The Tragedy That Inspired Charles Dickens
Imagine the life of a woman trapped in her own tragedy so deep it became a legend! Eliza Donitorn, a lonely lady from the Sydney suburb of Camperdown, is not just any woman – she is the real Miss Havisham from Dickens’ novel “Great Expectations.”
Eliza was born into a wealthy family, but her life was no fairy tale. A cholera epidemic took her sisters and mother, and her father, an ambitious and successful investor, tried to marry her off to the wealthy sons of his colleagues in India. But Eliza had her own mind – marriage only for love!
She met a young clerk, George Katbertson, and they fell in love. Their relationship was secret, hidden among the graves of Camperdown Cemetery. Her father forbade their meetings, but Eliza did not give up. They arranged a wedding, and her father set the condition that George quit his job and live with Eliza at Camperdown Lodge.
But on the wedding day, George never showed up! Eliza was left alone, with her wedding dress in the wardrobe and the tables untouched. To make matters worse, she was pregnant. The child was given to a servant to raise, and later she was told the baby died at birth. Her mental state worsened.
After her father’s death, Eliza inherited the estate and became a withdrawn recluse. She kept the curtains forever drawn, believing George would return one day. She kept a mastiff tied up to ward off intruders. Stories about George vary – some say he was bribed, others that he was killed during the Indian rebellion.
Eliza died on May 20 at the age of 60, likely of a broken heart, just like her mother. She was buried next to her father, near the place where she may have had her first kiss with George. Only 30 years after the wedding that never happened were the remains of the wedding feast removed from the dining room.
Why does this story touch us?
Because it’s a tale of love, betrayal, and eternal waiting. A story that inspired one of the greatest writers of all time to create a character who still evokes sadness and sympathy.
If you think Eliza Donitorn’s life is just another old story, think again. How many of us live today in our own Camperdown Lodges, waiting for something that may never come?
Now, take a look at your windows – are the curtains drawn or open? Are you ready to let the light in? Or will you wait forever?
Share your thoughts – maybe your story is the next one that needs to be told!
