As my Shakespeare genealogy post was so popular, I thought I’d do a similar thing with a few more famous people – and as Charles Dickens is my favourite author it wasn’t difficult to choose one! Much of Charles Dickens’ genealogy is fairly well documented, but I’ve also investigated a few of the ‘side lines’ in case you find a link to your own tree.
(By the way – if you want to learn how to trace your ancestors, have a look at my Step-by-Step Beginner’s Course)
I am not going to go too much into the direct descendants of Dickens. It’s likely that if you are a direct descendant then you are going to know about it already, and many of his descendants are well known, particularly within the theatrical and publishing professions. A full tree of his descendants can be seen at www.charlesdickenspage/dickens_family_tree.pdf
His direct descendants include:
- Monica Dickens (writer 1915-1992). Author of One Pair of Feet and many other great novels.
- Brian Forster (actor b.1960 Los Angeles, USA). He was in The Partridge Family in the 1970s.
- Gerald Charles Dickens (actor b. 1963) Performs one man shows based on the novels of Charles Dickens.
- Lucinda Anne Dickens Hawksley (biographer, author & lecturer b. 1970)
- Harry Lloyd (actor b.1983 in London) Played Will Scarlett in the BBC production of Robin Hood.
Charles Dickens (1812-1870) had ten children and they are:
- Charles Culliford Boz (1837-1896). Editor & writer. Married Elisabeth Matilda Moule EVANS. They had 8 children.
- Mary Angela (1838-1896)
- Catherine Elizabeth Macready (1839-1929)
- Walter Savage Landor (1841-1863) Officer in the Indian Army. Died in Calcultta, India.
- FrancisJeffrey (1844-1886) Member of the Canadian Mounted Police. Fought in the Battle of Fort Pitt 1885. Died during a lecture tour in Illinois, USA.
- Alfred D’Orsay Tennyson (1845-1912). Emigrated to Australia & made lecture tours on his father’s life. Married Augusta Jessie DEVLIN in Victoria Australia & they had 2 daughters. Later married Emily RILEY. Died in New York during a lecture tour.
- Sidney Smith Haldiman (1847-1872) Royal Naval Officer. Died at sea & buried in the Indian Ocean.
- Henry Fielding (1849-1933) Kings Counsel & Barrister. Marred Marie ROCHE & they had 5 children.
- Dora Annie (1850-1851) Died in infancy.
- Edward Bulwer Lytton (1852-1902) Australian politician. Married Constance DESAILLY. Died in Moree, New South Wales, Australia.
There is some scope for Australian and American family historians here!
Charles Dickens’ ancestors can only be taken back with any confidence to his grandfather, William Dickens (1719-1785) who married an Elizabeth BALL (1745-1824). Given that their son, John was born in Marylebone, London in 1785, the BALL family may be of London. There is an Elizabeth BALL baptized in Finsbury on 16th October, the daughter of Francis and Elizabeth, but there could be hundreds with this name born in that year, so finding a definite link to this line would be very difficult.
Much more is known about Charles’s father, John Dickens (1785-1851). He married Elizabeth Culliford BARROW on 30th June 1809 in London. Elizabeth was the daughter of Charles BARROW (1759-1826) and Mary CULLIFORD (1771-1851). Charles, like John Dickens, worked at the Navy Pay Office, and was convicted of embezzling. He married Mary Culliford on 27th January 1788 in Lambeth, Surrey.
According to a published tree on Ancestry, Charles Barrow was born in Bristol, the son of William Barrow and Anne CASTEELS. Obviously, this needs confirming, but it may be of interest if you have Bristol or Somerset Barrows or Casteels in your family, and worth looking into.
According to the same tree, Mary Culliford was the daughter of a Thomas Culliford and Mary GOLDSWORTH, who married in Westminster. Again, this may be worth checking if you have these names in your family. In fact, Mary’s baptism can be found on Ancestry and took place in Camden, Middlesex.
Elizabeth Barrow had several siblings, who may have living descendants, so these would be worth looking into.
John and Elizabeth DICKENS had seven other children apart from Charles. I do know that there are living descendants, as one of my closest friends is one!
- Frances Elizabeth (1810-1848). Did not marry.
- Alfred Allen (1814-1814) Died in infancy.
- Letitia Mary (1816-1874) Did not marry (as far as I know).
- Harriet Ellen (1819-1822) Died in childhood.
- Frederick William (1820-1868). Married Anna WELLER, but they separated in 1858. Died an alcoholic.
- Alfred Lamerte (1822-1860) Railway Engineer. Married Helen DOBSON in 1836 & they had 5 children:
- Alfred E Dickens
- Edmund (or Edward) Henry Dickens
- Florence Helen Dickens
- Katherine L. Dickens
- Augusta Maud Dickens
- Augustus (1827-1866) Married Harriet LOVELL but he left her and emigrated to Chicago, USA, where he had 3 children by Bertha PHILLIPS, the daughter of an English solicitor. The children (all born in the US) are:
- Bertram Dickens
- Adrian Dickens
- Amy Bertha Dickens
For a connection to Charles by marriage, we can look at Dickens’ wife’s family. If you have Scottish HOGARTHs in your family tree you might be interested in this.
Charles Dickens’ wife was Catherine Thompson HOGARTH. She was born in Edinburgh, the daughter of George Hogarth (1780-1870) a newspaper editor and music critic. He was born in the Scottish borders and was married to Georgina THOMPSON in 1814 in Edinburgh. Catherine was their first child, and the other children were:
- Robert Hogarth (1816-?)
- Mary Hogarth (1819-1837). She lived with Charles and Catherine in the early years of their marriage until her early death.
- George Thomson Hogarth (1821-?)
- William Thomson Hogarth (1823-?)
- Georgina Hogarth (1827-1917) Became Charles Dickens’ housekeeper. Later published the letters of Charles Dickens.
George HOGARTH senior was the son of Robert HOGARTH and Mary SCOTT, and according to my own searches he had several siblings all born in Channelkirk: Robert (1785), John (1786), Mellicent (1788), Christian (1790), Mary (1791), Jane (1792) and Mary (1794). These details need confirming.
It is not surprising that many of Charles Dickens’ descendants are theatrical. He was a great lover of the theatre and produced and performed in several plays himself. He was a great character – but hampered all his life by the financial problems of his father and several of his siblings. His marriage was not a happy one, and he had at least one mistress – the actress Ellen Ternan. He seems to have had good relationships with his daughters, two of whom can be seen in this picture.
He is first on my fantasy dinner party list. I think he probably was great fun to have at parties – especially in his younger days. My own historical fiction writing is often influenced by his style and he tends to pop up now and then as a kind of guest character! Next year will be the 200th anniversary of his birth – cause for much celebration!
More information on Charles Dickens’ genealogy can be seen at MyHeritage.com. I would like to hear from anyone who has Charles Dickens in their family tree, or would like any help in finding a connection.
Recommended Books:
The Complete Works of Charles Dickens (Annotated)
Trying to trace lineage. My great-grandfather was John Dickens (1843-1931, married to Maria Robinson (1846-1929). He was a coal miner, they came to the US from England around 1881. Both died in Columbiana, Ohio, USA. I cannot find any info on their parents.
Hi Gary
Thanks for your message. I have sent you an email.
Ros
My grandmother was named Ellen Harkness Dickens and I have been told that we are somehow related to the great man.
I know my grandmother was born in Scotland and moved to Manchester as a young girl. Her mother(my great grandmother)died when she was a small baby. Do not have much more info. but it would be interesting to know if there is a connection. Regards Nadia
My grandmother was named Ellen Harkness Dickens and I have been told that we are somehow related to the great man.
I know my grandmother was born in Scotland and moved to Manchester as a young girl. Her mother(my great grandmother)died when she was a small baby. She grew up with her father and stepmother and their children. Do not have much more info. but it would be interesting to know if there is a connection. Regards Nadia
Hi Nadia
Thanks for your message. I will send you an email.
Ros
Hi Ros..my maternal grandfather was named John ALfred Dickens Cridland from the UK. An aunt of my mother did a geneology of our family (which I have never seen)and I understand my great great great uncle was Charles Dickens. Wish I knew more and hope it is true.
Hi my name is Frank Dickens my father was Brian Cyril Dickens and grandfather Cyril Dickens.Just wodering if there is a conection as my Mother insists we are directly related.Very best regards Frank
Hi Frank
I have sent you an email.
Cheers
Ros
Hi Jane
This sounds interesting – I have sent you an email.
Cheers
Ros
My great-grandfather is James Edward Dickens born in August 1887 in New York, found through Ancestry.com although I hit dead ends after that. My father’s side swears we are related to Charles Dickens somehow.
Hi Camille
There certainly are many of Dickens’ descendants in the US – but we would need to find the connection with the UK before any research over here could be carried out. Have you searched immigration records? I have sent you an email anyway.
Cheers
Ros
Hi, I am wanting to find out if I am related to Charles Dickens. My Grandma always said we were, but I would like some proof if thats possible. I asked my sister if she had any proof, and she emailed me back saying : “I’m not sure if Amy Dickens is the sister of Charles or a cousin. But if you would like to write in the forum, let me know if you get a reply. Would be fascinating one way or another.” My Grandma was Amy Cecelia Harriot Crawford, and her maiden name was Cousins, or couzins. It would be great to find out more of our ancestory, and even better to find out that we are actually related. My Grandma lived in NZ.
Your help would be much appreciated.
Thank you
Raewyn Roburgh
Hi Raewyn
I have sent you an email.
Cheers
Ros
I just found the marriage certificate for Charles and Catherine. Oddly, my father is robert hogarth, my mother Mary Bisley Hogarth, they are 81 years old, how can I see if I happen to be related? Thanks, great fun! Debbie
Hi Ros, sorry haven’t received your email as yet!
Thanks
Raewyn
Hi Raewyn
Yes – the email I sent you bounced. I think there was an extra letter in the email you gave me before. I shall try again. If you don’t hear from me, please feel free to email me at info@tracingancestors-uk.com.
Cheers
Ros
Hi Debbie
You would need to search back from your father, using birth & marriage records, and the census (every ten years back from 1911 to 1841). Do you know if your family have any Scottish connections?
I have sent you an email as well.
Cheers
Ros
Hey, Im a direct descendant of Charles Dickens and I have the latest copy of the Dickens Family tree if you’re interested, or have any questions
Hi Tristan
That’s very kind of you – thanks. I would be delighted. I have sent you an email.
Ros
Hello there, my mothers name is Donna K. Dickens, my grandfather died in Pearl Harbor, but we have always been told that we are descendants of Charles Dickens, possibly from his child named Henry. Could you please send me some information. Thanks
Hi James – I’ve sent you an email.
Cheers
Ros
Hello I’m the sister of Raewyn you were emailing in this forum.
My grandmother was married name was Crawford, maiden name Cozens. (Grandmother)
Her mother’s married name was Cozens, maiden name was Wakefield. (Great Grandmother)
Her mother’s married name was Webster (not sure of maiden name) (Great, Great, Grandmother).
We are also desendants of Edward Gibbon Wakefield. (Settler).
We have misplaced our family tree, but I would really love to know if Amy Dickens was Charles sister or cousin.
Hi Jenny
I have sent you an email
Best wishes
Ros
hello possible relatives!:) i only know so far that i am related to charles dickens! well i like all these comments and all, but gotta go. thankx xoxo
alot of my relatives live in west virginia and i wish i can go down there!!!! i would love to know more about my ancestors. btw i say random things… im probably the youngest one on here.im between 11 and 15
email me at medickens99@me.com
My name is Deborah frederica Dickens I was born in Kinsgton Jamaica my mothers name was gloria sterling before marriage I was told that my fathers name is Author Dickens he was born in Panama and raised in Baltimore I’ve never met or see him before in my life and I’m 40 years of age. I would try the family tree but I know little about him or other families. Is there ant help I could get? I’ve been searching for years but didn’t know what to do or where to turn. Thank you.
Hi Deborah
I have sent you an email.
Cheers
Ros
I’ve been told that I am related to Charles Dickens as well.. supposedly he is a great-great-great uncle. (Might be one more great in there..) My grandmother (great x 3) was Maria Georgina Dickens born 11th of April 1863 in Edinburgh. I have the original BC. Father William Dickens and Margaret (???) can’t make out the hand writing. I have the Marriage Cert between Maria Georgina Dickens and Patrick McKinney dated July 1890. I have a photo of Maria Dickens McKinney next to another woman (mother?) I have a signed letter dated 26, Nov, 1929 from Chas Dickens to Maria that refers to a will (that I have) of Eliza Dickens dated 19 July 1926. The will names several people.. I also have a handwritten letter dated Nov 2, 1886 to a “dear Uncle” from a loving niece (??) can’t read the handwriting. It mentions Uncle John (blind?) and sorting out beneficiary’s to a will. Looks like the niece might be a Mrs Franklin.. I have a pile of documents.. but am not sure where this points to. Feel free to email me or post here. I was told by my grandmother that the author Chas Dickens wore a small diamond ring that he took from his wife’s sister when she died at a young age (16 or 17) I have that (supposedly) and also a small desk that Chas used as a writing desk. (??) It means alot to me because I had tea with Granny at that table.. Oh well. Good luck everyone!
Helen
Hi Helen
This sounds intriguing – but unfortunately I can’t see any connection with the Edinburgh Dickens family and the author, except that William Dickens (Maria’s father) was born in England. Perhaps he was a cousin? I have sent you an email with more details.
Cheers
Ros
I found out a few years ago from my dad that i am somehow related to Charles Dickens
hello its me again my new email is medickens99@mail.com. thanks guys!
Hello, I was told by my grandmother that we were related to Charles Dickens. It was her mother’s mother that was Annie Evelyn Dickens, and Annie’s father was William Dickens. I might have it a step wrong, but my grandmother showed me pictures. Not sure on Annie’s date of birth, but was told that she gave birth at about 17 to Lillian Doris Brannen. Annie married to a Richmond Brannen. Also, something to do with Anna Weller, born about 1830? Not sure if that was William’s wife?
Do you know whereabouts Annie was born?
Charles Dickens was related to Butch Cassidys Parker family Charles father was cousin Butchs grandfather. The Parkers originated from the Burnley/Accrington area in Lancashire. I was a Parker originally.
Wow – that’s really interesting. I didn’t know that. Thanks for that Jean!
My family links are to Charles and Sarah Dickens from Spitalfields UK.
Down the line to William Low and Mary Prior Dickens nee Cook.
Weinburg, Burling,
William Stratford and Elzabeth Dickens nee Burling.
My Grandmother Isobel Wade nee Burling.
Interesting read here and need more data.
Thanks Barry – I’ll send you an email.
Hi, Very interesting website, just reading Barry’s above. I am from NZ and also a descendants of William Low and Mary Prior Dickens nee cook. My Grandmother was William Low Dicken’s great -great granddaughter. She has always told us we were related to Charles Dickens. I am very new at this and am having trouble with the connection to the famous writer.
Hi Anne
Thanks for this – I have sent you an email.
Ros
I found the Dickens’ family tree fascinating. You’ve done great work to assemble that and it’s really impressive. I am curious that since Charles Dickens’ grandfather William died early in his (CDs’) father’s life, but his grandmother Elizabeth Ball Dickens lived a lot longer and had her own fascinating life, do you know when William and Elizabeth Ball were married? Since Elizabeth Ball was William’s second wife, do you know what the date of his first marriage was? I’d like to be able to calculate the relative ages between William Dickens and his wives. Thank you.
Ever since I was a young boy my siblings and I were told that we were eighth cousins to Charles Dickens so I have trying to find a connection between the two branches. The furthest I have got is back to John Dickens 1818-1877 married to Martha Harrop 1824-? his father is also called John but I haven’t been able to find anything about him,he would be my great, great, great, great grandfather, I think I still have to back a bit further, it would be great if you could throw some light on it. thanks, Al.
I hope this is what you want.
My siblings and I are supossedly eighth cousins of Charles Dickens, I have traced our branch of the family back John Dickens the Father of John who married Martha Harrop in 1840 in Prestbury Cheshire and would have been born c1816. I haven’t been able to find anything about the father except that his name was listed as the father on the Marriage certificate, He would be my 4th great grandfather, I would like to find where the two branches connect.
Hi Al
Thanks for this. I have sent you an email.
Cheers
Ros
Hi Julie
Thanks very much for your comments.
I’m afraid that very little is known about William Dickens. It is possible that the Dickens family were Londoners – but they may also have had property elsewhere. I have seen the Dickens name in relation to Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Northamptonshire – but no-one has ever found strong evidence to carry the line back further. As far as the information available to me goes, I believe that the details of William’s marriages are not known. Very frustrating!
HI,
Thanks for your website!! I have also been researching my family history, and I’ve gotten back to 1843… but can’t find the connection to Charles, and I was told by my grandfather that we are connected, not directly, but linearly. Here’s what I have:
William Dickens (unknown years)
William Henry Dickens: 1843-1915
William A. Dickens: 1872-?
Ralph Dickens (1911-1997ish)
Philip Dickens (1950- )
Stephanie M. Dickens (1983- ) this is me
Any insights as to how the linear connection is made? Many thanks!
Hi Stephanie
Thanks for your comment. If there is a link, it may be that someone in your family was a cousin of Charles – but the actual link may be much further back. It can be difficult to find this as not much is known about Charles’s grandparents – but I have sent you an email so we can discuss further any research possibilities.
Cheers
Ros
Hi
Perhaps you can clear up a family mystery for me. Is there any family tree information through William Dickenson that shows immigration to New Brunswick, Canada. Primarily Northumberland County. If so, I would really like to hear from you. Like many here, I too have been told of a family connection.
Hi Carol
I have emailed you.
Ros