Charles Dickens Blue Plaque Unveiling

A blue plaque to commemorate world famous author, Charles Dickens, and his connections to Brighton will be unveiled by his great-great-grandson, Ian Dickens, at the Holiday Inn Hotel Brighton - Seafront, on Wednesday 8 February 2012 at 12pm.

 
The hotel stands on the site of the former Bedford Hotel, where Dickens was a frequent guest on his many trips to Brighton. 

The Bedford had its own plaque to honour Dickens but this was lost when the hotel burnt down in 1964.  In its heyday, the Bedford was a luxurious and fashionable venue with notable guests including royalty and celebrities of the day.

It was also mentioned in Graham Greene's novel, Brighton Rock, thinly disguised as the 'Cosmopolitan' where it was the base for the major Brighton gang leader 'Mr Colleoni'.
 
The unveiling marks the bicentenary of Dickens' birth and will include speeches from the Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Commemorative Plaque Panel, as well as photo opportunities for press representatives.
 
Funding for the blue plaque has come from a number of sources including a generous donation by the residents of Bedford Towers and the building's freeholder, as well as a contribution from the Brighton & Hove Commemorative Plaque Panel.
 
Cllr Geoffrey Bowden, Cabinet Member Culture, Recreation and Tourism, says: "Blue plaques raise awareness of the great and the good who have had connections with our city. Charles Dickens excites huge interest globally, and we are delighted to be able to mark his connection with and love of our city in this way – especially in the bi-centenary of his birth."

Date: Wednesday, February 08, 2012