Dom Edward Corbould's reputation challenged by squirrel shooting claim
- Dom Edward Corbould's obituary claimed he shot squirrels, but many former students disagreed.
- At his January 28 memorial, attendees established he never shot squirrels; he actually paid boys for shooting rabbits.
- This reflects the potential for memory distortion and the affection he inspired in his students.
In the United Kingdom, Dom Edward Corbould's obituary published on November 21, 2024, sparked controversy among his former pupils regarding a claim that he shot squirrels in the garden of Ampleforth College. Despite this assertion, many of the students disputed the assertion during a memorial held for him. His memorial mass took place on January 28, 2025, at the Brompton Oratory, which was attended by a large number of people, indicating the significant impact he had on the lives of those he taught. During this service, it became more or less established that the claim about shooting squirrels was not true. Instead, it was mentioned that Fr Edward was a skilled marksman who dealt with a rabbit problem in the garden. He would incentivize students by paying them a pound for each rabbit they shot within the garden and 50p for those shot outside of it. This unconventional arrangement led to lively discussions among former pupils regarding their experiences with Fr Edward. The importance of this event reflects on the legacy of Dom Edward Corbould and how memories can become distorted over time, particularly concerning stories attributed to influential figures such as educators. The collective memories surrounding his character and methods of managing garden pests reveal the warm and, at times, humorous approach he had that endeared him to students, even if exaggerated tales emerged after his passing.