Restoration Efforts Begin on Vandalized Scrooge Gravestone

Restoration work on a gravestone dedicated to Ebenezer Scrooge is now in progress, following its destruction by vandals over the weekend. This inscribed stone, which served as a prop in the 1984 cinematic adaptation of A Christmas Carol, has been situated in the graveyard adjacent to St Chad’s Church in Shrewsbury for four decades, since the film’s initial release. Helen Ball, the town council clerk, indicated that securing the “necessary permissions” for the repairs was a “complex” undertaking. However, she extended her gratitude to the Diocese of Lichfield for “fast-tracking” the required faculty to commence the work. Ms. Ball expressed optimism that the situation would be “all sorted by the end of the week.” The two largest sections of the stone remain within the graveyard, but town council personnel have collected the smaller fragments to ensure that “pieces of the jigsaw” are not misplaced. Ms. Ball stated that a stonemason will now “stick it all back together.” Once the gravestone is repaired, it will be embedded into the ground for its preservation. Ms. Ball further commented that the town has been “overwhelmed” and “humbled” by the support received, not only from the local community but also from around the world. She noted that numerous individuals contacted the town council, offering financial assistance to help cover the repair costs. Additionally, the son of the film’s producer reached out, conveying his late father’s pride that the stone had remained at St Chad’s and his likely sorrow upon learning of the damage. Ms. Ball remarked that with the commencement of repair work, there is now “light at the end of the tunnel.” She also suggested that the media attention over the past few days indicates an expected increase in visitors wishing to see the gravestone once its restoration is complete. For updates, follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.