Charles Dickens and social criticism. On the other hand, Oscar Wilde, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf complained of a lack of psychological depth, loose writing, and a vein of saccharine sentimentalism. The term "Dickensian" is used to describe something that is reminiscent of Dickens and his writings, such as poor social conditions or comically repulsive characters. Charles John Huffam Dickens was born on 7 February 1812, at 1 Mile End Terrace (now 393 Commercial Road), Landport in Portsea Island (Portsmouth), the second of eight children of Elizabeth Dickens (née Barrow; 1789–1863) and John Dickens (1785–1851). His father was a clerk in the
King James's and Landport Gates end of the High Street. Unlike the majority of Portsmouth's defences, the gate is still in its current position. King James's and Landport Gates King James's and Landport Gates are two English Heritage gateways in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England. Earthen ramparts protecting the land side of the port containing munitions, international goods storage, warehouses, shops and homes were constructed in the 14th century which were strengthened by order of Henry VIII in the 16th. Four ornate gateways were originally access points to Portsmouth through the town walls. The majority of the town walls were demolished in 1860. <br> King James's Gate