Charles Dickens: Biography Charles Dickens was born in Portsea, England on February 7, 1812 and died June 9,1870. He is now regarded as one of the greatest English writers. His novels combine vast social perspective and deep compassion for the lower class. His works are still widely read, taught, and performed in modern dramatizations. Dickens was born into a poor family. When he was 12 his father was imprisoned for debt. Dickens was removed from school and put to work in a blacking factory. He lived alone in a lodging house in North London. His father received inheritance after a few months and Charles finally returned to school, but his money trouble