Great Excavations - Digging Charles Dickens’ Workhouse

History Hit | 47 mins

Sir Tony Robinson presents a special film about a remarkable excavation in central London, the workhouse that inspired Charles Dickens to write his famous novel, “Oliver Twist”.

In the middle of the capital, archaeologists are digging deep to find out more about the lives and deaths of the poorest of the poor, the inmates of the workhouse. Behind the workhouse building lies a cemetery where they were buried - now it is being carefully excavated as the whole site is being redeveloped. It’s a rare opportunity to investigate the treatment of London’s destitute in the late 18th and 19th centuries - a story that was repeated in great cities across the world as people poured into them in search of work.

This film combines unique archaeology, as well as social and literary history - the care of the poor, how their plight was brought to the attention of the public and the extreme challenges created by burgeoning cities. Dickens was writing about his times, but like all good history, the heart of it remains relevant today.

CREDITS
Produced and directed by Bill Locke
Editor & Colourist - Alex Elkins

History Hit