Bleak House

Charles Dickens

When a Charles Dickens’ novel is brought to life for a television adaptation, re-creating Victorian England can be a challenging prospect.

Producers of a recent production of the classic tale 'Bleak House', starring Gillian Anderson, Charles Dance and Johnny Vegas, looked to a key location in Essex in order to bring Dickens’ vision to life.

Ingatestone Hall - Essex

Acting as a powerful backdrop to the drama’s rich mix of characters is the superb visitor attraction Ingatestone Hall – a 16th century mansion set in 11 acres of grounds, which include an English garden and walk. Used as the exterior of Bleak House, the imposing building is approached along a lime avenue, and the house is seen across sweeping lawns. Built of local dark brick with brick mullion and transom windows, it has a brooding atmosphere that perfectly fits the mood of Bleak House.

Other attractions for Dickens fans include:

The Charles Dickens Museum (www.dickensmuseum.com/)
Explore the four floors of Dickens' home where he lived from 1837-1839 and see many items relating to the life of one of the most popular and beloved personalities of the Victorian age.

Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum (www.charlesdickensbirthplace.co.uk/)
Picture what Dickens' life was like as a very young child in this modest house where he was born.

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