Sir Jimmy Savile Scarborough memorials unveiled

20 September 2012

Unveiling of headstone at Sir Jimmy Savile's grave in Scarborough — Image caption,
Family and friends gathered for a short service at Sir Jimmy's grave

Two permanent memorials to Sir Jimmy Savile have been unveiled in Scarborough.

The DJ and entertainer, who was born in Leeds, maintained a home in the North Yorkshire resort from the 1970s to his death in 2011.

A black granite headstone has been placed on his grave at Woodlands Cemetery in the town.

A gold-coloured plaque has also been unveiled at Wessex Court on the Esplanade where Sir Jimmy had a flat.

Sir Jimmy died at his home in Leeds in October 2011 and was buried in Scarborough on 10 November.

'Large character'

The DJ had asked to be buried in the town at an angle of 45 degrees facing the sea.

His nephew, Roger Foster, said: "It is very large polished black granite headstone. It is rather large but then he was a rather large character in his life."

Granite gravestone on Sir Jimmy Savile's grave in Scarborough

The gravestone is inscribed with verses composed by a family friend

Mr Foster added that the headstone had also been inscribed with verses written by Julie Ferguson, a long-standing friend of Sir Jimmy.

It also includes the quote 'It was good while it lasted' from Sir Jimmy, his nephew said.

The plaque reads 'Sir Jimmy Savile 1926-2011. Entertainer and philanthropist lived here.'

Mr Foster said the family welcomed how he was being remembered in the town.

"Jimmy was very much a public figure and his funeral last year showed how much interest there was in his passing.

"To commemorate him and keep that memory going is superb. It recognises the fact that he loved the town so much."

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