Little wonder was a big deal in her day... LastL restingi placel of fG Georgiani superstar whoh reached hd the dizzy heights of fame despite being 33-inch tall
THE almost illegible name on the weathered gravestone is hidden by moss. Close to the west door of St Philip’s Cathedral in the heart of Birmingham, it is a small memorial in a cemetery of much grander epitaphs.
The thousands who walk past it each day are oblivious that there lies a showbiz great, a woman who became a true superstar of the musical hall era.
It is the grave of Nanette Stocker – a showbiz giant... despite measuring only 33 inches tall.
Stocker, who toured the country as “the smallest woman in the kingdom”, died on May 4, 1819, while in the city to perform.
She had a mass following, but died at the tragically young age of 39.
The words on Stocker’s grave badly worn, but just about legible.
The inscription reads: “In memory are of Nanette Stocker, who departed this life May 4th, 1819, aged 39 years. The smallest woman ever in this kingdom.
“Possessed with every accomplishment, only 33 inches high. A native of Austria.”
Stocker was an undisputed celebrity, satisfying the public’s for the unusual.
For years, she was the headline act at Birmingham’s Onion Fair, a vibrant, once-a-year carnival held in Aston.
Born in Austria, Stocker began touring continental Europe in 1797 and hit the big time when she teamed up with Germany’s John Hauptman a year later. He was all of 36 inches tall.
In their act, Stocker played the pianoforte, Hauptman the violin – and the couple would also waltz together, to the delight of audiences.
Historian Lesley-Anne McLeod said: “Stocker and Hauptman were both ‘encouraged’ into public performance as young people by their guardians.
“They were talented musicians and one can only hope that they found sat- A-List thirst isfaction in impressing audiences with their musical performances.
“They toured Europe for many years, and there is a 16-page booklet, of the era, in existence, The History And Travels Of The Little Nanette Stocker And Of John Hauptman.
“It would make interesting reading. Nannette was also reported to enjoy knitting and needlework.”
Her weather-beaten gravestone hammers home the need to refurbish all Birmingham graves of historic significance, says city historian Carl Chinn.
“The question of taking action over Nanette Stocker’s grave is a difficult one,” explained Mr Chinn. “There are a lot of graves that should be spruced up. Which ones do we do, and which ones don’t we do? There are so many.
“There are graves of First World War veterans that need tidying up.
“We need a campaign that would see all graves of historic significance refurbished sympathetically and sensitively.”