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21
Jul
The mystery of the missing Agatha Christie commemorations
As many mystery fans know, Agatha Christie famously disappeared for 11 days in 1926, after the double blow of losing her mother and having her husband ask for a divorce.
After a nationwide manhunt, she was discovered at Harrogate's Swan Hydropathic Hotel – now the Old Swan Hotel – checked in under the name Teresa Neele (her husband’s lover’s surname!).
At the time, it was said she was suffering from memory loss – but theories have abounded ever since, with some suggesting she had a breakdown and others saying it was all a publicity stunt.
For Harrogate, the association with the iconic writer has remained strong, with the Old Swan hosting the world-famous Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival every year.
But with it now being 100 years since Agatha Christie’s vanishing act, the Stray Ferret noticed that nothing special seemed to be happening to mark the anniversary.
Agatha Christie was recognised by someone at a Harrogate hotel.
The Crime Festival brochure lists all the events due to take place between July 23 and 26, but nowhere does it mention any special commemoration for the centenary of the Queen of Crime’s disappearance.
The Stray Ferret contacted Harrogate International Festivals, which organises the event, but received no reply as to whether any special events will be taking place.
Similarly, there was no response from the company which manages Agatha Christie’s estate, the Old Swan hotel or Harrogate Civic Society.
The closest we could find to recognition of Agatha Christie’s part in our local heritage was a pretty floral design as part of the Harrogate in Bloom celebrations.
So why the silence? For now, it remains a mystery… but the Stray Ferret will continue to investigate and hopes to solve the puzzle in a way that would make even Hercule Poirot proud.
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