Dickens’ Exhibition Opens in Birthtown Portsmouth with

Original Nicholas Nickleby Manuscript

28^th January – 4^th November

Charles Dickens’ birthtown, Portsmouth, is staging a free exhibition dedicated to the novelist’s bicentenary featuring an original Nickolas Nickleby manuscript on loan from the British Library. A Tale of One City at Portsmouth City Museum. It will be open from 28^th January until 4^th November 10am-5pm, Tuesday – Sunday (closed Mondays apart from Bank Holidays).

Also in Portsmouth, Dickens actual birthplace, a modest house at 1 Mile End Terrace now preserved as a museum, will also be open 10am-5pm from 28^th January until 4^th November, which is longer than usual. Admission charges apply but entry will be free on Sunday 5^th and Tuesday 7th February 2012 to celebrate the bicentenary (closed Mondays apart from Bank holidays), when there will be a range of activities plus celebrations in the street including musicians, performers, food, craft activities and readings.

For details visit www.portsmouthcitymuseums.co.uk or call 023 9282 7261; more information can also be found along with 14 other Hampshire museums at www.visitsoutheastengland.com/historyrevealed.