Like Schoenberg in the 20th century, Porpora was well-known asa composer in London in the 1730s he was second only to Handel in popularity asawriter of operas but equally famous for his students.
At the same time, the Dean of Westminster, Arthur Stanley, was searching for afamouswriter to boost the standing of Westminster Abbey in British life, and Dickens was seen as the ideal candidate to be laid to rest in Poets' Corner.