A Dickens of a disappointment as attraction plan is scrapped

The scheme had been seen as a potential new attraction for Malton, to bring new visitors and Charles Dickens’ enthusiasts to see the building in Chancery Lane and rooms which have remained unchanged since the Victorian author penned the classic novel more than a century ago.

Dickens was a regular visitor to the town, and was godfather to the daughter of his good friend Charles Smithson, a solicitor who had offices in the building.

But Malcolm Chalk, chairman of the Charles Dickens (Malton) Society, said: “We held an open day of the building, inviting up to 40 business people in Malton but not only did they not turn up, but they didn’t even send apologies.”

He said that the only donation locally had been £1,000 from the Fitzwilliam Estate.

Now the society has “reluctantly” relinquished plans for its development and terminate its lease at the end of next month.

Mr Chalk said: “Despite the best efforts of local society members and trustees, applications for grants to fund the cost have been unsuccessful and appeals for support from local businesses have produced disappointing levels of response.”

The society raised thousands of pounds for lease payments and initial building work, he added.

Malton’s Mayor Councillor Jason Fitzgerald-Smith described the decision as “disappointing”.

“It had the potential to be a major tourist attraction for Malton and an opportunity to display a remarkable piece of literary history. When the counting house was open during the Victorian Weekend last year it proved very popular.”