Off to Italy: Farewell Dinner at 9 Osnaburgh Terrace, June 1844

Abstract

This chapter describes how Charles Dickens plans for farewell dinner at 9 Osnaburgh Terrace, June 1844, before moving to Italy following decline in the sale of Martin Chuzzlewit and the birth of their fifth child. Forster suggested Dickens to let Devonshire Terrace at a good rental and transport himself and his family to Italy, where they could take advantage of the cheaper cost of living. This would also allow Dickens to make money by writing about his impressions and experiences. Dickens liked the idea and set about making plans. He found a tenant but unfortunately, she demanded to move in right away. Evidently in those days, tenants were more difficult to find and it was the landlord who had to make the concessions. Dickens rented a temporary home, 9 Osnaburgh Terrace, for the intervening period to avoid losing the rent. Charles was confused as to how to arrange the farewell dinner given the small space in his makeshift rented house, but his wife took it in her stride and managed the farewell. The menu included boiled salmon with lobster sauce; filleted soles with shrimp sauce; chickens and tongue; and cabinet pudding.