Introduction:
In the world of literature, Charles Dickens might be one of the most recognizable names. But have you ever heard of Katherine Hogarth? At the young age of nineteen, Katherine Hogarth married Dickens and became his lifelong partner. But, while Dickens is known around the world for his timeless classics, we know very little about his wife. However, recent discoveries have shown that Katherine Hogarth was a woman of remarkable worth.
Who was Katherine Hogarth?
Born on May 19, 1815, Katherine Hogarth was the eldest daughter of George and Georgina Hogarth. Her father and her uncle, John Hogarth, were both skilled newspapermen. Growing up around writers and journalists, Katherine developed an interest in literature, especially poetry. She married Charles Dickens in 1836, and they were together until her death in 1879. Many accounts suggest that Katherine had a strong influence on Dickens’s work, including “David Copperfield,” which is thought to be partially based on her life.
The Discovery of Katherine’s Wealth:
In the years following Katherine’s death, researchers began to uncover details about her wealth. It became clear that Katherine was a woman of considerable means, with assets worth more than $4 million in today’s dollars.
One of her most valuable assets was her collection of jewels. It is said that Dickens gifted her many pieces of jewelry over the years, including the famous Stuart Sapphire. In addition, Katherine owned several properties, including a house in central London.
The Value of Katherine’s Jewelry Collection:
Katherine’s jewelry collection was unique in many ways. Some of the most notable pieces were given to her as gifts from her husband, Charles Dickens. One of the most valuable pieces was the Stuart Sapphire, a stunning blue gem that is now known as the Buckingham Sapphire. Dickens gifted her the stone in 1850, and it remained in Katherine’s possession until her death.
The value of the collection is estimated to be $2.3 million in today’s dollars. Some of the most remarkable pieces include a bracelet featuring emerald and diamond leaves, a sapphire, and diamond pendant, a brooch of diamonds and emeralds in a horseshoe shape, and a necklace consisting of elegant pearls and diamonds.
Katherine’s Properties:
In addition to her precious jewelry collection, Katherine owned several valuable properties. One of them was a house on Devonshire Terrace that Dickens purchased in 1839. This property was home to the newlyweds and saw the birth of their first child. The house was sold in 1851, and a new one was purchased in the upmarket area of London, Kent.
FAQs:
Q: How did Katherine Hogarth become wealthy?
A: Katherine Hogarth’s wealth was inherited from her father, who left her a considerable amount of money and properties before his death. She also received valuable gifts from her husband, Charles Dickens.
Q: How valuable was Katherine Hogarth’s jewelry collection?
A: Katherine’s jewelry collection was valued at $2.3 million in today’s dollars. It included some of the most remarkable pieces such as the Stuart Sapphire, necklace of elegant pearls and diamonds, a sapphire, and diamond pendant.
Q: What properties did Katherine Hogarth own?
A: Katherine owned several valuable properties, including a house on Devonshire Terrace that was home to her and her husband, Charles Dickens. They sold it in 1851 and relocated to a new house in the upmarket area of London, Kent.
Q: Did Charles Dickens gift Katherine Hogarth any other jewelry besides the Stuart Sapphire?
A: Yes, Charles Dickens gifted Katherine several pieces of jewelry over the years, including a bracelet featuring emerald and diamond leaves, a brooch of diamonds and emeralds in a horseshoe shape, and many others.
Q: What was Katherine Hogarth’s estimated net worth?
A: Katherine’s net worth was more than $4 million in today’s dollars.
Q: Did Katherine Hogarth have any influence on Charles Dickens’s work?
A: Many accounts suggest that Katherine had a strong influence on Dickens’s work, including “David Copperfield,” which is thought to be partially based on her life.
Q: What happened to Katherine Hogarth’s assets after her death?
A: After Katherine’s death, her assets were divided amongst her children and grandchildren.
The Legacy of Katherine Hogarth:
Katherine’s life may have been overshadowed by her famous husband, but her story and contributions remain significant. She was a woman of great worth, not only financially but also in the eyes of her husband, who once referred to her as “the best of men and women.”
As we uncover more about Katherine’s life and accomplishments, we can better appreciate the roles of the women who support and inspire our greatest artists.
Conclusion:
Katherine Hogarth, although often overshadowed by her husband Charles Dickens, was a remarkable woman in her own right. Recent discoveries have revealed that she was a woman of considerable wealth, owning several valuable properties and a jewelry collection worth millions of dollars. Her story is a reminder of the often-untold contributions of women in inspiring and supporting our greatest artists. Therefore, we must celebrate and honor these women, who play an essential role in shaping our cultural heritage.