The Unknown Bond of Charles Dickens Wth Calcutta

Who doesn’t know about the English writer Charles Dickens? From Oliver Twist to Hard Times, he has sprinkled his magic dust throughout the world. While Dickens is predominantly associated with England, it is intriguing to discover his special connections with India, particularly the city of Calcutta. Even though it is tragic, Charles Dickens and Calcutta share some bond.

The grave of Walter Dickens at Calcutta, Image source- BongBlogger

Charles Dickens, a very popular name for everyone associated with literature or who loves literature, However, the city of Calcutta had some special connections with the writer. Even though he has never stepped foot in the country, the country has a piece of his heart. Located about 5 kilometres away is the South Park Street Cemetery. In the brown and dusty grounds of the streets lies the grave of Walter Landor Dickens, who was the second son of Charles Dickens.

Walter Landor Dickens was the fourth child of Charles Dickens and his wife Catherine.

He was highly influenced by his father and showed an interest in becoming a writer. However, the decision did not go well with Charles, and he kept him away from writing. Soon, at the young age of 16, he was enrolled in the armed forces and landed in India.

Even though Charles missed his son, he was happy for his bright future. It was the last time he saw off his son at Southampton and wished him luck for his journey in India. But, little did he know, he would never see him back again.

Walter Landor Dickens was the son of famous writer, Charles Dickens, Image source- Wikipedia

Walter was ranked as a lieutenant, and he settled in Kolkata for about six years. However, during this time, he was in debt, and his health conditions also deteriorated. He suffered from hematemesis (blood vomiting). Due to his health conditions, he was about to return to England to his family, but unfortunately, he died on December 31st at the Officers’ Hospital, Calcutta. He was then given a burial in the Bhowanipore Military Cemetery.

However, miles away in England, Charles Dickens was completely unaware of his son's death. The news did not reach him until his 52nd birthday. On his birthday eve, when Dickens' family would have been engrossed in joy and celebration, he got the news of his son's death from an aortic aneurysm and later some of his unpaid bills.

In the year 1937, some students from Jadavpur University in Calcutta decided to shift Walter's tomb to another place. They collected funds and relocated the grave from Bhowanipore War Cemetery to the South Park Street Cemetery. They placed the tomb among the tombstones of several reputed and notable Europeans. It was a tribute to the great writer and his son.

Today, the tomb is partially in ruins, and the name is not clearly visible. But it is one of the attractions of the cemetery. People come to visit the tomb of Walter London Dickens. He is that bridge that once connected the country with the prolific writer and continues to do so. The tomb of Walter Landor Dickens remains a poignant reminder of the connection between Charles Dickens and India and serves as a tribute to the great writer and his son.