Police have launched an investigation after the famous gravestone of ‘Ebenezer Scrooge’ was smashed to pieces by mindless vandals.
The inscribed stone has been a popular tourist attraction in Shrewsbury since being used as a prop in the 1984 film adaptation of Charles Dickens’s classic novella. But local residents have been left devastated after yobs destroyed the much-loved landmark at St Chad’s Church over the weekend.
Shocking photos show how the gravestone has been smashed into several pieces after delighting visitors to the churchyard for 40 years. Shrewsbury Town Council’s clerk, Helen Ball, said the damage took place between 6 pm on Saturday (23/11) and midday on Sunday (24/11).
She said: “It is like a pilgrimage at this time of year, visitors come to the town to see it, and now some moron has decided they are going to smash it up because it is a bit of fun for them.
“Words fail me, it is about our modern history and the fact we were all really proud that an international film was filmed in this town but also, it is a burial ground and how disrespectful is that.”
Mrs Ball said a number of stone masons had already been in contact about potentially repairing the stone. She said that the daughter of the man who created the stone in 1984 had also been in touch to say he was “devastated” by what had happened.
She added: “We’re now left with a gravestone that’s in multiple pieces. I think it’s one of those things that’s very dear to everybody’s hearts. A lot of us go on a Christmas pilgrimage to see it. The person who did it may have a conscience and decide to own up.”
The movie, largely filmed in the town, starred American Oscar-winner George C Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge, as well as Edward Woodward and Welsh actor Roger Rees. The gravestone is seen in the film when Scrooge is confronted by the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come and he wipes away snow to reveal his own name.
One resident commented on social media said: “What vile people I really hope they get caught, that’s disgusting.” Another added: “What kind of sick minds were behind this? What is going on… it’s been there for 40 years. Absolutely disgusted.”
One put: “I’m utterly appalled. We love visiting Scrooge’s gravestone every Christmas. I hope they find who did this mindless vandalism!!”.
Another person commented: “Disgusting. It’s a part of Shrewsbury’s history after the lovely film was made here and it is a grave too. No respect.”
West Mercia Police are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to get in touch.
A force spokesperson said: “Officers are appealing for witnesses after the gravestone of the famous Charles Dickens’ character, Ebenezer Scrooge, was destroyed in Shrewsbury. The vandalism is believed to have happened within the last three days, 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.”
PC Jono Lightfoot added “We are carrying out a number of enquiries to understand what led to the gravestone being destroyed, and we are appealing to the public for their help.
“If you were in the area between Thursday 21 November and yesterday (Sunday 24 November), and witnessed any unusual behaviour, please get in touch as it may help with our enquiries.
“You can contact me by emailing me at jono.lightfoot@westmercia.police.uk quoting incident number 288i of November 24, 2024.”
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppersonline or by calling 0800 555 111.
