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Charles Dickens’ Swiss Writing Chalet saved for generations to come

2/7/2026

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Credit Nick Johnson,The ImageWorks

Steve Martin (l) and Nick Baines from Dickens Fellowship with

Sue Haydock, Chairman of the Friends of Eastgate House

The chalet where Charles Dickens wrote some of his last novels is set to get a new lease of life thanks to support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, in time for National Writing Day on Wednesday 24 June.

The Charles Dickens Writing Chalet, set in the gardens of Eastgate House, just off Rochester High Street, will receive a £240,000 to help develop plans to restore the architectural treasure and open it up to the public. Now over 160 years old, this Grade I listed structure, situated in Eastgate Gardens, is extremely fragile and at serious risk of being lost.

The attractive Grade I listed chalet is where Charles Dickens worked on several of his novels including Our Mutual Friend (1864–65), The Uncommercial Traveller (1861–69), and his final, unfinished work The Mystery of Edwin Drood (1870). Dickens also used to rehearse here for his many public appearances and it is believed the second floor was lined with mirrors for this purpose.

The chalet was given to him as a present from an actor friend, Charles Fechter, in 1864 when he lived at Gads Hill in Higham and was moved to its current location in the historic town of Rochester in the 1960s.

The project will conserve and restore the Chalet, creating a new setting inspired by the ‘Wilderness Garden’ of Dickens’ home at Gad’s Hill. Working in partnership with Friends of Eastgate House, if development plans are successful, they will unlock a further funding of £1.2m from the Heritage Fund.

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: ‘I’m pleased we are adding the Charles Dickens Writing Chalet, the writing nook where he wrote his last novels in peace and tranquillity, to the writing heritage we’ve funded over the years.

Cllr Nina Gurung, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Leisure, said: “Having personally had conversations with the Friends of Eastgate House and Dickens Fellowship about the importance of breathing new life into this precious hidden gem in Medway, I am absolutely thrilled to announce this successful funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

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Scenes from Great Expectations by Charles Dickens Adapted and directed by Paul Doust

23/3/2026

TIM LARKFIELD – Pip and Narration
TEGAN STEWARD – Estella, Miss Havisham and Narration
JAMES TURNER – Joe Gargery, Herbert Pocket and Narration
ANDY LEGGATT – Magwich, Mr Jaggers and Narration

I attended one of the Sunday afternoon shows put on by the council. Lasting just under an hour it was a very well presented gallop through the story of Pip, Magwich, Estella and Miss Havisham. I do encourage you to sign up for one of the shows next Saturday and Sunday 28th and 29th March.

To book visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/eastgategreatexpectations
or call 0333 666 3366. See the poster under ‘Events’.
Sue Haydock, Chairman, Friends of Eastgate House

an, Andy, Sue Haydock, Tim, James

The Decaying Wedding Breakfast

Delightful Daffodils

4/3/2026

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The rewards of the planting in atrocious weather conditions - a lovely display of daffodils.

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Eastgate Christmas Heroes

30/1/2026

The Friends came to the fore when Father Christmas fell ill. Alternatives were found but not for the Monday before Christmas.

"Our Chairman, Sue Haydock, called in at the house to see how things were going to discover the emergency. She was straight on the phone to a friend who was at that time being Father Christmas at a function. Asking if he could help out on the Monday, he checked with his boss and was given the OK. So a very aptly named Charles Mundy from the Rochester Pickwick Club covered the Monday and the day was saved!"

Deck the Halls

5/12/2025

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In the run up to Christmas, Lisa and Abby organised a weekend to decorate the house ready for Christmas. Members of the public could come in and see the decorating being carried out. Putting up Christmas trees and swags of greenery. It does look lovely. Volunteers, some in costume, were invited to help, and were entertained by carol singers from Medway Adult Centre. The Town Crier, Mike Billingham, called in to inspect the real, pot-grown Christmas tree provided by the Friends, which was being decorated by Chairman, Sue Haydock.

It was a lovely time and the shop which is open without having to pay to go into the house proper, has a great selection of Christmas items to suit all pockets. Do call in and have a look.