'A fitting way to celebrate the spirit of Christmas!' - Shrewsbury reverend's delight as repair work to vandalised 'Scrooge's grave' confirmed

That is according to Reverend Sam Mann of St Chad’s Church, who shared his delight at the news that the iconic prop from the 1984 film A Christmas Carol, had “started its repair journey”.

Salopians expressed their shock and sadness after the gravestone, which has become a popular tourist attraction, was smashed to bits last Saturday evening in the churchyard of St Chad’s. Police are investigating the incident.

However, after many expressed their hopes it would be restored. 

 It was confirmed yesterday (November 29) that experts from Midland Masonry will be undertaking work to help preserve it for the future.

The Ebenezer Scrooge gravestone from the famous film adaptation of the Charles Dickens book, which was filmed in the town, is considered an important piece of Shrewsbury’s cultural heritage. At this time of year, organised tours of locations used within the movie visit the grounds of St Chad’s to see the landmark.

Reverend Mann said: “We are delighted to support the restoration of Scrooge’s gravestone, which holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and visitors. It’s a fitting way to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and keep Dickens’ timeless story alive.”

Reverend Prebendary Jo Farnworth, acting Archdeacon of Salop added: “Dickens’s Christmas Carol is such an important part of our Christmas tradition, as the overwhelming public interest has shown.  

“It is wonderful to see Shrewsbury Town Council, St Chad’s Church and the Diocese of Lichfield working together in such a positive way to ensure the speedy restoration of this treasured part of Shrewsbury’s history”.

Shrewsbury mayor, Councillor David Vasmer, said: “Ebenezer Scrooge’s gravestone is a unique feature of Shrewsbury’s rich history, attracting visitors from all over the world. It is vital that we take steps to preserve this famous gravestone, not only as a tribute to Dickens’ classic tale but also as a significant part of our town’s identity. This restoration is a commitment to safeguarding our heritage while enhancing the visitor experience.”

A Shrewsbury Town Council spokeswoman said the authority had been “overwhelmed” with the local, national and international interest in the issue, and wished to thank the Lichfield Diocese for fast-tracking the faculty request and Reverends Mann and Farnworth for their help.

During the repairs access to the churchyard may be temporarily restricted. 

Police have narrowed down the timeframe and believe the vandalism took place between 6.30pm and 11.50pm on Saturday evening.

PC Jono Lightfoot said: “I am appealing for witnesses after the grave of Ebenezer Scrooge in Shrewsbury was destroyed. The vandalism is believed to have happened on Saturday evening (November 23) where the headstone belonging to the fictional character has been broken.

“The grave, which is located at St Chad’s Church in Claremont Hill, was used as a prop in 1980s film A Christmas Carol. Once filming was completed the inscribed stone used as Ebenezer Scrooge’s grave remained in the church grounds and has since become a popular tourist attraction within the town.

“After some new helpful information we are now able to narrow down the timeframe. We can now make a fresh appeal to anyone who was in the area between the hours of 6.30pm and 11.50pm on Saturday and witnessed any unusual behaviour, please get in touch as it may help with our enquiries.

“You can contact me by emailing on jono.lightfoot@westmercia.police.uk quoting incident number 288i of November 24, 2024.

“Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100 per cent anonymous, they never ask your name, and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.”