Mistress of Charles Dickens (Memorial #1256). In 1857, when she was just 18, she met Dickens, who was then 45. The following year, Dickens separated from his wife of more than 20 years. Ternan had a relationship with Dickens until his death in 1870. In his will, Dickens left her £1,000 and sufficient income from a trust fund so that she would never have to work again. In 1876, 6 years after Dickens' death, she married George Wharton Robinson, who died in 1910. They had two children, Geoffrey and Gladys. Her relationship with Dickens was kept a secret until after her death. She is the subject of the play, Little Nell by Simon Gray and the book, The Invisible Woman: The Story Of Charles Dickens & Nelly Ternan by Claire Tomalin.

Mistress of Charles Dickens (Memorial #1256). In 1857, when she was just 18, she met Dickens, who was then 45. The following year, Dickens separated from his wife of more than 20 years. Ternan had a relationship with Dickens until his death in 1870. In his will, Dickens left her £1,000 and sufficient income from a trust fund so that she would never have to work again. In 1876, 6 years after Dickens' death, she married George Wharton Robinson, who died in 1910. They had two children, Geoffrey and Gladys. Her relationship with Dickens was kept a secret until after her death. She is the subject of the play, Little Nell by Simon Gray and the book, The Invisible Woman: The Story Of Charles Dickens & Nelly Ternan by Claire Tomalin.