Cemetery Sunday - A Blasting Wind

 

"Fresh as the grass our bodies stand,

And flourish bright and gay.

A blasting wind sweeps o'er the earth,

And fades the grass away."

 

 



 



 

Cemetery Sunday Blog Hop - Celtic Cross, All Saints Maidenhead, Cemetery

All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery
Maidenhead, Berkshire
England.

get the InLinkz code

Cemetery Sunday - Mr. James May of Bath

 

"In Affectionate Memory Of

Mr. James May

of Bath

Who departed this life

February 7th 1870 Aged 26 years

 

I am the resurrection and the life

whosoever believeth in me shall not

perish but have everlasting life"

 



Cemetery Sunday - Her Charm and Loving Ways

Memorial to Elsie May Dean, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead Berkshire.


"Elsie May Dean 1913 - 1956 - Beloved wife of John and Mother of Adrian and Deirdre - Her charm and loving ways endeared her to all"


I have found very little out about Elsie May, but the verse on the gravestone intrigues me.  I wonder what kind of wife and mother she was.  Happy?  Always ready to a cuddle and a smile?  Did she always have a kind word for those around and was nothing too much trouble when it came to helping others. 

She was only 43 when she passed away.  Was she ill?  Did she have an accident?  Was her passing sudden and did she get to say goodbye to those that loved her so well.  How many mourned her passing and came to her funeral.

These are the question and many more that lie behind every gravestone in every churchyard and cemetery.  This is what keeps me interested in those that lie beneath our feet.

Cemetery Sunday - Angels Hovering

There are angels hovering around.

Inscription found at St Luke's Churchyard, Maidenhead Berkshire.


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Elizabeth Grubb - Laundress

 

 

 

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.

 

 

Monument to Elizabeth Grubb, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead Berkshire.

 

 

"Sacred to the memory of Elizabeth Grubb who died Sept 10th 1863 aged 83 years - He that spared not his own son.  But delivered him up for us all. How shall he not with him also freely give us all things-"

 

 

Elizabeth Grubb was born Elizabeth Miles in 1780 in Heckfield Hampshire, to William Miles and his wife Prudence Stone.

 

Sometime between 1808 and 1811 Elizabeth married John Grubb in Bray, Berkshire.  Together they had five children, Sarah Ann born in 1811, Elizabeth born in 1814, William born in 1817, Mary born in 1819 and Hannah born in 1821.  Sadly John died in 1833.

 

Widowed Elizabeth and her children William and Hannah can be found on the 1851 Census living in Boyne Hill, Maidenhead.  Elizabeth is a laundress, along with Hannah while William is a mason's labourer.

 

I am unable to find any trace of Elizabeth or her children on the 1871 Census

 

Elizabeth was to pass away in 1863.

 

 



First World War Commonwealth War Grave - Private George Eaton, Royal Berkshire Regiment - Accidental Death, Struck by Train.

War Grave of Private George Eaton.
All Saint's Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them".

 

George Eaton was born in 1859 in Knowl Hill, Berkshire to Thomas, an agricultural labourer and his wife Sarah Herbert.

George first appears on the 1861 Census aged 2, living with his parents and siblings in Hurley Berkshire. Ten years later in 1871 George and his family are still living in Hurley, at 8 Lady Place, Ashley Hill.  Joining the family is George's aunt Mary Ann Herbert, who is listed as servant domestic (invalid).  In 1881 George is working with his father and elder siblings as an agricultural labourer.

In 1884 George married Harriet Pickett.  Their first child, a daughter Alice was born in 1885, closely followed by Ann in 1887.  Their first son George William was born in 1889.

In 1891 the small family can be found living at 6 Long Acre, Maidenhead, Berkshire, where George is now a bricklaying labourer.  By 1901 George and his family had moved to Tyrells Buildings in Maidenhead, where George is listed as a ground works labourer.  Catherine aged 9, Thomas aged 6, Henry Benjamin aged 4 and John aged 1 have joined the family.  George and Harriet's youngest child Robert was born in 1904.

It seems however that George was plagued with depression, which at one point caused him to attempt to take his own life, for which he served a week's imprisonment at Reading Gaol.  The Slough Windsor and Eton Observer reports on 15th September 1906 -

"The Case Of Attempted Suicide

At the Maidenhead Borough Police-court on Friday George Eaton, a resident, was charged on remand with having cut and wounded himself with a razor, intending to kill and murder himself.

The Magistrates' Clerk explained to the Bench that the Governor of Reading Gaol had written to the effect that he was of the opinion the suicidal attempt was a feint, and that there were no signs of insanity in regard to the prisoner.

Police-constable Hay said that he was stationed at Maidenhead.  On the 30th August he had received information that the prisoner had cut his throat.  In company with Police-constable Barr he went to Denmark-street and found that the prisoner had gone out.  He went in search of the prisoner and found him in a field on the other side of the Furze Platt, on the way to Cookham.  He asked him what he was doing and he said, "Nothing."  He noticed a razor sticking out of his pocket; it was in the condition in which it now was (with blood upon it).  Prisoner's throat was covered in blood.  He examined the prisoner's throat, but found no serious cut.  He eventually got him into the road, when he "turned up rough" and said he wanted to go on to the Thicket to finish the job.  They were obliged to handcuff the prisoner; they had no trouble with him after that.  Eaton said several times on the way to the station that he would "finish it off" some time, but he was in a dazed condition, and did not seem to know what he was doing.

Mr Cox:  Was he sober?- Yes, sir.
Had he been drinking
No, I think not, sir.  He was in a dazed state.

The Magistrates' Clerk (to the prisoner) What did you do this for?
Prisoner:  I do not know anything about it; I have been ill.
When you came to your senses did you know what you had done?- No.

Mrs. Eaton, mother of the prisoner, told the magistrates that on Monday when her son came home she said that he was ill, and he looked it.  He was very much depressed.  She advised him to see Dr. Montgomery.

The Magistrates' Clerk:  Do you think he will do this kind of thing again?
Mrs. Eaton:  No, sir.  He thought he was going to lose his father and it upset him.  He looked so funny when he came to me on the Monday that I thought he was "going off" like some other members of the family.  He has never threatened his wife; it was only what people had said about him.

Prisoner's wife, a most respectably-dressed woman, was in court with a baby in her arms, but was not called.

The Mayor (to Mrs. Eaton sen.):  After what you say, if you will keep an eye on your son the magistrates are disposed to dismiss the case.
Mrs. Eaton:  Thank you, sir.

Prisoner afterwards left with his wife and mother."



In 1911 the family had moved to 78 Reform Road where George is listed as a domestic gardener. 

Sometime after the outbreak of World War One, George enlisted with The Royal Berkshire Regiment.  I have been unable to locate any War Records for George.

Before his death George was treated at Netley Military Hospital in Hampshire.  Netley Hospital boasted the first purpose built military asylum where men suffering from severe psychosis and Shell Shock were treated.

On the 26th July 1915 George was accidentally killed after being struck by a train at Winchester Station in Hampshire.  On Saturday 31st July the Hampshire Advertiser reported:

"An inquest was held on Wednesday at Winchester Hospital on the body of George Eaton, aged 54, of 61, Reform-road, Maidenhead, a private. Deceased had gone on leave on Saturday to Monday, on which day he was returning from Maidenhead to Southampton. He was seen off at Reading Station by his son and then appeared to be in good health and spirits. He alighted from the train at Winchester, and met his death when attempting to board the train when in motion. He took hold of the door of one of the compartments, but his left foot slipped off the footboard, and he fell beneath the platform and train. Three coaches passed over him, but the train was pulled up. The unfortunate man was picked up and taken to the hospital, but died on the way. His injuries consisted of a compound fracture to the thigh and left arm, a crushed left hand, four fractured ribs, a broken shoulder, and minor injuries. The deceased had a good character in his regiment.

The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and gave their fees to the widow.  The deceased was identified by his son, Private H. B. Eaton, who returned home wounded from the front. He has a brother in the trenches. The Jury and Coroner expressed sympathy with the relatives, as did also an officer from the deceased's regiment." 

On the 4th August 1915 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported about the accident in greater detail:

"Death Of A Maidenhead Solider At Winchester Station.

When Boarding A Moving Train.

On Wednesday an inquest was held at The Royal Hants County Hospital, Winchester, concerning the death of a Maidenhead solider - Pte George, of 61, Reform-road, serving in the 4th. Battalion Royal Berks Regiment who died on the pervious Monday from injuries received through being crushed by a train. 

2nd Lieut. J. L, Martin, of the 4th Royal Berks Regiment (who in private life is a solicitor and Coroner for Reading) appeared on behalf of the Regiment. 

Pte. Henry Benjamin Eaton, of the 1sr Battalion Royal Berks Regiment (home from the Front wounded) identified the deceased as his father, aged 54, a private in the 4th Batt. Royal Berks Regt. He was a Reservist before he rejoined and was a gardener by occupation. Deceased was stationed at a Rest Camp, Southampton. He last saw his father alive on Monday evening at Reading Station, when he was returning to Southampton after being on leave from Saturday. He was then in good health and spirits. Witness and his sister went with the deceased to Reading and he had a friend with him.

Pte Thomas Winter, of The Kings Royal Rifles, Winchester, stated that he was on police duty at the station, and saw the 5.55 from London arrive. He also saw it start, and as it was moving deceased ran along the platform from the lavatory. He took hold of the handle of the compartment with his hand, and placed his left foot on the footboard. His foot slipped and the man released his hold, falling between the train and the platform. about three coached passed over him. The train was stopped and witness helped to get the deceased from the line to the platform. He was in a crouching position near the wall and exclaimed - "Oh! My poor arm." His left hand lying across the metals, was very badly injured. He did not see the deceased leave the train and only saw him trying to join it.

The Coroner: " There was no suggestion that there was anything improper?"
Lieut Martin: "No."

The son said that his father had with him one of the men with whom he slept in camp who was going back with him. His father was quite sober.

The Coroner: "There was no suggestion that he was otherwise."
Lieut Martin: "He bore a very good character in the Army."

A. Foster, a porter, stated he did not see the accident, but he gave the signal for the train to start and stop.

PC Gattrill said that he obtained a stretcher and took the deceased to hospital, but he was found dead on arrival. Deceased had a "pass" from Saturday to Monday in his possession. 

Dr. Montague Wallace, house surgeon at the Hospital, said that the deceased was dead when brought in. The post-mortem examination showed that the deceased had a fractured left thigh, fractured left arm and forearm, left hand crushed, four ribs on the left side fractured, left shoulder broken, and left lung injured. all internal organs and the brain were healthy. Death was due to shock from the injuries received."

Such a tragic end to poor George's life.

Cemetery Sunday - Falling Angel

'Falling' Angel at All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

The precarious position of this gravestone is caused by natural ground movements in the grave below.  As the body and casket break down the grave can sink, causing many gravestones and monuments to topple.  At the moment this gravestone is considered safe, once  it becomes unsafe it will be removed from its footings and placed across the grave.  This is to prevent damage to the stone and/or injury to cemetery visitors.


Below is an example of a gravestone that has been placed across a grave for safety reasons.

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Cemetery Sunday - Blanket of Snow

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Cemetery Sunday - Fading

 

 

Sandstone weathers over time, leaving some gravestones completely indecipherable.  It is such a shame that there names and the historical information is now lost.

 

The only information readable on the gravestone above is John Pearce.

 



Above is the gravestone of the Brill family.  The only name that remains readable is that of young Arthur William Brill, son of John and Florence Jane Brill of Norden Farm. 

"Born March 18th 1892.  Died Jany 5th 1894. - The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away.  Blessed be thy name of the Lord."

Unfortunately the name of the person memorilised above young Arthur is now completely lost.

By photographing the older gravestones, I hope that in some way I am preserving the information for many many years to come.  Once it has worn away, it is gone forever.


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First World War Commonwealth War Grave - Private George James Devonshire, Royal Berkshire Regiment

 

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them".

 

 

 

George James Devonshire was born on 3rd February 1892 in Stoke Poges Buckinghamshire (now Berkshire) to William Herbert Devonshire, a butcher, and his wife Sarah Ann May.

 

 

In 1901 George and his family were living in Middle Green, Langley Marsh, Buckinghamshire.  However, in 1911 George can be found working as a cowman on a farm and lodging with Emma Plum a 66-year-old widow, and her son Fred, in Hurley Village, Berkshire.

In 1915 in Maidenhead George married Edith Eaton, and they lived together in 58 Powney Road, Maidenhead.

George first enlisted with the Royal Berkshire Regiment, later being transferred to the Labour Corps.
 

Sadly, George was to pass away from Broncho Pneumonia at Reading War Hospital the day after World War I came to an end.  Edith gave birth to their only child, a son also named George James on 30th July 1919. Edith and George Jr can be found on the 1921 Census living at 58 Powney Road, Maidenhead. Living with them is Edith's orphaned nephew Henry Eaton. Later Edith and George Jr moved to 11 Belfast Avenue, Slough, Buckinghamshire, where George Jr is working in the local milk factory. George Jr remained in Slough until his death in 2017

Edith later remarried in 1926 to Frederick Gray.

 

Connections: Edith Eaton's uncle George Eaton.

 



Cemetery Sunday - Verse

"Here lieth the body of Elizabeth Rolls who died May 4th 1777 aged 21 years

Grieve not for me my mother dear, I am not dead but Sleeping here.  Your great Afflictions pray restrain.  For we in Heaven may meet again."

"In Memory of Stephen Mason who died April 13th 1800 aged 35 years.

Early in life I left my wife, And my children dear; Unto my God and Great Redeemers Care."


They don't write verse like that anymore.  Two examples of beautiful verse on early gravestones at All Saints Churchyard, Bisham Berkshire.



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Cemetery Sunday - Grave Offerings

During my time photographing cememtery and graves have have come across many 'grave offering' and personal items.  Some are more usual than others, flowers, toys for children and babies and even the occasional windmill.  The other day I came across a mug happily sitting in a little alcove on a gravestone.  I wonder if the mug had special meaning to whoever left it behind.

Below are some examples of the other grave offerings I have come across.



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Cemetery Sunday - Gardens Of Rest

 

 

Braywick Cemetery in Berkshire opened in the July of 1953 and was set out as a lawn cemetery with specific sections for different religions; Church of England, Non Conformist, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Muslim and a section for the burial of babies and children.

 

The Gardens of Rest are for the interment of cremated remains. 

 

Cremation has been around for centuries, but fell out of favour in Great Britain when Christianity came to its shores.  However interest in cremation was reawakened in Victorian Britain when it became apparent that local cemeteries and churchyards were running out of space.  Cremation finally became legal in Great Britain in 1882.  On the 26th March 1885 he first 'legal' cremation took place, that of Mrs Jeannette Caroline Pickersgill at Woking Crematorium, Surrey England. 

The Hampshire Advertiser reported on Sunday 28th March 1885-

 

"Cremation In Surrey.

 

On Thursday morning the crematory erected at St. John's, Woking, Surrey, was made use of for the first time, the body reduced to ashes being that of Mrs, Pickersgill of Clarence-gate, London.  It had previously been subjected to an autopsy. The deceased was well know in literary and scientific circles, and expressly stipulated in her will that her body should be cremated.  With a view to this she had previously become a subscriber to the Cremation Society of England.  The cremation, which lasted one hour, is said to have been eminently successful from every point of view." 

 

Two further cremations took place that year.  Those of Mr Charles W. Carpenter in October and Mrs Grattan in December.  Ten cremations followed in 1886.  Today cremation is a popular alternative to full burial and there are many crematoriums around the country.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Pet Cemetery of Cliveden House, Taplow, Buckinghamshire

The 'burials' date from 1874 - 1956 and contain mainly dogs and a few horses or ponies, unfortunately I can find no information on the history of the pet cemetery, or whether all the animals belonged to the same family, the Astors of Cliveden House.  It's in the Ilex Grove part of the grounds and sadly is not very well maintained or even sign posted.  We just happened across it.

There has been a house on the site at Cliveden, meaning - valley among cliffs, in Taplow Buckinghamshire since 1666.  The present house was built in 1851 and is a Grade I listed Italianate mansion.  In 1893 the estate was purchased by William Waldorf Astor, 1st Viscount Astor.  He became a virtual recluse after the death of his wife Mary Dahlgren Paul in 1894.  In 1906 Viscount Astor gave Cliveden and its ground to his son Waldorf on his marriage to Nancy Langhorne. The Astor family remained at Cliveden until 1969 when the house and grounds were leased by Stanford University.  The house is now owned by The National Trust and is a Luxury Hotel.

"Christoper, A favourite pony"

"Flossie"

"Missie"

"Chono"

"Laddie"

"Trixie"

"Baloo"

"Doushky"

"Dixie"

"Daphne"

"Midget"

"Blennie"

"Pugsy, dear pug"

"Tommy"

"Wallace"

"Snuff"

"Traffic Light"