Walking in Ikey's footstepsHistory Walk

Isaac ‘Ikey’ Solomon is widely believed to be Dickens’ inspiration for the character of Fagan.

One of London’s top fences (receivers of stolen goods), Ikey was transported to Van Diemen’s Land (having escaped twice).

Once finally here, he was sent to Richmond to work in the Gaol as a Javelin Man (turnkey).

This walk will retrace his life in Richmond, including his several brushes with the law and his amazing ability to escape punishment.

As is so often the case, the real life Ikey is far more interesting than the fictional character!