Benbow relative's astonishment at Shrewsbury 'apathy'

A Canadian descendant of Admiral Benbow has branded the lack of public acknowledgement of one of Shrewsbury's famous sons as "unacceptable" and "astonishing".

Rob Benbow, of Victoria, is lobbying for a memorial to be erected in honour of the legend of the Navy - from his home in British Columbia.

He has written a letter to Shrewsbury Town Council and the matter will now be discussed by councillors at a future meeting.

In his letter to council leader Peter Nutting, Mr Benbow said: "As a believed descendant in the historically entangled ancestry of Admiral John Benbow, I was very astonished and disappointed to learn that there is little public acknowledgement in Shrewsbury of the Admiral's very notable service in the British Navy.

"His sacrifice to country, Crown, and resulting death while serving in the West Indies in the early 1700s remains unknown to most in his home town.

"I find this to be totally unbelievable and unacceptable. I would like to take this opportunity to request that the municipal authorities, and the people of Shrewsbury, consider the erection of a statue in his commemoration.

"A statue of Admiral Benbow would serve to acknowledge his achievements and service to his country, but also serve to create a sense of place, and a sense of history, as well a recognition of those whom gave their life for their country."

He also gave his appreciation to Shrewsbury man Andrew Finch who set up a Facebook site to get a statue built in the Quarry.