This taster episode is taken from the Betwixt the Sheets podcast, created by our friends over at History Hit. Betwixt the Sheets looks into the history of sex, scandal and the weirdest, most fascinating areas of society - from the history of cosmetic surgery, to the Profumo Affair, to Henry VIII’s sex life. It’s hosted by sex historian, Kate Lister - and twice a week, every week, she’s joined by an expert. In this taster episode, Kate is joined by writer, actor, and Charles Dickens superfan Miriam Margolyes to discuss everything Dickens and how his relationships with the women in his life influenced his work. If you enjoy this episode, search ‘Betwixt the Sheets’ in your podcast app and hit follow for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Or follow this link: https://podfollow.com/betwixt-the-sheets-the-history-of-sex-scandal-society Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
If you like history, we've got something a little different for you today.
We've got an episode all about the real Charles Dickens with Miriam Margoyles from our friends over on Betwixt the Sheets podcast.
I love listening to it and if you're enjoying my podcast, I think you will enjoy Betwixt the Sheets too.
Listen to Betwixt the Sheets wherever you get your podcasts.
It is a damp winter morning near the banks of the Thames in 1823.
As this bustling city comes to life, throngs of people make their way to another hard day's work in the factories.
That line the river.
Among them is a shy 11 year old Charles Dickens, who's about to start his first day of work at a blacking factory having been taken out of school by his parents to help pay off their debts.
Towards the end of his life he would describe the rotting building as literally overrun with old grey rats whose squeaking and scuffing would come up the stairs at all times.
But it's here that the young Dickens is exposed to the cruelty young children faced in Victorian Britain.
And many of the characters here will inspire some of his most popular and famous stories.
In fact, it's on this day that a boy dressed in a ragged apron and a paper cap shows Dickens how to tie a knot with string.
And he introduces himself as Bob Fagan.
Sound familiar?
The seeds of resentment towards his parents for being taken out of school were sown deep though, particularly towards his mother.
And as we will find out from today's very special guest, this and other relationships with the women in his life had a profound effect on Dickens and his work.
What do you look for in a man?
Oh, money, of course.
You're supposed to rise when an adult speaks to you.
I make perfect copies of whatever my boss needs by just turning a knob and pushing a button.