Sunday 25 June 2017

The Death and Funeral of Pablo Fanque - Leeds May 1871

Many years ago I posted an article to the site - The Hendersons Were Not There (Neither Was Mr Kite) Sheffield 1848 which had its origins in the Beatles song "For The Benefit of Mr Kite"

Last week I received this e-mail from a researcher who came across the article and asked this question

Dear Chris
I hope you do not mind me contacting you. I have been reading your fascinating article about Pablo Fanque and I had a question about the article you posted.  You mention Wallett taking part in the funeral procession- and I wondered if that was indeed the name of his favourite horse at the time or whether it was in fact his friend W.F. Wallett?
I am researching Pablo's life and your mention of Wallett is the only one I have come across- if it is the name of his last favoured horse it would appear to be a fine tribute to his good friend!
Best wishes in advance
Grant Philpott

ps I have posted the section below for ease of reference!

2. 1871 - By the 1860’s Pablo’s circus was in decline. Pablo died on 4th May 1871 at the Britannia Inn, 22 Churchgate, Stockport, at the ripe age of seventy-five.
Churchgate, Stockport, Cheshire, 1871 (RG10/3664 4 73 19)
Pablo Fanque, lodger, 61, Norwich, Norfolk, equestrian circus proprietor
Elizabeth Fanque, lodger, 40, Sheffield, Yorkshire
George P Fanque, lodger, 17, Liverpool
Edward P Fanque, lodger, 15, Manchester
William Walker, lodger, 15, Luton, Bedfordshire, apprentice? music
Mary Walker, lodger, 13, Glasgow, Scotland, ditto, music
He had been there with his second wife, Elizabeth, and two sons, George and Ted, since at least the beginning of the previous month. Pablo’s funeral took place in Leeds Woodhouse Cemetery and was a spectacular occasion. The hearse was preceded by a band playing the ‘Dead March’, followed by Pablo’s favourite horse, Wallett, and four mourning coaches. The deceased and his horse were brought from Stockport by train, and were met by throngs of well-dressed spectators.

Thankfully I was able to answer his question - when I posted the article The British Library Newspaper Archive had not been digitalised

This is from the Leeds Times dated 13th May 1871


It appears that Wallet the horse followed the hearse but Pablo's dear friend Mr W F Wallet who the horse was named after, was detained in Hanley Staffordshire and so did not attend the funeral

2 comments:

  1. Thanks for this! I live on Stockport market and am researching local pubs and the Britannia is one of them. I have a photo of the Britannia if you would like it.

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