Charles Dickens, like his father before him, claimed to be descended from William Dickens, who was granted use of a crest in 1625. It was described as a lion couchant (lying down) bearing a Maltese cross in his right paw. 

Dickens's descent was never proved, and the College of Arms refused to grant Dickens his official use of the crest. So Dickens simply created his own version of it! 

This design was styled for him by a cabinet maker, John Overs, and Dickens subsequently had it stamped in his book bindings, on items of furniture, even on his plates and silverware! 

We're delighted to bring you a copy of this cheeky (and a little presumptuous) crest, in the form of this fridge magnet.