Stratford

It is Heritage Weekend and there was a presentation on Marie Corelli at the records office.  There was a slideshow with the talk then a question and answer session.

Having mentioned Corelli a few days back regarding her gondola it was interesting to hear about her life in Stratford, her adopted home, and the books she wrote, some of which were on display.  In her time she outsold Dickens, Conan Doyle and H G Wells, presumably not combined!

The presentation was given by the curators of Harvard House. Built in 1596 it was formerly owned by the benefactor of Harvard University in America.  The talk couldn't be held in the house as it is going through refurbishment. Corelli was very influential in the preservation of Stratford's older buildings; Harvard House was in disrepair in 1905 and was due for demolition. She persuaded American millionaire Edward  Morris to buy the house in 1909. It was given to Harvard University after extensive restoration and called Harvard House.