The Enduring Mystery and Definitive Answer
For those fascinated by the life and legacy of Mary Wollstonecraft, a pivotal figure in the feminist movement and a brilliant writer, one question often arises: Where is Wollstonecraft buried? The answer, while seemingly straightforward, carries with it a compelling narrative of historical circumstance, familial devotion, and eventual rediscovery.
Mary Wollstonecraft, the author of the groundbreaking "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman," died in London on September 10, 1797, at the young age of 38, shortly after giving birth to her second daughter, Mary Shelley (who would later become famous for "Frankenstein"). Her death was a tragic loss, but her resting place has been a subject of interest and, for a time, obscured.
The Initial Burial Site: St. Pancras Old Church
Mary Wollstonecraft was initially buried in the graveyard of St. Pancras Old Church in London. This was a common burial ground at the time, and her resting place there was a private affair, largely due to the controversial nature of her life and writings, and the societal norms of the late 18th century.
Her husband, the American political philosopher William Godwin, arranged for her burial. However, the exact location within the extensive graveyard was not meticulously documented in a way that would be easily accessible centuries later. This lack of precise record-keeping, combined with the passage of time and subsequent renovations of the churchyard, contributed to the initial uncertainty surrounding her grave.
The Role of her Husband, William Godwin
William Godwin, deeply grieving his wife, was instrumental in preserving her memory. He published his "Memoirs of the Author of a Vindication of the Rights of Woman" shortly after her death, a work that, while intending to honor her, inadvertently exposed some of the more scandalous aspects of her life to the public, a common practice of biography in that era. Despite the public reaction, Godwin remained devoted to her memory and her burial site.
The Reburial and the Significance of St. Pancras
The story of Wollstonecraft's burial takes a significant turn due to the actions of her daughter, Mary Shelley, and her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley. Years later, after Mary Shelley became a celebrated author in her own right, she and her husband were deeply interested in honoring her mother's memory. They discovered that the original burial site at St. Pancras was in danger of being disturbed or was perhaps even unmarked.
In the early 19th century, the remains of Mary Wollstonecraft and her husband William Godwin (who died in 1836) were exhumed and reburied together. This reburial took place in the same graveyard of St. Pancras Old Church, but in a more prominent location. The Shelleys commissioned a memorial stone, a substantial obelisk, to mark their shared resting place. This memorial is still a significant landmark for visitors to the churchyard today.
Visiting the Memorial: A Tangible Connection to the Past
Today, the memorial to Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin stands in the churchyard of St. Pancras Old Church, located at 1a Euston Rd, London NW1 2BE, United Kingdom. The obelisk is inscribed with epitaphs chosen by Godwin and is a testament to the enduring love and respect within the family.
For those who wish to pay their respects or simply learn more about Wollstonecraft's life, a visit to St. Pancras Old Church provides a tangible connection to this revolutionary thinker. The churchyard itself is a historical site, and the memorial serves as a focal point for understanding her final resting place.
It is important to note that while the obelisk is dedicated to both Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin, their daughter, Mary Shelley, is buried separately in the cemetery of St. Peter's Church in Bournemouth, England, alongside her husband Percy Bysshe Shelley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did Mary Wollstonecraft die?
A: Mary Wollstonecraft died from complications following childbirth. She contracted puerperal fever, a severe infection that was unfortunately common after childbirth in the late 18th century.
Q: Why is her burial place significant?
A: Her burial place is significant because it represents the physical resting place of a woman who profoundly impacted political philosophy and the fight for women's rights. The act of her reburial and the erection of a memorial by her daughter and son-in-law highlight the importance of preserving her legacy.
Q: Is there an actual grave marker at St. Pancras Old Church?
A: Yes, there is a prominent memorial obelisk at St. Pancras Old Church that marks the reburied remains of Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin. This monument serves as the definitive marker of their shared resting place.
Q: When were their remains reburied?
A: The exact date of the reburial is not definitively recorded, but it is understood to have occurred in the early 19th century, after Mary Shelley had gained prominence as an author and sought to honor her parents.
