13-14 Portsmouth Street WC2A 2ES
Transport Holborn tube
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A shop named 'The Old
Curiosity Shop' can be found at 13–14 Portsmouth Street, London,
WC2A 2ES. The building dates back to the sixteenth century, (thought to have been built about 1567) but this name was
added after the novel was released, as it was thought to be the inspiration for
Dickens' description of the antique shop. At one time it functioned as a dairy
on an estate given by King Charles II to one of his many mistresses. It was
made using the wood from old ships and the building survived the bombs of Second World War. There is also a shop in Broadstairs called
The Old Curiosity Shop, where Dickens rented a home.
