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
Fortifications of Portsmouth demolished. Of the four gates in the walls of Old Portsmouth only Landport Gate survives in its original position. King James's gate, Lion Gate and Unicorn Gate have been re-erected slightly further away. Anti tank defence blocks on Fraser Beach are now a grade 2 listed structure. A pair of links from one of the harbour boom chains are on display at Southsea castle. One of the Pickett-Hamilton forts constructed to protect the airport has been placed on display outside the D-Day Museum in Southsea. Fortifications of Portsmouth The fortifications of Portsmouth are extensive due to its strategic position on