Thomas Weldon Atherstone

Atherstone was born Thomas Weldon Anderson in Liverpool in late 1861 or early 1862.[5] He was a classically trained actor who became prominent in music halls during the early 1880s and 1890s, although by the turn of the century his presence in vaudeville had been considerably reduced with the exception of occasional performances, such as poetry readings. Atherstone separated from his wife around the turn of the century; she resumed her career in Dublin after their separation. He then began a relationship with American actress Elizabeth 'Bessie' Earle at a flat in London's Battersea around 1899.[6][7]

While Atherstone's career continued declining over the next decade, Earle retired from the music hall and turned to teaching. From 1907, he and Earle had regular quarrels based on his jealousy - he accused Earle of seeing another man, and resented her success as a drama teacher.[8]

Earle remained on friendly terms with Atherstone's elder son, Thomas Frederick Anderson, and when visiting her on the evening of 16 July 1910 for supper, they said they heard gunshots from the yard downstairs. Thomas investigated and saw the body of a man who had been shot to death. After calling for the police, it was discovered to be the body of Atherstone, who had been shot twice - once in the lip, and once through his left temple.[9]

Although an investigation found several witnesses who claimed to have seen a man jumping over a back wall fleeing the scene, police believed Atherstone had been spying on the two when he encountered a burglar who shot him and fled the scene. However, the murder remains unsolved.[10]

• Whittington-Egan, Richard. Mr Atherstone Leaves the Stage... The Battersea Murder Mystery: A Twisting and Tragic Tale of Love, Jealousy and Violence in the age of Vaudeville London: Amberley Publishing, 2015.
• Macnaghten, Sir Melville Leslie. Days of My Years. London: Edward Arnold, 1914.