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ALS, two pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7, July 8, 1848. Handwritten letter to a lady, in part: "I beg to acknowledge the safe receipt of your post office order for two pounds ten shillings, in aid of the Fund for the purchase of Shakespeare's House. For which I beg, in the name of the Treasurer (to whom I have handed it) to thank you very cordially. If I wrong one gentleman by the superscription of this note, I trust he and you will excuse me in consideration of my willingness to which that there is a possibility of some humble disciple of Shakespeare." In fine condition.
Charles Dickens was an enthusiastic supporter of efforts to preserve William Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, seeing the house as a tangible link to England’s greatest literary heritage. In the mid-19th century, when the property was at risk of private sale—with American showman P. T. Barnum a likely bidder—Dickens publicly endorsed the campaign to purchase and protect it for the nation. He lent his name, influence, and advocacy to fundraising efforts, believing that Shakespeare’s home should be safeguarded as a place of cultural memory and inspiration for future generations. Today, the property is preserved by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
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