The real-life inspiration for famous Dickens character has been found
AN amateur sleuth says he has unveiled the real-life inspiration for the Charles Dickens character Miss Havisham.
The eccentric spinster is one of the most famous figures in English literature.
But the idea for the character from 1861 novel Great Expectations, brought to life on screen by stars including Helena Bonham Carter in 2012, has always been the source of speculation.
Now Isle of Wight holiday cottage owner Alan Cartwright says he has uncovered evidence of the actual jilted bride who lay behind the novelist’s creation.
And great-great-grandson Ian Dickens backs the claims.
Margaret Dick, who lived on the island, cut herself off from society after a failed marriage.
And it has emerged regular island visitor Dickens dined with her in the years before her humiliation — similar to that suffered by Miss Havisham.
Miss Dick was jilted in 1860, the year before the novel was published, and her neighbour was called Miss Haviland.
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Financial executive Mr Cartwright said he was researching the area when he came across a pamphlet which made reference to Dickens’ dining companions.
And the writer’s great-great grandson Ian, 66, president of the Dickens Fellowship, said: “They were friends and it’s too big a coincidence not to think she influenced it.”
He added: “He would have been aware of Miss Dick being jilted. She was certainly an important inspiration.”
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