A mysterious plaque that has appeared on a bench in Bristol paying tribute to an “adulterer” has sparked Banksy rumours as locals try to track down a “scorned widow”.
The metal plaque was spotted on a bench in Clifton, Bristol, with the inscription reading: “For My Love. 06.09.69 – 25.12.23. Husband, Father, Adulterer. Yes, Roger, I knew”.
Typically, plaques are left on benches as loving tributes to those who have passed, but this appears to have a much more savage meaning.
It was spotted on Friday, with its condition indicating it is a fairly new addition. The 63-year-old woman who spotted it said: “I have to say I found it very funny when I saw it. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”
And now it has attracted crowds from all over, with dozens joining in with attempting to track down the “widow” who seemingly paid for it to be placed there.
But a number of wild theories have now arisen as people come up with different scenarios. Graffiti artist Banksy, who recently made headlines with a new work in Islington, sprayed a mural nearby in Bristol city centre called Well Hung Lover of a naked cheater hanging from a window ledge.
Rachel Weaver-Tooley, whose balcony flat overlooks the bench, told the Guardian she doubted the plaque was truly an act of revenge.
She speculated it might even be the work of the local agent-provocateur Banksy. The graffiti artist has been known to step away from his traditional art form in the past, arranging for a painting to be sold in 2018 before shredding it moments after it picked up £1million at auction.
“There are loads of quite eccentric people here,” neighbour Jason Smith, 53, said. “There are lots of novelists and artists, with time on their hands. I think it is someone living along here who wants to get people talking and laughing.”
Other theories suggest that rather than a tribute to someone who has died, it could be a tribute to mark the end of their marriage.
With the date set as Christmas Day 2023, some theories suggested this was the day his “adultery” came to light.
And with Bristol being Banksy’s home town, it’s unsurprising he has been brought into the mix of conspiracies.
Regardless, the identity of Roger, or who commissioned the plaque, is still unknown.
