He might have heard of the friends, Cluppins, raddle, etc.
"Bardell v. Pickwick"
Percy Fitzgerald
We know that she was sister to Mrs. raddle, who lived far away in Southwark, and was the landlady of Mr. Sawyer.
"Bardell v. Pickwick"
Percy Fitzgerald
Mrs. Bardell was unanimously voted into the chair, and Mrs. Rogers being stationed on her right hand and Mrs. raddle on her left, the meal proceeded with great merriment and success, until Mr. raddle again put his foot into it by making an unfortunate remark which upset Mrs. Bardell and caused him to be summarily sent to a table by himself to finish his tea alone.
"The Inns and Taverns of "Pickwick" With Some Observations on their Other Associations"
B.W. Matz