CORKSCREW enthusiasts are turning up from all over the world to pay homage to a church rector in London’s East End who died 200 years ago. Members of the International Correspondence of Corkscrew Addicts arrive next Monday to visit the grave of Samuel Henshall, Rector of Bow 1802-1807, who invented the corkscrew button

CORKSCREW enthusiasts are turning up from all over the world to pay homage to a church rector in London's East End who died 200 years ago.

Members of the International Correspondence of Corkscrew Addicts arrive next Monday (August 24) to visit the grave of Samuel Henshall, Rector of Bow 1802-1807, at Bow Church and present a plaque in his memory at 10am.

The church is expecting hundreds of corkscrew collectors to turn up at the ancient church in Bow Road.

Samuel was an Oxford academic, writer and Professor of Anglo Saxon.

HENSHALL’S BUTTON

But he is most famous for taking out the world’s first patent for an improved corkscrew.’ His patented Henshall button’ made the corkscrew easier to operate.

The present Rector of Bow, The Rev Michael Peet, who will dedicate the plaque, said: “This must surely be a unique event in the 700-year history of our church!

“I hope the Addicts’ bring a couple of Henshall corkscrews with them so we can raise a glass to my illustrious predecessor.”

He added: “Maybe we could have an annual Corkscrew Day’ in Bow to carry on celebrating his memory.”

Henshall died in 1807 at the age of 42 and is buried in the chancel of the church. August 24 is the anniversary of the granting of the patent in 1795.