To celebrate the birthday of Charles Dickens (7th February 1812) we've teamed up with another 'Dickensian' podcast, 'Brain on Fire,' with actor and host Dominic Gerrard.

Today we'll be taking you on a tour through Dickens's historic home, showcasing how this incredible building inspired his many works.

You can hear more from Dominic Gerrard on his podcast, Charles Dickens: A Brain on Fire! 🔥

In 1836 Charles Dickens married Catherine Hogarth. They remained together for 22 years, but the marriage was not destined to succeed. Following a painful separation in 1858, Dickens accused Catherine of being a poor mother, mentally unstable and a generally unfit wife.

This view has been challenged by modern scholars, while new acquisitions by the Charles Dickens Museum also highlight Catherine's warmth, kindness and affection for her children.

So who was the real Catherine Dickens? What happened in the Dickens marriage to drive Charles and Catherine apart? And why has history remembered Catherine so badly?

In this two part episode, we spoke to Lillian Nayder, author of 'The Other Dickens,' to try and discover the real Catherine Dickens.

Part Two explores the breakdown of the Dickens marriage and Catherine's life after her separation.

In 1836 Charles Dickens married Catherine Hogarth. They remained together for 22 years, but the marriage was not destined to succeed. Following a painful separation in 1858, Dickens accused Catherine of being a poor mother, mentally unstable and a generally unfit wife.

This view has been challenged by modern scholars, while new acquisitions by the Charles Dickens Museum also highlight Catherine's warmth, kindness and affection for her children.

So who was the real Catherine Dickens? What happened in the Dickens marriage to drive Charles and Catherine apart? And why has history remembered Catherine so badly?

In this two part episode, we spoke to Lillian Nayder, author of 'The Other Dickens,' to try and discover the real Catherine Dickens.

Part One explores the early life and marriage of Catherine.