Mexborough and Swinton Times, November 9.
Shakespeare’s Church and the Fullerton’s of Thrybergh, and Denaby.
During the last few weeks there has been a good deal of commotion in learned circles about what has been called the “desecration” of Shakespeare’s shrine in Stratford on Avon church, Warwickshire, by the proposed erection of a bust to the memory of Lady Martin – a lady who was better known to the theatrical world as Helen Fawcett, the actress.
Some very warm criticism has come from the pen of Miss Marie Correlli, who says that the proposed bust is an outrage – that Sir Theodore Martin, the widower, has brought the position about by a lavish expenditure of money.
To read between the lines, it is not difficult to see that Miss Correlli has not much respect for this old Parliamentary agents mode of procedure. It may be a reminder to say that the great actresses husband was author of a “Life of the Prince Consort”
The husband of the diseased Lady Martin has in effect, replied that he has law and usage on a side, and instances the memorials to the old family of Fullerton, Thrybergh, which are to be found there; and serve with Theodore Martin seems to make a point in his favour by declaring that no objection have come from the Fullerton descendants, or those interested in memorials of those who died at Stratford-upon-Avon, and descendants, presumably entitled to respectful consideration, which he thinks Miss Correlli is not.
A solicitor, however, who seems to have a locus standi has notifed the present vicar that he objects to the scheme on behalf of the surviving relatives of the vicar, named John Clayton. That solicitor is Mr Balden of Birmingham.
It is exactly 100 years since the reverent John Fullerton died, after having been many years rector of the church where Shakespeare’s remains lie.
It was his son John, of Denaby, Thrybergh and Brinsworth, who was father of the John Fullerton, who died in 1875.
The rector’s wife was Miss Rebecca Garth, whose niece was a Maid of Honour to Queen Charlotte.
So it is clear there is a good ecclesiastical connection between the Lord of the Manor of Thrybergh, Italy, vicar of Kilnhurst (Mr Cordeux, who married Miss Sophie Fullerton) and Stratford-upon-Avon.
There is need of further light on the subject of the so-called desecration.
The motto of the Fullerton’s – “a light in darkness.” Would indicate that Thrybergh may help the Stratford rector to see is way.
Since the above notes were written, Sir Theodore Martin has withdrawn from the dispute, and hence the Memorial to the deceased lady will not be placing in the chancel.