Article by Kalina Kostova.

If you have ever taken a stroll in Bournemouth town centre, it is difficult to miss Mary Shelley’s presence even if just in the form of massive letters above the one of the town’s Weatherspoon’s. If you have been a student, it is even more difficult to have not uttered the words “Let’s go to the Mary Shelley” at least once. Her grave lies right opposite at St Peter’s Church, along with the heart of her husband, the poet and philosopher Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Shelley's early life and achievements

Born in 1797, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley was an English writer, known largely as the author of the gothic novel Frankenstein. A founding text in science-fiction and a world-wide literary phenomenon, Frankenstein offers an arresting premise of a scientist and his monster and explores morality, neglect and humanity’s pursuit of knowledge and originality.

It is exactly the opportunity of this pursuit that cultivated Mary as a prodigy, publishing the novel at twenty years old. She grew up in an erudite and cultural environment and obtained a considerable education not many girls in her age could.

Plans to move to Bournemouth

So how did the writer of a seminal world-wide classic end up being buried in our humble coastal town? Mary Shelley did not grow up or live in Bournemouth during her lifetime but plans were made for her to move here as both life and illness progressed.

Her last and only surviving child, Percy Florence Shelley bought land in Boscombe and intended to make it a home for her. Unfortunately, the house now known as Boscombe Manor was not finished until March 1851 after her death. It is believed that Mary did visit Bournemouth during the building of the manor and when near death, expressed that she wanted to be buried here.

Bournemouth as a Health Resort

What made Bournemouth so inviting at the time? The town was sought out as a place for respite for many, with its warmer climate, sea-bathing opportunities and calm life-style. For Mary, that would have been a stark difference from the busy and dynamic London which she had surrounded her literature and life around.

Bournemouth’s old sanatorium treated people with chest diseases and ailments, and hundreds of pine trees were planted for their believed positive effect to the air. You may have heard of the old tradition of “sending sickly people to the seaside”. Bournemouth was one of those places you would image. There was real effort to establish the town as a health resort.

Percy's heart

The heart of the great poet and pillar of the Romantic era, Percy Bysshe Shelley, is buried with Mary in her grave. After drowning in a boat accident in Italy, his heart resisted cremation and was retrieved by a friend who gave it to another friend, and eventually, soaking in wine spirit, made its way to Mary Shelley. After her death, Mary and Percy’s son’, Percy Florence Shelley kept the heart in Boscombe Manor where he lived until 1889.

It is said that the Percy’s heart was slipped into the family tomb as his son was buried. This is how two genius minds of English Literature happened to end up in Bournemouth. There is a heart and a spirit to the sea here, so I would argue that it is something fitting for their abundant souls.

You can visit Mary Shelley’s Grave at St Peter’s Church amongst the other fascinating historical sites around the Town Centre.

For those that want to take inspiration from Mary Shelley’s writing our Creative writing trail contains more information on renowned writers and their links to the local area, as well as interactive writers prompts to help you explore the area through words.