Why Horsham needs a Shelley Memorial

Theresa Gooda explains what first drew her to supporting the Shelley Memorial Project.

As an English teacher, I am fascinated by all aspects of the writing process. I enjoy visiting locations that are significant for the writers I enjoy reading. I remember visiting Troyes in France a few years ago, home of Chrétien de Troyes - a twelfth century poet and troubadour famed for his writing on Arthurian subjects, and for creating the characters of Lancelot, Percival and the Holy Grail. I wonder where his statue is, I thought, and proceeded on a pilgrimage to find it. As I was in the Champage region, I might even raise a glass to this wonderful medieval writer.

There was plenty of head-scratching as I embarked upon my quest, and it wasn’t just because of my poor linguistic skills.

No such thing existed. Residents of Troyes had no idea that their town had such a famous literary namesake.

Unbelievable, I thought. Incroyable! Until I realised that anyone seeking Shelley in Horsham would be in exactly the same position.