As well as memorialising Charles Dickens the restored chalet needs to bring benefits to a wider audience and community than just those associated with Charles Dickens.

It’s not known to many but Rochester has an association with a number of other authors who have produced popular and significant works. Perhaps the Chalet should recognise their contribution to literature and, be used to inspire writers of today? Perhaps it’s also worthy to note that the best known – other than Dickens – are women who shaped different genres. 

Anne Pratt, from Strood, and educated at Eastgate House – popularised botany

Edith Nesbit best known for writing The Railway Children. She lived near and often visited Rochester.

Enid Bagnold born at Rochester and wrote National Velvet.

Click for more detail of these and other Writers with a Rochester Connection.

Want to join the discussion on ways to maximise the benefits of having a restored chalet? Please email hello@charlesdickenschalet.co.uk or join the Chalet’s FaceBook page:www.facebook.com/CharlesDickensWritingChalet