Re: The best of 'Times'
Charles Dickens (cdickens@RMPLC.CO.UK)
Wed, 11 Mar 1998 12:04:33 -0100
Mr Charles Dickens has asked me to reply to this query.
The last news Dickensians heard of this watch was in 1951. Dickens
bequeathed it to his friend and biographer John Forster, who in turn
bequeathed it to Thomas Carlyle. In 1951 it was in the possession of his
descendant, Mrs Elizabeth Carlyle of Dumfries, who that year lent it to the
city of Coventry for exhibition there.
I should think descendants of Carlyle today would know of its whereabouts.
I suggest you search the web, using the name "Thomas Carlyle." That would
probably yield news of a project likely to involve contact with Carlyle
descendants.
Dr David Parker, Curator, The Dickens House Museum, London
________________________________________________________________________________
>Whilst visiting Coventry in 1858, Charles Dickens was presented with a
>Quarter Repeating Gold Watch No 8581 made by Rotheram and Sons of Coventry.
>
>It is inscribed:
>
> "Presented to Charles Dickens Esquire by his friends in Coventry in
>grateful acknowledgement of his kindness to them and of his eminent
>services to the interests of Humanity. December 1858"
>
>Coventry Watch Museum Project (registered charity) has asked me if I can
>find out what became of it.
>
>Can anyone help?
>
>
======================
Charles Dickens
charles_dickens@rmplc.co.uk
Author