Mrs Y Atkinson

​I remember visits to Eastgate House when I was at school in the 40s and 50s, with my father who was an avid reader and also very interested in historical buildings. We were specifically interested in the architecture and layout of the house.

​In 1980-90s I took my own children to visit the Dickens Centre to see displays of scenes from Dickens books. I enjoyed the earlier displays because they related more to my own imaginings of what I had read. The Pater talking tableaux were more interesting to the younger people used to improving technology. I loved the gardens, a peaceful site to enjoy wildlife and the pond and the Swiss Chalet when later brought from Gads Hill.