The Tragic Death Of Charles Dickens' Children

March 2024 ยท 2 minute read

Dickens married Catherine Hogarth, whom he met through his father, a colleague at the "Morning Chronicle." They married in April of 1836 and had 10 children together. Although the two enjoyed a happy relationship in the beginning, Dickens became unhappy as the size of his family increased and he faced the challenge of supporting them. By 1857, the two had separate bedrooms and the couple eventually separated (via Charles Dickens Info). 

Not all of their children became adults. His ninth child, Dora Annie, was born sickly. Dickens loved his little girl and spent time "carrying little Dora about the house and garden" as Robert Gottlieb wrote in his book, "Great Expectations: The Sons and Daughters of Charles Dickens." 

The girl he had named after a character from his book, "David Copperfield," died at eight months old (via Charles Dickens Info) the night Dickens give a speech at a dinner for the General Theatrical Fund. Before he left to speak, he played with Dora. While Dickens was gone, Dora experienced convulsions and passed away. His father, John, had died nine days earlier (via Victorian Web). 

Dickens may have had another child who died during infancy. As his marriage to Catherine soured, he formed a relationship with the actress Ellen Ternan. According to rumors, the two of them may have had a child together (via National Geographic).

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