SIR HENRY IRVING’S CONNECTION WITH CARMARTHEN.
“Sir Henry Irving’s baptismal name is John Henry Brodribb, but he added Irving to his patronymic after entering the theatrical profession. It will be news to many local readers that Sir Henry Irving has relatives at present at Carmarthen, namely, the Miss Brodribb daughters of the late Mr Joseph Park Brodribb**, who many years ago kept a private venture school in Bridge street. The following entry is taken from the old gentleman’s diary… John Henry Brodribb, a relative was born in February, 1838, at Keinton, Glastonbury, He changed his name to Henry Irving when he went on the stage,”
The above article appeared in the Carmarthen Weekly Reporter 7th October 1904.
(Note…Sir Henry Irving died in October 1905. He was the first actor ever to receive a Knighthood in 1895, and was the man upon whom Bram Stoker based his character of Dracula……. Stoker was the general manager of the Lyceum Theatre whilst Irving was the principal actor)
** Joseph Park Brodribb – a schoolteacher was buried in St David’s Cemetery Carmarthen (187 on burial plan) in March 1875.. The above photograph is of Sir Henry Irving taken about 1900.
