The Fireplace
The chimney-piece that you see is evidently the "statuary marble chimney piece" mentioned in Dickens's tenancy agreement. The hearthstone is one that Dickens himself chose and had fitted. The tenancy agreement speaks of a "veined marble hearth," clearly the one now fitted. Dickens, there can be no doubt, was responsible for the change. An original 1801 stove from 49 Doughty Street has replaced the late Victorian stove that was in the fireplace before reconstruction work began.