ‘invested’ in the Chalet and I’m sure that there would be local, national and international support for saving the Chalet. 

In July 1978 the Rochester’s Dickens Fellowship presented two mirrors paid for by Amy Butler of Maidstone Road, vice president of the branch, and with money from a legacy left to the fellowship by a former member. The mirror frames were modelled on the originals by pupils of Springhead School of Northfleet. The presentation was part of the branch’s 75th anniversary celebrations. (Chatham News 21 July 1978.)

Over 30, then over 40, years later people were still prepared to participate in fundraising events to save the Chalet – first in 2012 (£417.14 raised – money passed to the Dickens Fellowship), the second in 2022 (£3,284.60 raised, so far, from tours, talks and book sales – money being held by the City of Rochester Society.)

Impact of the Chalet

I’ve led two ‘walks’ to raise money for, and awareness of the deteriorating condition of the Chalet; a Ramble in 2012, and a series of tours 2022. Sure many turned up for a ‘good’ or ‘interesting’ experience but they were there because I was ‘championing’ the saving of the Chalet and returning it to some useful cultural / educational use. 

Last year (2023) I asked people who read my Facebook postings for any memories they had of visiting the Chalet. It was clear that a visit to the Chalet had a great impact of the visitors – particularly school children – as recalled by their adult selves. It is clear the Chalet stimulated young minds and created memories that stayed with them.

Here are a few of the comments I received concerning a visit – there were dozens – all positive about their visit:

• As children we visited the Dickens festival – all dressed up in Victorian clothes. We played around the chalet and fed the fishes. (WAM)

• I would love to see it restored. I visited when in primary school and really loved it. It’s our heritage and that’s important. (LAR)

• I used to work at the Guildhall museum. There hasn’t been access to the chalet interior since the 80’s. When I went inside it was 1989 it was being used for storage, very damp, rotten and filthy inside full of mouldy furniture. (CG) 

• I visited the chalet 1974ish. I was doing a Charles Dickens project at the time. “My Dad asked the museum staff if we could look inside”. They unlocked – “all I can remember is upstairs at the front there was a black desk and chair. (AJ)

• Visited about 50 years ago on a school trip to the museum. My concrete memories are of beeswax and the scent of wood. (KA)

• I belonged to the Museum Club and most Saturdays I was able to sit at his desk, looking into the mirrors which were on the wall each side of the desk so that when you looked in you could see yourself going back loads of times. “For me it was a magical place and always felt very lucky.” (BW)

And how long has the Chalet been neglected?

• I had a month’s work experience at The Charles Dickens Centre in 1989. We could only look around the bottom as apparently it was too fragile to go inside. (JF)

The condition is parlous. Work has been undertaken to stop the chalet from collapsing, but it desperately needs more if its not to be lost.

Where to now?

“One of the most remarkable houses of literature” or a ‘Hotel for Mini-Beasts’?

What is perhaps overlooked is that a prefabricated structure made of softwood is not designed for longevity and frequent dismantling. It’s therefore amazing that the Chalet is still with us after 160 years and a number of moves! However it has survived – despite many of its custodians failing to invest in it, or maximising its cultural, educational and, perhaps most significantly, its fiscal potential.

Pupils from local schools still study Charles Dickens and some schools arrange trips to Rochester to further their learning objectives. Dickens has long been part of the National Curriculum and seeing places associated with his writing has to add to the educational experience. In 1996 Year 8 pupils form Linton Village College visited Rochester to explore its Dickensian connections. They greatly enjoyed the display in Eastgate Museum – now gone – and were only able to view the outside of the Chalet. 

With skilful and not overly complex management the Chalet could have been – and could still be – a cash-generator for Medway. Although it will require a significant injection of cash now to rectify years of neglect, I can envisage it generating an income that would, at the very least, be sufficient cover its future maintenance costs.

The Council clearly lacks the finance to restore the Chalet – but inspiration and creative thinking should not be limited by a lack of cash – “when the going gets tough, the tough get going”! 

The Chalet has had a number of owners – Dickens, The Crystal Palace Company, Lord Darnley, Rochester & Chatham Dickens Fellowship, the Local authority. What’s to say it couldn’t have another?

Perhaps the Council should think about divesting itself of a liability and look to setting up an arms-length or community company that could turn what is currently liability into a financial and cultural asset? If this is not possible why not make full use of the developing IT that could enable people from around the World to undertake a virtual exploration of the Chalet?

I remain available to repeat my advice and thoughts – not negative opinions. As young people tend to say – “it is what it is” but it needn’t stay that way!

Geoff Ettridge aka Geoff Rambler

4 June 2024. Green updates 11 June 2024

Many of the sources detailed below are newspaper articles and therefore need to be regarded as secondary sources. They can be contradictory, cut & pasted from other newspapers, and may even have been made up!

¹ South London Press – 20 August 1870

² Illustrated Midland News – 2 July 1870

³ Era – 14 August 1870

⁴ Lady’s Own Paper, 13 Aug 1870

⁵ Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News – 10 January 1880

⁶ victorianweb.org/authors/dickens/gallery/36.html

⁷ e.g. www.rochesterdickensfestival.org.uk/swiss_chalet.htm 

⁸ Maidstone Telegraph – 10 June 1939

⁹ Kent on Line – 12 April 2015

¹0 Rochester Dickens Festival Website – http://www.rochesterdickensfestival.org.uk/swiss_chalet.htm

¹1 Demands of fans mentioned in “Charles Dickens and Georgina Hogarth”, Christine Skelton, p42

¹2 Charles Dickens as I knew him. George Dolby. 1885. (1912 reprint available free on the internet.)

¹3 Norfolk News, 25 June 1870

¹4 Leeds Mercury, 16 Aug 1902

¹5 County Advertiser & Herald for Staffordshire and Worcestershire, 4 June 1904

¹6 The Life of Charles Dickens, Charles Foster. 1875

¹7 Chatham News, 25 June 1870.

¹8 Hampshire Advertiser, 25 June 1870.

¹9 Illustrated Midland News – 2 July 1870

²0 Hampshire Advertiser, 25 June 1870.

²1 Shipping and Mercantile Gazette – 6 August 1870

²2 Birmingham Daily Post – 6 August 1870

²3 Daily Telegraph & Courier (London) – 6 August 1870

²4 Shipping and Mercantile Gazette – 6 August 1870

²5 Shields Daily News – 8 August 1870.

²6 Birmingham Daily Post – 11 Aug 1870.

²7 Shields Daily News – 8 August 1870

²8 Hampshire Chronicle – 6 August 1870

²9Leamington Spa Courier – 9 Nov 1878

³0 London Evening Standard – 11 August 1870

³1 Wexford Constitution, 13 Aug 1870 

³2 South London Press – 20 August 1870

³3 Wakefield Express, 13 August 1870

³4 Sun (London) – 11 Aug 1870

³5 South London Press – 20 August 1870

³6 Kent Messenger, 29 November 1961

³7 Kenilworth Advertiser, 9 March 1871

³8 Oxford Journal, 18 February 1871

³9 Waterford Chronicle – 7 March 1871

⁴0 As indicated by “Crystal Palace – a guide to the Palace & Park”. Printed by Charles Dickens and Evans, Crystal Palace Press. Particularly p19

⁴1 http://www.thingstodoinlondon.com/footprints/wkcrypaladd.htm

⁴2 http://www.crystalpalaceparktrust.org/topics/the-parks-history

⁴3 The Sphere, 23 Jan 1960

⁴4 Manchester Times – 11 March 1871

⁴5 Hackney and Kingsland Gazette – 4 March 1871

⁴6 Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News – 17 Jan 1880

⁴7 The Sphere – 16 March 1929

⁴8 Nottingham Guardian – 2 November 1959

⁴9 The Sphere – 16 March 1929

⁵0 Middlesex Chronicle – 9 July 1904

⁵1 Gravesend & Northfleet Standard – 22 August 1913

⁵2 Friends of Cobham Hall Newsletter – December 2021.

⁵3 Dewsbury Chronicle – 27 June 1885

⁵4 Kentish Mercury – 24 June 1904

⁵5 Gravesend & Northfleet Standard, 5 July 1912.

⁵6 Maidstone Telegraph, 10 June 1916

⁵7 London Daily Chronicle, 4 February 1929

⁵8 The Sphere – 16 March 1929

⁵9 The Sphere – 16 March 1929

⁶0 Carlow Nationalist – 22 July 1899

⁶1 Kent Messenger, 4 Oct 1957

⁶2 The Sphere – 21 November 1959

⁶3 Kent Messenger 13 Nov 1959

⁶4 Nottingham Guardian – 2 November 1959

⁶5 The Sphere, 23 January 1960

⁶6 Kent Messenger, 13 November 1959.

⁶7 Maidstone Telegraph – 13 November 1959

⁶8 Kentish Express – 8 April 1960

⁶9 Tonbridge Free Press, 14 April 1961

⁷0 Haverhill Echo – 13 June 1996