Note 19 — Chapter IX

So far as I am aware, nothing has been done to trace the genealogy of the Dickens family, and it may therefore be of interest to place on record the title of, and an extract from, a very scarce and curious thin quarto volume (pp. 1-28) in my collection. Sir Walter Scott was immensely proud of his lineage and historical associations, but it would be a wonderful thing if we could trace the descent of Charles Dickens from King Edward III.

In the Rambler in Worcestershire (Longmans, 1854), Mr. John Noake, the author, in alluding to the parish of Churchill, Worcestershire, says:—"The Dickens family of Bobbington were lords of this manor from 1432 to 1657, and it is said that from this family Mr. Dickens, the author, is descended."

[Title.] A POSTHUMOUS POEM of the late Thomas Dickens, Esq., Lieut.-Colonel in the First Regiment of Foot Guards, Dedicated, by permission, to his Royal Highness, the Duke of Gloucester, to which is added The genealogy of the Author from King Edward III.; also A few grateful stanzas to the Deity, three months previous to his death, Sep. 21st, 1789. ——————— Cambridge: Printed by J. Archdeacon, Printer to the University. And may be had of the Editor, C. Dickens, LL.D., near Huntingdon, and of T. Payne and Son, Booksellers, London. MDCCXC.

Above the title is written in ink: "Peter Cowling to Charles Robert Dickens, 3rd son to Sam. Trevor Dickens, this 10th August, 1807, and from said Chas. R. Dickens to his loved father, on the 16th June, 1832."

[Extract.] Genealogy of the late Thomas Dickens, Esq. KING EDWARD III.

Lionel, Duke of Clarencehis Son

Philippa, married to Edmund Mortimer, Earl of Marchhis Daughter

Roger, Earl of Marchher Son

Ann, who married Richard, Duke of York and Earl of Cambridgehis Daughter

Richard, Duke of Yorkher Son

George, Duke of Clarence, brother to Edward IV.his Son

Countess of Salisburyhis Daughter

Viscount Montagueher Son

Lady Barringtonhis Daughter

Sir Francis Barringtonher Son

Lady Mashamhis Daughter

William Masham, Esq.her Son

Sir Francis Mashamher Son

Johanna Masham, who married Counsellor Hildesleyhis Daughter

John Hildesley, Esq.her Son

Mary Hildesley, who married the Reverend Samuel Dickenshis Daughter

Thomas Dickens, Esq., the Authorher Son

Opposite George, Duke of Clarence, is written in ink, "Drown'd in a Butt of Malmsey Madeira," and following Thomas Dickens, Esq., the Author, also written in ink—

"Lieut.-Gen. Sir Saml. T. Dickens, K.C.H.his Son

Capt. Saml. T. Dickens, R.N.his Son"

And following the last-mentioned names written in pencil—

"Admiral Samuel Trevor Dickens, R.N.my Son"

Also written in pencil underneath the above—

"qy. Charles Dickens the Novelist."