Birth
The christening record, divorce files and death certificate are all incontrovertible evidence to prove that Florence Marryat made her first appearance in 1833. An account of her funeral published in The Era also mentions that the birthdate on her coffin was 9th January 1833. Perhaps Florence lost count of her age with advancing years? Then again, there’s a strong possibility that she was simply being mischievous.
Unfortunately, many scholars continue to refer to the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography and thus the incorrect birthdate is perpetuated. The ODNB has now confirmed that they will amend Marryat’s birthdate in the next edition.
