Celebrating Local Heroes

 

Mary Ann Evans was born at South Farm on the Arbury estate near Nuneaton.  Her father was Land Agent for Sir Francis Parker Newdegate and had followed him from Derbyshire when he inherited Arbury.  Mary Ann Evans used the name George Eliot to publish her first novel “Scenes of Clerical Life” in 1857.   She became a successful novelist and her books continue to be published across the world.

 

Nuneaton Museum & Art Gallery has a gallery featuring George Eliot’s life which includes a number of items that belonged to her.  They include a pendant which features a painting of a gypsy girl which was probably bought by George Eliot on her visit to Seville in Spain in 1867.  Also included in the display are a reticule, scent bottle, belt buckle as well as items related to her family.

 

 

Larry Grayson was born under the name William White on 23^rd August 1923. He grew up in Nuneaton and attended Abbey Green School.  His professional debut was at the age of fourteen at Fife Street Working Men’s Club, Nuneaton. Under the stage name Billy Breen he entertained on the variety circuit for over thirty years. A final change of name to Larry Grayson and an offer in the early 1970s of television work led to his own programme called ‘Shut that Door’. Success brought with it a Rolls Royce and a move from Clifton Street to a large house known as ‘The Garlands’ in Nuneaton. Further success followed with Larry becoming the celebrated host of ‘The Generation Game’ drawing audiences of over eighteen million viewers.

Items on display in the Local History Gallery include his make up, Generation Game items and the chair from his final performance at the London Palladium.

 

 

James Meldrum Knox, DSO, Major and Brevet Lieutenant Colonel, was born in Nuneaton 10^th April 1878.  He served in South Africa during 1901-2 from 1901-2, and in the First World War from the 4^th August 1914.  He was wounded twice in France, and was finally killed in action in Italy on 23^rd September 1918 whilst commanding the 1/7 battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment. 

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and Bar for his gallantry and mentioned in despatches on five occasions. 

A portrait of Knox created after his death is on display in the Picture Gallery