A church has covered up headstones on the graves of two music hall singers because of their “offensive” language.
The gravestones of G H Elliott and Alice Banford, who both wore blackface when performing are now covered at St Margaret’s Church in Rottingdean. It is thought the term on one of the gravestones was ‘chocolateface’.
Archdeacon Martin Lloyd Williams said work was ongoing to identify and contact the relatives who owned the headstones at the church in Sussex.
“Meanwhile, the headstones have been temporarily covered up.”
Elliott and Banford both died in 1962.
The Archdeacon for Brighton and Lewes said:
“I find the inscription on these two headstones deeply offensive and am sure that the vast majority of people would agree and would want it changed.
Over the last few months, investigations have been underway as to the legal and other considerations around seeking a solution, not least seeking to identify and contact the next of kin who own the headstones.”
Though little can reliably be found today about Alice Banford, sources give G. H. Elliott’s birthplace as Rochdale in Lancashire, in 1882.
His most famous numbers included “Mammy’s Mississippi Home” and “I Used To Sigh for the Silvery Moon”.
He retired to Rottingdean and recorded his last song in 1960, with his life drawing to its end in 1962.
His gravestone and that of Alice Banford both date from that year.
The culture war continues across the UK and UNN will keep you up to date with everything that is going on.
[give_form id=”1772″]
Unity News Network (UNN) Staff Writer | To find out more details about our staff, please head to the About Us section on our website.
