Outstanding and highly uncommon manuscript vellum DS, one page, 26.75 x 22, March 21, 1863. An indenture agreement between Charles Dickens and John Brooker for the lease of land near Gad's Hill. In part: “Charles Dickens of Higham in the County of Kent Esquire…and John Brooker…farmer…that piece or parcel of land or garden ground containing by estimate eight acres and sixteen perches…formerly called or known by the name ‘Seeming Ruff’ but now called ‘Scrubby Bushes.’” Beautifully signed on the bottom flap by Dickens with a mostly intact red wax seal separating his first and last name. Document also retains its blue revenue stamp. Triple-matted and framed to an overall size of 39.25 x 34.25. In fine, clean, bright condition, with intersecting storage folds. Provenance: Christie’s 2008.
As a little boy, Charles Dickens would often walk to Gads Hill Place and dream of his future life there. Nearly four decades later, having published some of his greatest works and reached the heights of fame and wealth, his dream turned reality with the purchase of the estate in 1856. He enjoyed the quiet of his country retreat and wrote many of his later works there, including A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, and the unfinished The Mystery of Edwin Drood. The Brooker family—including John Brooker, a local farmer who shared many qualities and peculiarities with Drood’s character ‘Stoney’ Durdles—went back generations in Higham; John’s father was known for planting the beloved cedars on the edge of the property, which Dickens (who dabbled in horticulture himself) especially enjoyed. An impressive and highly unusual document, tying the legendary author to the community and the home that held an important place in his heart for the entirety of his life. Oversized. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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