The grave of Charles Dickens is marked in Westminister Abbey, where he was buried against his will, in London, February 3, 2012. Dickens wanted a private, unadvertised funeral where nobody should wear any "scarf, cloak, black bow, long hatband or other such revolting absurdity." Public demand meant he was buried at the Abbey's Poet's Corner, but only 12 people attending his burial. His grave was left open for days and filled with flowers thrown by thousands who came to pay their respects. —Reuters Photo

St. Dunstan-in-the-West Church was the first in London to have a clock with minute hands on the dial and features in Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol, in London. —Reuters Photo

Patrons drink at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese pub, one of London's oldest pubs and one of Charles Dickens favourites, alluded to in A Tale of Two Cities, London.—Reuters Photo