Rosamond Acworth was born in 1881, second child and only daughter of the Vicar of Chobham, H C Acworth and his wife Rose Acworth. Rosamond boarded at Lincoln’s Christ’s Hospital Girls’ High School, situated in Lincoln. Even though she was not with the school for long, she was regarded highly of by her peers and teachers. She was regarded by her teachers as ‘a little faster, and do rather more back work sometimes’. Among many other tributes, she is described as ‘…full of spirit and breezy originality’, and that she ’…just ended her life in the full swing of its interests and enjoyment in the straightforward day’s work’‘ (Lincoln Cathedral, 2012). She was also the Schools Hockey team Captain, as well as having interests in gymnastics. Another passion of hers was books, which is why she joined the school librarian team and the magazine committee.
For such a young age of seventeen, she was very accomplished and determined. Seeing as she was only at Lincoln’s Christ High School for a short amount of time, it’s humbling to see how much she achieved.
On 6th April 1899, Rosamond attended her gymnastic class as usual at the Drill Hall. As she was climbing the rope, she suddenly became unconscious, and slowly slipped down the rope. Only making it 3 yards up the rope, which was strange for her usual performance, there was immediate alarm. A doctor was called immediately and she was given resuscitation for an hour to then be pronounced dead.
The shock of her death was great. The school, locals and the locals from her home town were devastated, as the town of Chobham were all said to be in mourning of the young girl.
The donations given in her honour consisted of a book case, from her cousin given to the school. Money was raised to buy a prayer desk in memory for the school, engraved with the schools sign of lilies. Lincoln Cathedral also dedicated a window to Rosamond in her honour, engraved with:
‘To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Rosamond, only daughter of HS Acworth, vicar of Chobham. She died in Lincoln Gymnasium April 6th 1899 aged 17.’ (Lincoln Cathedral, 2012)
With all this information in mind, I intend to create a performance in memory of Rosamond Acworth. I want to use the rope and time limit of an hour as a major aspect, and then include her interests of books, sports and religion, which I believe she held close to her heart. Rosalind, through this research has appeared as a leader, dedicated to her studies, interests and family. My outcome is to show her attributes and commendations, celebrating her fulfilled seventeen years, instead of dwelling on the years that could have been.
Lincoln Cathedral (2012) A Memorial to Rosamond Acworth 1881-1899 [online] Lincoln Cathedral. Available from http://lincolncathedral.com/2012/04/a-memorial-to-rosamond-acworth-1881-1899/ [Accessed 20 February 2015]