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Wednesday, 25th February 2009 (742 views)

A gold ring that supports the theory that Charles Dickens had an illegitimate love child has sold for £26,000 at auction.

The item is regarded by many as proof that the author had an affair with his sister-in-law, Georgina Hogarth.

It was purchased by an anonymous collector from Northern Ireland, who submitted the winning bid by telephone at the sale, which was held by Nigel Ward & Company in Pontrilas.

The ring is inscribed with the words 'Alfred Tennyson to Charles Dickens 1854' and was previously owned by descendants of Ms Hogarth, who claim that Dickens had a son named Hector with the woman.

"I don't think there was any really any doubt about the authenticity of the ring," Mr Ward stated, adding that he had been able to speak to Mr Dickens' great, great grandson, who had confirmed the story, stating that it was "all known about" within the family.

 

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