Cultural Influence and Legacy
Shaw is best remembered today as the "Captain Shaw" to whom the Fairy Queen in Gilbert and Sullivan's Iolanthe addresses herself, wondering if his "brigade with cold cascade" could quench her great love. Shaw was present in the stalls at the first night of Iolanthe in 1882, and Alice Barnett, playing the Fairy Queen, addressed herself directly to him. One can only guess at his reaction, but legend has it that he stood up and took a bow.
In 1886, Shaw was later named in an adultery lawsuit involving Lady Colin Campbell.
In addition, a historic fireboat, named the Massey Shaw, still exists, and was recently renovated. Built in 1935, it made several trips to Dunkirk during the evacuation of British troops from France in 1940. His former home, Winchester House in Southwark, is part of the London Fire Brigade Museum, an English Heritage Blue plaque adorns the building and states that Shaw lived there.
Read more about this topic: Eyre Massey Shaw
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