Captain Tom villagers ‘embarrassed’ over tarnished legacy of national hero

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. But a visit to the now-famed location of the incredible fundraiser – Captain Tom’s Old Rectory home in the Bedfordshire village of Marston Moretaine – gives little clue his incredible achievement ever took place. Out of mind and out of sight.” Mr Knight had hoped for a plaque commemorating Captain Tom to be erected in the village, which has a population of just over 6,000. open image in gallery Villager Ian Knight, pictured in front of the Captain Tom Foundation building before it was knocked down But the only signs within sight of the boundary walls and fences of the family home are a care-home At Millbrook railway station, a mile away, there is a commemorative bench dedicated to Captain Tom. open image in gallery The Captain Tom Foundation building being demolished “It’s sad really. open image in gallery There is no obvious sign Captain Tom ever lived at the Old Rectory in Marston Moretaine “It’s a shame really because this is all nothing to do with him… it’s his legacy damaged.” A couple living close by, who asked not to be named, said the family suffered “Lord of the Manor syndrome”.