Today we have been helping celebrate the life of Vernon Castle, ON 1900-03.
Vernon Blyth changed his name to Castle when he rose to fame as the most famous ballroom dancer of the early 1900s, a precursor to Fred Astaire. On Broadway he and his wife Irene are credited with popularising the foxtrot.
When the First World War came, he quickly established himself as a flying ace. His heroism resulted in the award of a prestigious Croix de Guerre.
Vernon was eventually killed in a tragic flying accident in 1918, although his famous pet monkey survived the crash.
Dame Darcy Bussell, of Strictly Come Dancing fame, unveiled a blue plaque to honour Vernon at an event on 30th April 2019 at the Hotel Nelson, Premier Inn. The plaque will be placed on Prince of Wales Road on the lead up to the station.
Fellow Norwich School former pupil Martin Schmierer (95-05), Lord Mayor of Norwich, was amongst guests who spoke in Vernon’s honour.
