Why a Booktrail?
1800s: Said to be Charles Dickens’ favourite novel!
David Copperfield
What you need to know before your trail
David grows up with just his mother and their maid Clara Peggoty. Life is hard but good until someone else comes into the picture. David’s mother remarries and Mr. Murdstone is not the kind of man you want to get on the wrong side of. David is sent then sent, out of the way, to Boarding school. The schoolmaster there Mr Creakle is not his friend that’s for sure. Just when David thinks life can’t get any worse, his mother dies and by the age of 10, he is sent away again, this time to London in order to find work.
David decides all he can do now is to try and find his aunt, Betsy Trotwood. Can she be his new start in life and how will life be from now on?
Travel Guide
Broadstairs
Dickens House Museum & Information Point
Charles Dickens has a long connection with Broadstairs (1837-1851). This is Charles Dickens’ inspiration for the home of Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield.
The parlour in the house is the very one, described by Dickens and illustrated by Phiz, which features in the book. The cupboard in the corner is said to be the “press” from which Miss Betsey got the various potions she would administer to young David Copperfield.
The funny moments concerning donkeys in the book were inspired from something Charles Dickens witnesses outside the house.
In the novel, Betsey Trotwood’s house is located in Dover, the residence which inspired Aunt Betsey’s home is in Broadstairs, where Dickens wrote much of David Copperfield.
London
Much of the novel is set in London. But before that he is sent to Canterbury in order to attend school.
Yarmouth
Mr. Peggoty’s houseboat is in Great Yarmouth. Dickens stayed at the Royal Hotel in Yarmouth whilst writing parts of David Copperfield.
Booktrail Boarding Pass Information: David Copperfield
Author/Guide: Charles Dickens Destination: Broadstairs, Yarmouth, Canterbury, London Departure Time: 1800s
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