Wednesday 26 July 2017

Northumberland Knowledge- Henry Travers

It’s one of the most loved films of all time. But what most people don’t know is that It’s a Wonderful Life’s guardian angel, Clarence, was actually born here in Northumberland.

Born in Prudhoe in 1874, actor Henry Travers is most famous for his role in Frank Capra’s 1946 classic, but he was also nominated for an Oscar in 1942 for Mrs Miniver. Travers grew up in Berwick and initially trained as an architect, before taking up acting and moving the USA in 1917 where he appeared on Broadway for 20 years. He retired from acting in 1949 and died in 1965.

A blue plaque dedicated to Travers has now been installed in Prudhoe town centre. The plaque includes his famous line from It’s a Wonderful Life, ‘Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings’, as well as the words ‘Our very own angel born in Prudhoe’.


The plaque is located on a wall near The Glade area of Prudhoe, with the permission of the Co-op supermarket, so if you’re nearby be sure to have a look and remember the Northumberland-born actor who created one of the most iconic characters in film history.