Charles Dickens, The Bulls Head, Dorking, and William Broad white plaque

This white commemorative plaque records: The Bulls Head and Pump Corner. Supplying London coaches from the 18th century, the inn became famed in the 19th century for its coachman, William Broad, possibly the model for Charles Dickens' Toby Weller in The Pickwick Papers. At the opposite corner stands the pump. It was installed in 1780 to draw water from the well which had been the centre of the town since the Middle Ages. Recorded plaque organisation: Dorking Heritage.

William Broad was a coachman at The Bulls Head inn in Dorking, renowned for his service to London coaches; he is believed to have inspired Charles Dickens' character Toby Weller in "The Pickwick Papers," thus becoming a notable figure in literary history.