22 May 2022
Written By Matthew Eastley
“I Will Wear My Heart Upon My Sleeve For Daws to Peck At”
Frank Finlay as Iago in the 1965 film version of Othello
Is Iago the most evil and manipulative character in literary history? There cannot be many more characters who display the kind of jealousy, vindictiveness and desire for revenge that Shakespeare drew for him in the masterful Othello.
I’d left St Mary’s when I studied this for A-Level at Orpington College many years ago but the power and villainy of this most dreadful of characters left its mark.
What a curious name it is too. Apparently Iago is of Spanish origin, means ‘Supplanter’ and is linked to the name Jacob.
Anyway, this is my usual laboured way of introducing the mere six boys (to the best of my knowledge) who attended St Mary’s and had a surname beginning with I.
And topping that list is a certain Philip Iago who joined in 1966. I am not suggesting for one moment that Philip shared any characteristics with Shakespeare’s astonishing character and I have no idea what happened to him after he left St Mary’s which I think was in the summer of 1972. Wherever he is, I hope he is well.
The list also includes the Illing brothers from Welling, David and John, who automatically get a thumbs up for being Charlton supporters and regulars at The Valley.
There were other brothers called Ireland in the 1950s – Charles and David. I think the latter started in 1958 but I’m not sure for certain when Charles began. Any information welcome in the comments below.
Finally, way back in 1942, saw the arrival at St Mary’s College of John Iredale.
Hello Matthew
I remember Dave Ireland very well if somewhat painfully. He was amongst our small group of boys who formed the first XV when rugby came into ‘play’ and was our full-back.
He was very quick across the field and had a tremendous tackle on him. This obviously refers to his prowess on the pitch and not to any display in the showers!
Being hit by him was akin to being struck by a small but powerful car. On one occasion, after being clattered by him in an inter-house match, – somehow Mugsy had failed to put him in Campion – I remember that as I ascended the stairs on the 21A bus outside Murray’s shop my legs suddenly ‘gave way’ and ceased to function and I had to haul myself up to the top deck using my arms. Fortunately the paralysis was short lived but it really hurt.
When we were about 15 Dave’s parents decided to move to Ipswich or Norwich ( I think) taking him with them so we lost a very good player indeed. I have never been tackled harder by anyone and wherever he is I hope he remains hale and hearty.
Buck Hennessy