Sir Henry Fielding “Harry” Dickens (1849-1933)

Son of Author Charles Dickens, Lawyer, King's Counsel, Knight Bachelor. The inscription reads: "In tender and loving memory of Henry Fielding Dickens, K.C., Common Serjeant of the City of London. Born 16 Jan 1849 - Died 21 Dec. 1933. The sixth son and last surviving child of Charles Dickens. 'The old, old fashion - Death! Oh, thank GOD, all who see it, for that older fashion yet, of Immortality!" - C.D. Also his beloved and loving wife, Marie Dickens. Born 6 Dec. 1851 - Died 3 Jan. 1940." The lines quoted may be found at the end of Chapter Sixteen of "Dombey and Son." Henry Fielding Dickens was educated at Wimbledon School and at Trinity Hall in Cambridge, where he started off as a mathematical scholar, but changed to Law. In 1873, he was called to the Bar ; in 1892, took silk as a King's Counsel; and, in 1899, became a Bencher of the Inner Temple. For many years, he served as the Recorder for the towns of Deal and Maidstone in Kent. He was knighted in 1922. His recreations included fencing, and he was the first President of the Chatham Yachting Club. He was the author of two books: "Memories of My Father" (1928) and "The Recollections of Sir Henry Dickens, K.C." (1934). On the 25th. October 1876, he married Marie, the daughter of Monsieur Antonin Roche. They had three sons and three daughters. One son, Philip Charles Dickens is buried next to him. Another, Henry Charles Dickens, was the father of Monica Dickens, who wrote "One Pair of Hands", "One Pair of Feet" and "Follyfoot".

Bio by: Iain MacFarlaine