Whimsical Walker Blue Plaque

On Tuesday 10th May 2022 a small group of members and guests of the Gorleston-on-Sea Heritage Group assembled in the Old Gorleston Cemetery to witness the unveiling of a Blue Plaque on the unmarked grave of Thomas Henry Dawson Walker aka “Whimsical Walker,” the world-famous clown and silent film actor who came to live in Gorleston around 1910. The GoSH members were joined at the cemetery by the celebrant Dusty Miller who read a short eulogy about the life of Whimsical and this was followed by the unveiling of the Blue Plaque by the Mayor of Great Yarmouth Adrian Thompson. 

Other guests at the ceremony were Philip Breen aka Whimmie the clown, who is Whimsical Walker’s great grandson. Philip was wearing his clown makeup and costume at the event, and he was accompanied by Martin Burton the founder of Zippo’s Circus. Central England Cooperative Society Funeralcare were represented by Graeme Franks and Emily Braisher. The Society had generously sponsored the event and had provided the finance for the polished granite plinth.