Fans of Charles Dickens will recognise this building as both Miss Twinkerton’s school for young ladies in The Mystery of Edwin Drood and the Westgate House Seminary for young ladies in The Pickwick Papers. Built in 1590 for the Alderman and Mayor of Rochester, Sir Peter Buck, the house was actually a boarding school for young women during Dickens’ lifetime. Another piece of Dickens’ memorabilia found here is his Swiss Chalet, previously situated at his home at Gad’s Hill, which he used for his writing during the summer months.