Repairs Underway for Vandalized ‘Scrooge’ Gravestone, Enhanced Security Planned

A company undertaking repairs on a gravestone inscribed with the name Ebenezer Scrooge has indicated that, contrary to the fictional character’s redemption, the stone will not be restored to its previous condition. The gravestone, located in the yard of St Chad’s Church in Shrewsbury, was vandalized last week. The name of the fictional miser was inscribed on a gravestone at the site for the 1984 film adaptation of A Christmas Carol, featuring George C Scott. The initial inscription on the stone had eroded and vanished over time, and despite record checks, the identity of the individual it originally commemorated could not be ascertained. The alteration was reportedly carried out with Home Office authorization. The location attracts visitors annually due to its literary association, and although the stone cannot be restored to its exact former appearance, those repairing it have pledged to incorporate enhanced protection. Stonemason Ed Jones, representing Midland Masonry in Market Drayton, stated that the repair work, which is being performed without charge, is scheduled for a day next week. This week, on Wednesday and Thursday, the company proceeded with removing the stone, excavating its foundations, and laying concrete. Mr Jones stated, “Once the concrete foundation is cured, we’ll bring [the stone] back, fix it back together with stainless steel pins and resin. Then we’ll do a mortar repair across the top where the cracks are. Then we’re going to put some concrete or cement round the edges, all the way round it, so you can’t lift it with your fingers; physically pull it back up.” Helen Ball, the town council clerk, commented that obtaining the “necessary permissions” for the repairs had been a “complex” undertaking, but she expressed gratitude to the Diocese of Lichfield for “fast-tracking” the requirements to commence the work. While the two largest sections of the stone remained in the graveyard, smaller fragments were previously collected by town council personnel to prevent the loss of “pieces of the jigsaw.” When questioned about future security measures, Mr Jones responded: “I suggest really they could put some railings round it, with a little gate at the front, just waist high, so that no-one can actually get inside it to actually physically lift it up again.” The stonemason affirmed that the company’s endeavors did not constitute “a huge amount of work.” He further remarked: “I just feel that it’s something we can do for society and for everyone who comes and sees it, ‘cos it’s a heirloom of Shrewsbury, isn’t it?”