Chipperfield's Circus - Marjorie Chipperfield

Marjorie Chipperfield

Equestrienne, contortionist and equilibrist. Marjorie Suzanne Phyllis, younger daughter of Richard Chipperfield, born 12 December 1916. Fifth generation of the famous family, sister of Dick, Maude, Jimmy and John. In 1931, did a bending and balancing act, climbing in and out of the narrow rungs of a ladder. In 1933, with Chipperfield's Lion Show, performed a rolling globe act. With her brother Richard's circus, after he took over from their father, in 1937. In 1938 was said to be a young lady with a pleasing ring manner, globe walking and presenting horses. With the family's circus, Eastbourne, for the 1938-39 season, presenting liberty horses. For the 1939-40 season appeared, as Mlle Marita, with performing bulls, at the Belle Vue circus. Appeared as Miss Marjorie, balancing and rolling, at Poole's (Tom Fossett's) circus, in September 1941. Exhibiting fine horses at Arthur Joel's 'All-British' circus, 1941–42, with her brother Johnny and Rosie (wife of Jimmy) Chipperfield. Also performed on the rolling globe. With Reco Brothers' circus, in 1942, exhibiting liberty horses and globe walking. Later in 1942 joined Harry Benet's stage circus. Married James (Jimmy) Stockley on 15 December 1945. Performed as Roxana, assisting Marsaline (Bertha Gridneff), on the wire. With Chipperfield's circus she was in charge of the girls' wardrobe, costumes, etc.

Joint proprietor of Chipperfield's Circus, in 1948, with brothers Richard, James and John Chipperfield. Her elephant ballet was presented at the Kelvin Hall circus, Glasgow, 1948-49. A director of Chipperfield's in 1951, when their headquarters were at Down farm, Stockbridge, Hants and later when the winterquarters moved to Heythrop, Oxfordshire. Looked after the family's wild animal reserve in South Africa until Jimmy Stockley's death in 1973. Died 11 December 1975, in Cape Town, South Africa. Daughter Jane Stockley married Brian Boswell. (Source: John Turner 20th Century Circus People)