Today's Object of the Week is a letter lost for more than 100 years which is now the subject of a radio play
The story behind a letter written by an orphaned choir boy in 1897, which was discovered more than 100 years later during a church renovation, is the inspiration behind a new BBC Radio 4 drama.
Written and produced by a University of Sunderland graduate and starring North East television and film actress Charlie Hardwick, William’s Castle is based on a true story.
Thirteen-year-old William Elliott lived at the Sunderland Orphan Asylum, a home dedicated to educating boys whose fathers died at sea. Haunted by dreams of his late father, and troubled by his fate, he scribbled a plea to be remembered on the back of an order of service.
“Dear friend. Whoever finds this letter, don’t tear it up or throw it away. Keep it, in remembrance of me. Signed, William Elliott.”
More than 100 years later, during the renovation of arts and events venue 17Nineteen in the East End of Sunderland - formerly the Holy Trinity Church - his letter was found hidden between the wooden panels of a pew. The discovery inspired the community of Hendon to reach back through history and find out what happened to William and his plea to be remembered.
Lily Daniels, 17Nineteen’s Participant and Engagement Officer, was so touched by William’s story that she felt it would resonate with people nationwide and reached out to University of Sunderland MA Radio graduate-turned Lecturer in Audio, Jay Sykes, to develop the idea into a drama for radio.
Jay, who has written and produced the programme for North-East based audio production company Sister Sounds, said: “There’s something universal, and also beautiful, about wanting to be remembered.
“When writing William’s Castle, I wanted to explore the metaphor of the murkiness of time, in both directions - people in the present reaching back through time, just as much as a scared young boy reaching out into his unknown future.”
William’s Castle features original music by singer-songwriters Holly Rees and Paige Temperley, both who have written songs connected to the church and surrounding area in We Make Culture’s ‘Songs of the Streets’ project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Sunderland MA Radio graduate Chantal Herbert is executive producer of William’s Castle and founder and director of Sister Sounds.
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She said: “The story is captivating and universally thought-provoking.
“Jay has done Sunderland proud with his script and storytelling, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear how well this has been put together.”
You can hear William’s Castle on Easter Monday (April 1) at 2.15pm on BBC Radio 4.
There will also be a listening party with live music and a panel discussion on Friday, April 12 from 6pm to 7pm, at 17Nineteen, Holy Trinity Church, Sunderland, SR1 2BB. Entry is free with a ticket. Book here.
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