Charles Dickens' writing chalet opens to public

The Dickens chalet has been in its current location in Rochester since the 1960s

The Grade I listed chalet in Kent where Charles Dickens wrote some of his most famous works is being opened up to the public.

The interior of the 160-year-old wooden building off Rochester High Street is opening up for four days from Thursday as part of Heritage Open Days.

It was given to Dickens by the French actor Charles Fechter, arriving in 94 pieces on Christmas Eve 1864.

Steve Martin, from the Dickens Fellowship, said the opening is "such a rarity" and will "hopefully raise awareness to help us get funding to restore the building".

Dickens used the chalet for writing and also to rehearse for his many public appearances.

On the day of his death, 9 June 1870, the famous author was working inside it on his unfinished novel The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

The chalet was originally located at Dickens' home at Gads Hill in Higham and was moved to its current location in nearby Rochester in the 1960s.

A Heritage Lottery Days spokesperson described the building as "one of Medway's architectural treasures".

Charles Dickens was writing in his Swiss chalet on the day of his death in 1870

Medway Council, which owns the building, has been co-ordinating with the Dickens Fellowship and other interested parties around plans for refurbishment of the chalet for several years.

Multiple applications have been put in to the Heritage Lottery Fund for funding.

The chalet will be open free of charge to visitors from 11:00 to 15:00 without any need for booking.

Members of Medway Council's heritage team will be on hand to talk about its history and future.