In 1987 it was decided, since many of the inscriptions in the St. Kenelm's churchyard were deteriorating and becoming indecipherable, that those in the oldest part should be recorded before the details were lost for ever. That work was published as Part I of this series.
In years to come the newer stones will suffer the same fate. As Joe Hunt pointed out in his introduction to Part I:
"As one looks at the Churchyard today and sees not only many unmarked graves, but many of the memorials indecipherable or fallen, it is within the bounds of possibility that, given the lapse of another three hundred years, the visitor could find an undulating stretch of pasture and grazing sheep, and have no idea that just below the surface 'the rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep'."
This second volume of the series continues the process of recording by concentrating on the gravestones in that part of the graveyard where burials were first undertaken in the 'thirties of the present century. It is shown as section "D" on the plan.
My thanks again go to Joe for his scholarly Introduction, and also to the following members of the Society who have helped with the recording and checking of information: David Copley, Ruth Harper, Mary Holder, June Humphreys, Ann Jackson and Rita and Trevor Sidaway.
Eric Humphreys
August, 1993
D1. SLAB ON PLINTH. Brown marble. Flower vase at head, gold lettering towards foot. (See Introduction) EDWIN CHARLES PAYTER APRIL 26th 1901 – MARCH 23rd 1966 DALLOWS D2. SLAB ON PLINTH. Grey marble. Four raised corners and grey chippings. Flower vase in centre. Gold lettering. Left side: IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DEAR HUSBAND JOHN LEONARD DEELEY, WHO DIED 17th. FEB. 1967, AGED 64 YEARS. REGIS D3. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Concrete with grey granite chippings. Small crosses inscribed on top corners of headstone. Flower holder in centre inscribed “BERT AND DAISY”. Leaded lettering. Note – the repeated “TO” in the inscription is as engraved. (See Introduction) A TRIBUTE OF LOVE TO D4. SLAB ON PLINTH. Memorial slab at foot. Concrete. Crazy-paved slab with curved stone flower vase. Lead lettering. (See Introduction) A TRIBUTE OF LOVE TO REUNITED D5. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Black marble. Two cornerstones at foot. Grey chippings and black flower vase. Some damage. Gold lettering. (See Introduction) IN REGIS D6. SLAB ON PLINTH. Black marble. Blue chippings with black flower vase in centre. Top half of slab in form of large scroll. Two pillars at foot surmounted by balls. Gold lettering. A TRIBUTE OF LOVE On bottom kerb: The Lord watch between me and thee DAVIS, OLD HILL D7. RAISED SLAB WITH KERB. Concrete. Memorial slab at bottom. Flower holder in top kerb. Some damage to side edges which are falling away. Inscription partly fading. IN LOVING MEMORY OF ALSO D8. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Grey marble. Two corner pillars. Rose and cross in black relief on grey on each side of headstone. White chippings. Marble flower vase in centre inscribed “NAN AND GRANDAD”. IN LOVING MEMORY OF D9. RAISED KERB ON PLINTH. White stone. Memorial slab at foot. Flower vase built into top kerb and marked “DAD”. White chippings. IN LOVING MEMORY OF REGIS D10. HEADSTONE ON PLINTH. Grey marble. Gilded lettering. (See Introduction) REMEMBERED On plinth: UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN On back of headstone:
DALLOWS D11. KERB. Brick with chippings on concrete slab. Brickwork corroding and weed encrusted. No inscription visible. D12. HEADSTONE WITH KERB. Headstone collapsed face down. Concrete slab weed encrusted. Concrete flower holder with leaded inscription, “MOM & POP”. D13. HEADSTONE WITH RAISED KERB. Black marble on stone base. Grey chippings. Stone flower container in centre. IN ALSO OF MARY ANN HIS WIFE DAVIS D14. HEADSTONE WITH KERB raised on stone base. White marble with grey flecks. Central stone vase on concrete with chippings. Floral decoration at each side of inscription. Leaded lettering. (See Introduction) TO THE DEAR MEMORY OF “IN HEAVENLY LOVE ABIDING.” DAVIS D15. HEADSTONE ON PLINTH. Grey marble. Headstone designed as large horizontal scroll. Memorial tablet below scroll. Two grey marble flower holders. Lead lettering. IN JUST AS I AM WITHOUT ONE PLEA O LAMB ALSO OF On marble slab: ERNIE WILLETTS DORIS WILLETTS DAVIS D16. HEADSTONE WITH RAISED KERB. Concrete. Headstone in form of open book raised on stepped stone slabs. Four raised cornerstones. Sunken flowerpot in centre. Lead lettering.
TASCOS D17. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Grey flecked marble, kerb raised on stone. Two corner pillars. Flower holder in centre with green chippings. Inscribed leaf pattern top and sides of headstone. Gilded lettering. (See Introduction) IN LOVING MEMORY OF D18. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. White marble. Memorial slab at foot with raised crosses at either side. Two flower holders set in kerb at head. Lead lettering. PEACE On slab: IN LOVE, WE REMEMBER D19. KERB. Concrete, with flower holder. No markings. D20. KERB ON PLINTH. Concrete. Flower holder in top kerb. Grey chippings. Memorial slab at foot. IN LOVING MEMORY OF At foot: REGIS D21. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Stone. Two corner pillars at foot. White chippings. Flower holder in centre of slab. Cross carved proud at each side of headstone. IN LOVING MEMORY OF DALLOWS D22. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Black marble. Decorative cross entwined with gold on left side of headstone. Black flower vase on plinth. Gilded lettering. IN D23. RAISED SLAB ON PLINTH WITH KERB. Concrete with white chippings. Flower holder in centre. Some damage. On left side of kerb: IN LOVING MEMORY OF ARTHUR LAMBERT, WHO DIED 1st. JULY 1940, AGED 74 YEARS. On end of kerb: REUNITED. On other side of kerb: ALSO HIS DEAR WIFE EDITH, WHO DIED 10th. SEPT. 1962, AGED 81 YEARS. REGIS D24. FLOWER HOLDER. Deteriorating and overgrown with no markings. This grave is shown in the reords as that of “Francis Alexander Barton, of Nestelan Romsley Hill Top. Buried on 22nd April 1939, aged 78 years. G. Crofts, Rector.” (See Introduction) D25. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Green stone. Flower holder on slab. Kerb damaged, corner stones collapsed. Decorative cross inscribed down left side of headstone. PEACE D26. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Headstone, grey marble. Concrete kerb with white chippings. Four corner stones. Black lettering. IN LOVING MEMORY OF REGIS D27. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Concrete. Flower pattern down both sides of headstone. Flower holder in centre. Damaged. IN LOVING MEMORY OF DAVIS D28. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Concrete. Central flower holder and grey chippings. Gothic windows etched each side of headstone. Lead lettering. In “REST IN PEACE.” DICKENS D29. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Black marble with green glass chippings. Two black marble flower holders and inscribed slab on plinth. Rose pattern etched each side of headstone. Gilded lettering. (See Introduction) IN LOVING MEMORY OF On slab: IN DONALD SIVITER GLADYS MAY SIVITER DAVIS D30. KERB ON PLINTH. Memorial slab at foot. Black marble with green chippings. Flower holder at head. Gilded lettering. IN LOVING MEMORY OF ALSO OF D31. KERB ON PLINTH. Concrete. Memorial slab at foot. Flower holder and green chippings. IN LOVING MEMORY OF DALLOWS D32. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. White marble with grey flecks. Flower holders at base of headstone and bottom of grave. Chippings. Gilded lettering. TREASURED MEMORIES OF DIED OCT 29th 1965 D33. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. White marble with grey flecks. Flower holders at base of headstone and bottom of grave. Chippings. (See Introduction) IN LOVING MEMORY OF D34. CELTIC CROSS ON PLINTH WITH KERB. Brown marble. Corner pillars. (See Introduction) IN LOVING MEMORY OF G.B. ......& SONS D35. KERB ON PLINTH with four corner pillars. Grey marble with white chippings. Red marble flower holder. Gilded lettering. (See Introduction and also D36) Top: IN LOVING MEMORY OF Left side: SARAH HANNAH COOPER, WHO DIED 12th FEB, 1959, AGED 79 YEARS. Right side: HARRY COOPER, WHO DIED 28th APRIL, 1946, AGED 63 YEARS. Bottom: REUNITED REGIS D36. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Four corner pillars with crosses etched on top two. Red marble with red chippings and white flower holder. (See Introduction) IN Flower holder: FROM UNCLE JIM AND AUNT MARY D37. HEADSTONE WITH RAISED KERB. Four corner pillars. Grey marble with grey marble chippings. IN “I BELIEVE IN THE LIFE EVERLASTING.” D38. HEADSTONE WITH KERB AND SLAB. Grey marble with grey chippings. Inscription damaged. Similar to No. 39. Overgrown. IN LOVING MEMORY OF D39. HEADSTONE WITH KERB. Grey marble with grey chippings. Damaged inscription. Overgrown. IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEARLY BELOVED SISTER D40. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Concrete. Headstone shaped as a scroll. Some damage to inscription. IN LOVING MEMORY OF DAVIS OLD HILL D41. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Grey marble with grey chippings. Two corner stones at foot. Flower pattern on headstone. (See Introduction) IN D42. KERB. Concrete. Three sides of kerb damaged and replaced by concrete bricks. Right side: OF YOUR CHARITY PRAY FOR THE REPOSE OF THE SOUL OF JUSTINA TERESA WILSON At foot: REGIS D43. KERB WITH SLAB AT FOOT. White marble. Two flower holders, one set in top kerb. Some damage. Lead lettering. On slab: IN LOVING MEMORY OF On central flower vase: IN LOVING D44. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Slab at foot. Grey concrete with grey chippings. Flower holder at bottom. Some damage. Leaded lettering, some missing. IN LOVING MEMORY OF D45. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Grey concrete with green chippings. Concrete flower holder in centre. Cross inscribed at each side of headstone at top. Black lettering. IN LOVING MEMORY OF On flower holder: AT REST D46. KERB ON PLINTH WITH MEMORIAL SLAB AT FOOT. Grey concrete. White chippings. Flower holder set in top. Roses etched at top corners of slab. IN LOVING MEMORY OF Leaded: ALSO OF In centre: REGIS D47. SLAB ON PLINTH. Grey concrete. Double grave. Stone sides and crazy paved top with concrete division. Inscription on raised stone. BRUCE D48. HEADSTONE WITH SLAB ON PLINTH. Black marble with stone plinth. Flower holder in matching black marble. Headstone in form of open book. Gilded lettering.
On slab: Also Daughter On foot of slab: Always remembered, On vase: To DAVIS D49. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Grey marble with grey chippings. Flowers inscribed each side of headstone and on bottom two corner posts. ...IN... DALLOWS D50. RAISED KERB with four corner posts. Concrete. Partially sunken and overgrown (See Introduction) Left side: .....EDMUND H. KEMPSON, DIED 17th. NOV. 1936, AGED 80 YEARS. Right side: ALSO HIS WIFE HENRIETTA CATHERINE KEMPSON, WHO DIED DEC. 16th, 1949, AGED 84 YEARS. D51. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON STONE PLINTH. Grey marble with grey chippings. Two corner posts at foot. Flowers inscribed on headstone. Gilded lettering. (See Introduction) IN LOVING MEMORY OF D52. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Two corner posts at foot. Grey marble raised on sandstone brickwork. Flowers inscribed each side of headstone. Lead letters. (See Introduction) IN MEMORIAM D53. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Pillars at each corner. Double grave. Grey marble. Small cross and tree inscribed on left side of headstone. Two flower holders. Lead letters. (See Introduction) IN LOVING MEMORY OF On separate stone: HORACE BATE MARSH On flower holder: RICHARD DAVID DAVIS D54. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Concrete. Pillars each side of headstone with carved rose. Slab partially collapsed. Flower holder inscribed “MOTHER AND DAD”. Green chippings. (See Introduction) IN D55. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Mottled marble. Leaf pattern each side of headstone. Lead letters. (See Introduction) IN LOVING MEMORY OF DAVIS D56. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Mottled marble. Leaf pattern each side of headstone. Lead letters. (See Introduction) IN LOVING MEMORY OF D57. KERB ON PLINTH WITH MEMORIAL SLAB AT FOOT. Concrete. Flower holder at head. Leaded lettering, disintegrating. IN LOVING MEMORY OF DAVIS D58. HEADSTONE WITH RAISED KERB. Concrete. Headstone in form of open book. Flower holder at head.
D59. KERB WITH SLAB AT FOOT. Concrete. Flower holder at head. In course of restoration. On slab: IN LOVING MEMORY OF D60. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Grey marble. Corner pillars at foot. Lead letters. AT REST DAVIS, OLD HILL. D61. RAISED SLAB. Marble, speckled grey and white. (See Introduction) ISIAH COLLINS IN LOVING MEMORY D62. KERB RAISED ON BRICKS WITH SLAB AT FOOT. Flower holder set in head slab. Grey marble. Gilded lettering. On slab: IN MEMORY OF DALLOWS D63. HEADSTONE ON RAISED KERB. Concrete. Decorative flowers on top corners of headstone, crosses on corner pillars. Headstone leaning and damaged. (See Introduction) Sacred D64. KERB WITH STONE SLAB AT HEAD. Concrete with grey chippings. Damaged. IN LOVING MEMORY OF D65. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Mottled white marble. Grey marble flower holder in centre with green chippings. Flower holder set in foot kerb. Leaf decoration on semi-columns at sides of headstone. Lead letters. LOVE’S REMEMBRANCE. On urn: WITH LOVE D66. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Grey marble kerb, grey headstone and flower holder. Grey chippings. Leaf decoration inscribed each side of headstone. Lead letters. (See Introduction) IN LOVING MEMORY OF
D67. OVAL SHAPED KERB ON PLINTH. Sandstone. Planted with heathers. (See Introduction) ROBERT E. NEWBURY D68. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Cross inscribed top left of headstone, right corner stepped. Grey marble with green chippings. Four corner posts. Lead letters. IN MEMORY OF D69. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Grey marble with matching flower holder and grey chippings. Flowers inscribed down both sides of headstone. IN THE MERCY OF GOD D70. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Black marble with two corner posts. Floral pattern inscribed down both sides of headstone. Gilded lettering. (See Introduction) IN DAVIS D71. KERB ON PLINTH WITH SLAB AT FOOT. Concrete with green chippings and marble flower holder. Leaded lettering. IN LOVING MEMORY OF AT REST. D72. KERB ON PLINTH WITH CROSS AT HEAD. Green chippings. Lead lettering, damaged. (See Introduction) On slab at foot: GEORGE C. NEWTON D73. SMALL WOODEN CROSS. Plastic figures, the lower one damaged. 1 D74. HEADSTONE ON SMALL PLINTH. Grey marble. Cross inscribed above the gilded lettering. Flower holder. IN LOVING MEMORY D75. HEADSTONE. Sandstone. Very badly corroded, no lettering left. It is likely that this was one of the first gravestones to be erected in the graveyard. It is not far from the headstone of John Read, died 1857 (Part I, Grave No. 1). It is of the same size and distinctive shape. D76. RAISED KERB. Stone. Small, with no markings. Flower holder in centre. D77. KERB ON PLINTH. Stone. Heavily overgrown and difficult to read. Right side: IN REMEMBRANCE ADELAIDE JONES 1868–1951 D78. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Concrete with urn in centre gap of headstone. R.I.P. TO COMMEMORATE IN LOVE D79. KERB ON PLINTH. Four corner pillars. Stone flower holder in centre. Leaded lettering. (See Introduction) Left side: IN LOVING MEMORY OF HARRY MARTIN Right side: ALSO OF FLORENCE BEATRICE MARTIN At foot: DEARLY LOVED SADLY MISSED. D80. KERB WITH SLAB AT FOOT. Six pillars. Damaged and heavily overgrown. Flower holder at head. Difficult to see leaded inscription. On slab: NICHOLAS RANDOLF BUTLER D81. URN. Black marble. No markings. D82. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Grey marble. Two pillars at foot. Floral pattern inscribed each side of headstone. Flower holder in centre. Gilded lettering. IN LOVING MEMORY OF “RESTING.” D83. FLOWER HOLDER. Large stone flower holder with no markings. D84. KERB ON PLINTH. Concrete. Leaning. Square flower holder in centre. Four corner pillars. Marble chippings. Leaded lettering, some damage to inscription. (See Introduction) At head: REUNITED Right side:
Left side:
At foot: DEATH DIVIDES BUT MEMORY EVER CLINGS. D85. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Concrete. Square flower holder in centre. Corner pillars at foot. Leaded lettering. IN MEMORY OF D86. KERB ON PLINTH WITH MEMORIAL SLAB AT FOOT. Black marble. Flower holder in head kerb. Gilded lettering. IN LOVING MEMORY OF D87. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Concrete. Floral pattern in corners of headstone. (See Introduction) SACRED TO THE MEMORY D88. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Concrete. Leaning. Marble chippings. Flower holder in centre. (See Introduction) IN LOVING MEMORY OF ALSO OF HIS WIFE WILLETTS D89. RAISED KERB. Four corner pillars. White speckled marble. Brass letters. Right side: IN LOVING MEMORY OF BENJAMIN THOMAS HILL Left side: ALSO HIS WIFE ELIZA, D90. HEADSTONE WITH KERB. Headstone shaped as scroll. Concrete. Some damage. Flower holder in centre. (See Introduction) PEACE D91. FLOWER HOLDER. Illegible apart from a name. HUGH WATSON D92. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Concrete. Flower holder in centre. Two pillars at foot. White chippings. (See Introduction) IN MEMORY OF On flower holder: DEAR D93. RAISED KERB. Concrete. Flower holder in centre. Right side of kerb:
D94. URN. Concrete. Heavily overgrown and difficult to read. (See Introduction) FOND D95. KERB ON PLINTH. Grey marble. Left side: IN LOVING MEMORY OF ALICE, BELOVED WIFE OF SAMUEL SYNER, At foot: “RESTING IN THE LORD.” D96. KERB ON PLINTH WITH MEMORIAL SLAB AT FOOT. Concrete. Two flower holders, one in centre, one in top kerb. Marble chippings. Leaded lettering, some fallen away. IN REMEMBRANCE. D97. HEADSTONE WITH KERB. Concrete. Inscribed with cross. Flower holder to right side of headstone. IN LOVING D98. RAISED KERB WITH SLAB AT FOOT. Concrete. Overgrown and difficult to read. On slab: IN LOVING MEMORY OF D99. KERB ON PLINTH WITH SLAB AT FOOT. Black marble. Marble chippings. Flower holder in top kerb and matching flower holder in centre inscribed “STEVEN 5-10-1953 – 9-3-1983”. Small brass plaque at foot inscribed STEPHEN W. TROMANS. Bottom slab: IN LOVING MEMORY OF
R.I.P. JONES DUDLEY D100. KERB ON PLINTH WITH SLAB AT FOOT. Concrete. Square stone flower holder in top kerb. Leaded lettering, but mostly fallen away. (See Introduction) IN REMEMBRANCE D101. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Concrete. Corner pillars at foot. Sculpted flower at top corners of headstone. Green chippings. Stone flower holder in centre bearing words “MOM” on one side and “DAD” on other. (See Introduction) Treasured Memories of D102. HEADSTONE ... [words illegible in original] ... flower holder in centre. Green chippings. Headstone leaning, kerb partially collapsed. Leaded lettering. IN LOVING MEMORY OF D103. KERB ON PLINTH. Concrete. Four pillars at corners. Concrete flower holder in centre. Right side: IN LOVING MEMORY OF HENRY WILLIAM JOSEPH DOWNING EVANS (ROMSLEY HILL) 1880–1950. Left side: AND HIS DEARLY BELOVED WIFE AGNES EVANS 1882–1961. D104. PLINTH WITH OVAL KERB. Sandstone. Inscription follows oval perimeter of kerb. (See Introduction) At head: GEORGE TERENCE NEWTON At foot: JEREMY JOHN NEWTON D105. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Concrete. Headstone in form of open book. Flower holder in centre. Leaded lettering. (See Introduction)
On bottom kerb: ALWAYS IN OUR THOUGHTS D106. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Grey marble. Corner pillars at foot. Green chippings. Square stone flower holder in centre. Gilded lettering. TREASURED MEMORIES In heavenly love abiding D107. KERB ON PLINTH. Grey marble. Square flower holder at head with inscription. Four corner posts. (See Introduction) Vase inscription: IN Right side: IN LOVING MEMORY OF FRITZ · WHO PASSED AWAY · JAN 25th 1964. AGED 38 YEARS Bottom kerb: Always in our thoughts D108. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Grey marble. Two flower holders in centre. Marble chippings. Decorative crosses inscribed down both sides of headstone. Gilded lettering. IN LOVING MEMORY I shall be satisfied when I awake in Thy likeness On grey flower holder: IN LOVING MEMORY On white flower holder back: In On white flower holder front: To EILEEN D109. KERB WITH CROSS ON PLINTH AT HEAD AND SLAB AT FOOT. Concrete. Marble chippings. Flower holder in centre. On slab: IN LOVING MEMORY OF D110. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Concrete. Flower holder in centre. + IN MEMORY OF + On foot kerb: “REUNITED.” LISTER & SONS LTD. D111. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Reddish marble. Two pillars at foot. Flower holder in centre. Gilded lettering. IN LOVING MEMORY OF ALSO A DEAR AND LOVING MUM E LOXLEY D112. KERB ON PLINTH. Concrete. Flower holder in centre. Four corner posts. Pebble chippings. Leaded lettering. Right side: IN LOVING MEMORY OF FRANCIS BELOVED SON OF FRANCIS & BERTHA HILL Bottom edge: GONE FROM OUR HOME D113. KERB ON PLINTH WITH SLAB AT FOOT. Concrete. Two pillars half way down. Flower holder at head. Leaded lettering. IN LOVING MEMORY OF REUNITED D114. KERB. Concrete. Broken, with no markings. Twenty foot high cupressus tree growing inside kerb. D115. RAISED KERB. Book-shaped monument in centre. Four corner pillars. Stone flower holder in centre.
Left side: ALSO DOROTHY ELIZABETH DEAR WIFE OF HECTOR D116. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Black marble. Two pillars at foot. Floral pattern inscribed down side of headstone. Matching flower holder in centre. Marble chippings. (See Introduction) IN LOVING MEMORY OF REUNITED. REGIS LTD D117. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Black marble. Two pillars at foot. Leaf pattern inscribed both sides of headstone. (See Introduction) IN LOVING MEMORY OF ALSO OF ELIZA PARKES, HIS WIFE. RE-UNITED. DAVIS D118. KERB ON PLINTH WITH SLAB AT FOOT. Sandstone. On slab: MARGARET AMY On foot kerb: IN LOVING MEMORY OF D119. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Two corner posts at foot. Grey marble with grey flower holder inscribed “LEE”. Floral decoration down both sides of headstone. Marble chippings. Leaded lettering. IN LOVING MEMORY OF J WILLETTS D120. KERB ON PLINTH. Four corner pillars. Grey marble with grey flower holder in centre. Leaded lettering. Right side: IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAR PARENTS. DAVIS D121. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Two corner posts at foot. Grey marble with grey stone flower holder in centre. A tulip etched at each side of headstone. Leaded lettering. IN LOVING MEMORY OF DAVIS D122. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Grey marble. Two pillars at foot. Marble chippings. Floral decoration inscribed both sides of headstone. Black stone flower holder. Gilded lettering. TREASURED MEMORIES OF D123. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Black marble with matching flower holder in centre. Floral pattern beneath the word “PEACE”. Green chippings. PEACE TREASURED MEMORIES OF LYDIA DAVIS D124. KERB WITH SLAB. The centre slab is in the form of an open book. Sandstone. Four corner pillars. Two stone flower holders. Inscription surmounted by etched R.A.F. wings. (See Introduction)
D125. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Two corner pillars. Headstone with scroll-type shape at top and bottom. Grey chippings. Black flowr holder in centre. Gilded lettering. IN LOVING MEMORY OF RE-UNITED. DAVIS D126. HEADSTONE WITH DOUBLE KERB ON PLINTH. Black marble. Scroll endings at top and bottom of headstone. Four corner pillars. Black marble flower holder and grey chippings. Gilded lettering. (See Introduction) IN IN LOVING MEMORY OF ALSO HIS WIFE BEATRICE ALICE AT REST D127. KERB ON PLINTH. Sandstone. Four corner posts. Overgrown. At foot: ANNIE CUTLER. MAY 20th 1940. D128. KERB ON PLINTH WITH SLAB AT FOOT. Concrete. Flower holders in top kerb and centre. Marble chippings. Leaded lettering with some damage. On slab: TREASURED MEMORIES OF D129. HEADSTONE WITH KERB. Concrete. In form of open book. Flower holder in centre. Leaded lettering with some damage.
D130. KERB ON PLINTH. Four corner pillars. Concrete. Damaged. Leaded lettering, but falling away and difficult to read. On right kerb: IN LOVING MEMORY OF A DEAR HUSBAND AND FATHER ALFRED NEEDHAM D131. KERB ON PLINTH WITH SLAB AT FOOT. Concrete with green chippings. Flower holder set in top kerb. (See Introduction) On slab: IN REMEMBRANCE D132. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Concrete. Two decorated corner posts at foot. Slab at head with inset flower holder. IN LOVING MEMORY D133. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Polished granite kerb raised on concrete bricks. Grey chippings. Granite flower holder in centre. Floral pattern inscribed down both sides of headstone. Gilded lettering. E.M.T. TREASURED MEMORIES OF D134. HEADSTONE WITH RAISED KERB. Concrete. The kerb also encloses the next grave (No. 135, Fielding) the headstone of which gives further information. (See Introduction) ERNEST ARTHUR AT REST FOR EVERMORE. D135. HEADSTONE WITH RAISED KERB. Concrete, kerb disintegrating. Four corner posts. (See Introduction) MARY ANN. ALSO WALTER JAMES FIELDING WHETHER WE LIVE OR DIE WE ARE D136. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Grey marble. Four corner posts. Carved pattern on top of headstone. Brass lettering. TREASURED MEMORIES OF REUNITED. Bottom kerb: THE PEACE OF GOD PASSETH D137. KERB WITH HEADSTONE ON SMALL PLINTH. Concrete. Flower holders at head and in centre. On headstone: WILLIAM On small plinth: MOM AND DAD. D138. KERB. Decorative bricks with small slab at head. Flower holder in centre. Decorative cross inscribed in centre of slab. On slab: IN
AT REST D139. KERB ON PLINTH. Concrete. Flower holder in centre. Very overgrown. Almost illegible. Right side: IN MEMORY OF MY HUSBAND JOHN GREGORY At foot: WILLETS D140. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Stone. Pillars to each side of headstone with crosses in relief. Stone flower holder in centre. Very overgrown. IN D141. KERB ON PLINTH WITH SLAB AT FOOT. Concrete. Flower holder in centre. On slab: IN LOVING MEMORY OF ALSO HIS WIFE D142. SMALL CONCRETE HEADSTONE. Grave very overgrown. G D HUNT D143. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Black marble with grey chippings. Decorative wreaths inscribed each side of headstone. Matching flower holder in centre, corner posts at foot. Gilded lettering. (See Introduction) IN MEMORY OF D144. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Grey marble with green chippings. Headstone decorated with inscribed leaf pattern. Two corner posts at foot. Matching marble flower holder in centre. Gilded lettering. (See Introduction) CHERISHED MEMORIES D145. KERB ON PLINTH. Grey marble. Four corner posts and white marble flower holder in centre. Right side: IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DEAR WIFE JANE ELIZABETH SOUTHALL. D146. KERB ON PLINTH. Grey marble. Four corner posts. Gilded lettering. (Right side) IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DEAR WIFE ELLEN JANE BIRD, D147. KERB. Sandstone. Heavily overgrown. No visible markings. D148. KERB. Sandstone. Heavily overgrown. No visible markings. D149. HEADSTONE WITH KERB. Official military headstone with R.A.F. insignia. Surrounded by joint kerb with Grave No. 150 (Sergeant J. F. Harrison, R.A.F.). (See Introduction) PER ARDUA AD ASTRA 937983 LDG. AIRCRAFTMAN (inscribed cross) KILLED IN THE SERVICE Left kerb: IN LOVING MEMORY OF DEREK JOHN LING, R.A.F. On foot kerb, jointly with adjacent grave: “THEY DIED THAT WE MIGHT LIVE.” D150. HEADSTONE WITH KERB. Official military headstone with R.A.F. insignia. Surrounded by joint kerb with Grave No. 149 (Leading Aircraftman D. J. Ling R.A.F.). (See Introduction) PER ARDUA AD ASTRA 952921 SERGEANT (inscribed cross) MERCIFUL FATHER Right kerb: IN LOVING MEMORY OF JEFFREY FREDK. HARRISON. R.A.F. On foot kerb, jointly with adjacent grave: “THEY DIED THAT WE MIGHT LIVE.” D151. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Sandstone. Flower holder at foot. (See Introduction) R.A.F. IN PROUD AND LOVING MEMORY D152. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Concrete. Two pillars at foot. Floral decoration carved each side of headstone. Matching flower holder in centre. Leaded lettering. CHERISHED MEMORIES OF On flower holder: WITH LOVE D153. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Concrete. Headstone in form of open book. Matching flower holder in centre. White chippings. Kerb damaged. Leaded lettering.
On foot kerb: LOVE D154. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Grey marble with white chippings. Two posts at bottom. Matching marble flower holder. Picture of Good Shepherd inscribed on left side of headstone. Gilded lettering. (See Introduction) R.H.P. TREASURED MEMORIES OF Left kerb: ALSO THEIR DEAR DAUGHTER IVY FANNY WHITEHOUSE NEE PRICE Right kerb: ALSO JOSEPH HENRY PRICE, BELOVED HUSBAND OF GWYNETH On flower holder: MOTHER D155. KERB ON PLINTH (double). Grey marble with white chippings. Four corner pillars. Gilded lettering. (See Introduction) At head: IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Left side: IN LOVING MEMORY OF
At foot:
Right side: IN LOVING MEMORY OF
DALLOWS D156. KERB ON PLINTH (double). Grey marble with white chippings. Four corner pillars. Gilded lettering. (See Introduction) At head: HENRIETTA OLGA WILLIAMS At foot: IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Right side: IN LOVING MEMORY OF
DALLOWS D157. COPED SLAB. Grey marble. Lead letters. (See Introduction) Left side: IN LOVING MEMORY Right side: IN LOVING MEMORY D158. HEADSTONE WITH KERB ON PLINTH. Concrete. Two pillars at foot. Matching flower holder in centre. Decorative leaf pattern carved each side of headstone. Marble chippings. Leaded lettering, partly damaged. IN EVER LOVING MEMORY LOVED BY US ALL. D159. KERB (double). Concrete. No markings. |
By the late Joe Hunt, M.A.
There is preserved among Romsley and District History Society's records a printed pamphlet of the sermon delivered by Hales Owen's longest serving Rector, Archdeacon Hone (he was at Hales Owen from 1836 to 1881) at the consecration of Romsley St. Kenelm's Churchyard on August 7th 1857. The title page is reproduced on the right.
From that title page it will be gathered that there are no ancient gravestones to be found here. That is not to say, however, that behind many of the inscriptions are not matters of great interest to the historian, the genealogist and the sociologist. It is gratifying, therefore, to be invited to preface a second volume of St. Kenelm's gravestone inscriptions denoted on the plan as Area 'D' of the Churchyard.
One brings to the task three quarters of a century of knowledge of the village of Romsley and its inhabitants, which allows the recording of much that would be irrevocably lost of the background, residence, occupation and achievements of many whose final resting place is in this "God's Acre".
D1. Edwin Charles Payter
An industrialist, specialising in the manufacture of aluminium plant, who lived for some years at "White Walls", a gracious house adjacent to the Water Tower on Romsley Hill.
D3. Herbert Victor Hunt
One of the Dayhouse family of Hunts, for many years groundsman at Hales Owen Athletic Club's track off Manor Way, Hales Owen (see also notes to D154).
D4, D87, D90, D101
John William Cowan, Edwin Joseph Allard, Mura Alberta Cornish, John Henry Cobley were among the original families and staff of Vincent Toffee Factory who moved to Hunnington from the Birmingham area at the opening of the Works in 1927.
D5. Lily May Grove
A great lover of St. Kenelm's Church who wrote a short play (preserved in the R.H.S. archives) about its patron Saint.
D10. Allan Burt Harper
A principal of the locally famous building firm of that name. Justice of the Peace and Chairman of the local Bench. Benefactor to St. Kenelm's. For some years member of the Parochial Church Council and Church Treasurer. Lived at Hunnington.
D14. Mildred Farmer
First wife of Charles Farmer who was second generation farmer of Holt Farm, Romsley, and one-time Chairman of Romsley Parish Council. (See also entry D70)
D17. William and Annie Brookes
William Brookes was a partner in the Blackheath iron and steel small wares manufacturing firm of Lowe and Brookes Ltd. He was one of a number of Black Country industrialists who moved to Romsley and district after the first World War. He had built and lived in the house called "The Limes" opposite Porch House Farm, Bromsgrove Road, Hunnington. A local benefactor whose memorial may be seen in the Screen, Choir Stalls and Communion area of Romsley Methodist Church. A keen supporter of Romsley Cricket Club.
D24. Francis Alexander Barton
The full story of Dr. F.A. Barton is yet to be told in the 'Papers Concerning the History of Romsley' Series, but the following extract, which appeared in the obituary columns of the 'Times' newspaper on April 22nd 1939, gives a good summary:
MEDICINE AND AERONAUTICS
Dr. F.A. Barton, who died at Nestalas, Romsley Hill Top, Worcestershire, on April 18th, made medicine his first interest, and to medicine he returned at the end, but the middle years of his long life were spent in other fields of endeavour – chiefly in experiments with airship construction, wherein he could claim real rights as a pioneer.
Francis Alexander Barton was born at Dover on May 17th, 1861, son of Dr. F.E. Barton. He was educated at Harrow, by a private tutor, and at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. He proved an excellent oarsman, winning the gold and silver sculls and the "Pairs" and in October, 1882, rowing in the winning trial eight.
After graduating in the Natural Science Tripos, Barton went to St. George's Hospital and eventually set up in practice at Beckenham. He always had an eye for mechanical invention, and ran a motor-car as early as 1897.
In 1900 Barton began serious experiments in lighter-than-air aeronautics. He made a balloon at Alexandra Palace and in 1902, on the occasion of King Edward VII's Coronation, ascended in it from Beckenham, accompanied by a Frenchman called Gaudron. Packets of stamped postcards were thrown out of the car at various points. The balloon was carried over the Channel and came down in the sea just off the French coast; and Barton claimed that on that flight he was the first man in England to carry mails by air.
He made another ascent, from Manchester, later in the year. Barton then set to work to make a dirigible, and in July, 1905, his frail structure actually made a free flight from the Alexandra Palace to Romford. He continued his researches at the Palace often comparing notes with Cody who was working on heavier-than-air at the same place. Barton himself constructed at St. Helens, Isle of Wight, a hydroplane which rose a few feet into the air when on tow, at a date prior to the Wright brothers' first "hop".
Having exhausted all his money, Barton next went to Beausbleil, in the South of France, to experiment in the production of non-alcoholic wines. He made various inventions from time to time, and became interested in music, Christian Science, and Free-Masonry, among other things.
Just before the War he was again engaged in aeronautical work, and his Britannia airship was at one time supported by an influential syndicate and offered to the Admiralty – without result. During the War Barton took over a medical practice in Norwich, and in 1918 he was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Medical Services to the Ministry of Pensions for the county of Berkshire. In 1925 he went abroad for reasons of health, and latterly conducted a remedial centre at Alassio.
Barton married during his hospital years, and had several sons. Last year he brought out a book of reminiscences, "Jack of All Trades", which gave the detail of an astonishing career."
D29. The Kennett and Siviter Families
Again 'incomers' from the Black Country. John Kennett, a fervent Methodist, was a master builder, specialising in industrial buildings, and was the originator of an ingenious system of central heating which he installed in his residence near Fox Farm, St. Kenelm's Road, Romsley. Joseph's daughter, Gladys May, married Horace Siviter of Blackheath, and after being for many years active in Romsley Methodism, she and her husband moved to the Blackheath area, where they attended High Street Methodist Church.
D33. The Dexter Family
Members of this family lived for some years at Shut Mill Cottage, and the Mill House, formerly the property of Professor Leonard Johnston Wills.
D34. Richard Thomas Pearson
Though he died at Torquay, Pearson for some years lived at "Brooklands", a large well-appointed Edwardian dwelling adjacent to Telford's 1825 bridge over the Stour at Cornbow, Hales Owen. The house later became the Headquarters of Hales Owen and Hasbury Co-operative Society. In a malthouse, adjoining the house and overlooking the waterfall, the local Salvation Army met for many years.
D36. The Cooper Family
This was a family where the menfolk were skilled bricklayers, and it will be noted that the grave's flower holder has on it, in relief, a hammer and trowel. (See also D35.)
D41. The Follows Family
John Holden Follows, of Fieldhouse Farm, Romsley, was the last of a well-known family of local farmers which at various times tenanted Romsley Hill Farm, Farley Farm and Fieldhouse Farm. John was of the fourth generation to farm locally, and was one of a large family which included four brothers who, at one time, formed the backbone of Romsley Cricket Club. The boys were educated at King Edwards Five Ways School, Birmingham.
D50. Edmund Howard Kempson
Old Cliftonian. Nephew of Romsley's first Rector, the Rev. Howard Kempson, who lived for many years at "The Laurels", St. Kenelm's Road, the village's first parsonage. Member of Birmingham family well known for having produced musicians and medallists, and worked in the family's non-ferrous metal business in Birmingham. Founder of Romsley Cricket Club, with a local reputation as a marathon runner. Said to be Francis Brett Young's inspiration for Mr. Dakers in "My Brother Jonathan". (See also "Romsley's Roll of Fame".) Henrietta Kempson, Edmund's wife, ran from home a small private school for girls.
D51. Francis Edward Grainger
Member of Hales Owen family who farmed Back Lane Farm, Romsley. For some years Captain of Romsley Cricket Club. Allowed one of his fields opposite Romsley Rectory to be used as the club's playing field.
D52. The Moore Family
Harry Moore was said to be a stone-mason who produced this stone for his daughter's grave. She died in 1937. Eventually, in 1970, his wife was buried here, to be followed by the stone's creator himself in 1974.
D53. The Marsh Family
Richard John Marsh was a popular Hales Owen Butcher who catered for the poorer people of the town. Of him Lena Schwartz wrote in "The Hales Owen Story" (pub. 1955):
"The poor used to shop in Peckingham Street, the well-to-do patronised the tradesmen in High Street. There is still an R.J. Marsh at the bottom of Peckingham Street, conspicuous now for having one of the most up-to-date fronts in the town. Because Dick Marsh wished to cater for the poorest people, he specialised in Canterbury Lamb and chilled beef. His advertisements in sports programmes seem rather mysterious. "Lamb in the Parlour! You know the address! Still at the front as regards quality and price!" Pharaoh Adams had set up a butcher's shop where Dancers now have their men's department, premises which adjoin Marsh's, but Pharaoh could not compete for long with Dick's high pressure salesmanship. Years ago, Saturday night, often until midnight, was Hales Owen's busiest shopping time. Between nine and ten o'clock Dick worked himself into a fervour, expansively belligerent towards the crowd which gathered in front of his shop. An eight pound leg of mutton cost only a shilling, but as it grew late it grew even cheaper. Holding a clean towel to wrap their joint in, people stood ready to catch it as he hurled it through the air to the lucky bidder, if Dick felt like it, and business was slow."
D54. The Wagstaff Family
William Wagstaff for some years ran the village coal merchant's business from premises now demolished, almost opposite Romsley School. The business was continued by his son, Leonard. On a piece of common land outside his house was one of several village wells which provided water for villagers prior to the coming of a piped supply, circa 1911. William also owned a small dairy farm on Romsley Hill, the barns of which, following his death, were slowly vandalised, and have now vanished. Ostensibly never a Churchman, nevertheless, at his death, he left a sizable legacy to St. Kenelm's, the interest of which was to be used for the upkeep of the Churchyard.
D55 & D56. The Smith Family
Not apparently connected with the Smiths of Chapel Farm (see D155 and D156). A family which seems to have set great store by learning. Harold Smith matriculated in 1902 and became a student at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, on October 21st of that year. He read Mathematics and in June 1905 obtained a degree in that subject (hence "3rd Wrangler 1905", "Wranglers" being the term for Mathematicians). He went on to read Part I Mechanical Sciences for one year and obtained a Second Class result. A B.A. Honours degree was awarded to him in June 1905, and an M.A. degree on November 18th 1918. The respective dates would indicate that Harold and Arthur Eric were brothers, but research has failed to discover where the latter obtained his degree in Science. Widespread enquiries have failed to discover the subsequent careers of this scholarly pair.
D61. The Collins Family
Isiah Collins was one of several Black Country Master Bakers who came, between the wars, to live at Romsley. Others included the Birches, the Bradleys and the Plimmers. Collins first had a weekend temporary home at the foot of Walton Hill, but later moved to the Tiled House, Bromsgrove Road, Romsley. Like the Birches he later sold his business to one of the national multiple bakery firms, so that the Collins name has now disappeared from the trade. Collins was a local benefactor and an enthusiastic film maker. If his films of local events have survived, they could form an important part of the village archives.
D63. Kate Emmie Hadley
Born Kate Woodall, she lived with her brother George at the Edwardian House opposite Romsley School. The Woodalls had a metal smallwares manufacturing business in Hales Owen. George lost his arm in an accident in his factory during World War I. He is possibly buried in the same grave as his sister, certainly at St. Kenelm's, but is remembered in the Church by the door leading to the vestry and gallery stairs which is inscribed in his memory. Members of a previous generation of the Woodalls were village innkeepers.
D66. Moore
Another memorial to a First World War soldier. L/Corporal Leslie Moore. No details of his service career are presently available. It is unlikely he is buried here, but that on the death of his parents, the earlier death of the son was recorded.
D67. Robert E. Newbury
Infant son of George Newbury who founded Newbury Motors which once flourished in Manor Way on a site now occupied by Benz Motors. The family lived in the large house adjacent to and just behind the garage.
D70. The Farmer Family
Grandparents of the present owner of Holt Farm where three generations of the family have lived. A wall cabinet in Romsley Church Hall, presented by her daughter Phyllis, commemorates Selina Farmer. The family were related to the Gill family which once farmed The Hayes Farm in Farley Lane, Romsley.
D72. Newton
Thought to be the father of the much-loved local doctor, Dr. Terence Newton. (See also D104.)
D79. Harry Martin
Carpenter to Romsley Sanatorium and later village Carpenter. Member of old Belbroughton family. Built own house alongside Romsley Hill Common. Son John trained in Hales Owen law office, worked latterly with Collins Bakeries, became Gloucester Diocesan Registrar, and was for some years Secretary of Romsley St. Kenelm's Parochial Council.
D84. The Reece Family
Farmers of Pen Orchard, the land of which adjoins St. Kenelm's Church. Flora Reece was a member of the centuries old local family – the Deeleys. The farm has on it interesting remains, possibly remnants of the now vanished village of Kenelmstowe, but erroneously supposed to be ruins of the local Hunting Lodge of the Mercian Kings.
D88. Mackenzie
Grave of locally famous artist, Clarence Valentine Mackenzie, who was born in 1889 and hailed from Brighton, where he received his early training at the local school of art. During the First World War he served in the Artists Rifles; though not as an official war artist, but a number of his war paintings survive. He came to Dudley Grammar School to teach Art circa 1920; his first teaching post after war service.
Ill health caused his retirement from teaching in 1946, but he had been honorary curator at Dudley Art Gallery since 1933, a post he then occupied full time for the last two years of his life. A disciple of Frank Brangwyn, he exhibited his work at the Royal Academy, the Royal Scottish Academy, the Royal Society of British Artists, and the Royal Institute of Water Colour Painters. A founder member of the Hales Owen Art Society and its first Chairman, he was also associated in the sphere of scenery painting with the Old Halesonians Amateur Dramatic Association (OHADA).
The Mackenzies lived for many years in a house called "Ovingdean" near Waterfields Garage at Hayley Green, Hales Owen, and were familiar figures as they travelled with all their painting gear by means of a motorcycle with a huge sidecar, recording all the local beauty spots. St. Kenelm's Church and its environs was a favourite subject, and a number of pictures of it can be seen in various collections.
Mackenzie died at the comparatively early age of fifty-nine and it was fitting that his funeral service and the burial place of himself and his wife should be at St. Kenelm's. Mrs. Mackenzie was also a competent artist, specialising in still life subjects. She taught at Dudley Teachers Training College.
D92. The Witcombe Family
"Charley" Witcombe (1884–1952) was Station Master at Hunnington Station from 1908 to 1944, and so was in charge when it was used for both passenger and goods traffic. He was succeeded in 1944 by H.W. Evans and in 1949 by Gordon Limb. A popular figure in the twin villages of Romsley and Hunnington, Charley was an enthusiastic follower of the Albrighton Woodland Hunt. His only son is commemorated by stone D105.
D94. Louisa Clulee
Wife of William Clulee who, one suspects, is also buried here. The Clulees were an old Romsley family, with many entries in the Census returns, where they appear as Woodcutters and Innkeepers. Several generations of the family lived in a pair of cottages, now demolished, on Romsley Hill, on an island of land between the main Bromsgrove road and the Pleck. Modern houses now occupy the site. William Clulee, a Church-goer when young, is recorded as organ-blower there. Latterly he worked as coachman and then gardener for T.L.L. Bradley, Architect, of Winwood Heath, and was Treasurer of the local branch of the Loyal and Ancient Order of Foresters. He was an enthusiastic gardener and apiarist.
D100. Price
Charlotte Price (nee Harrison) was one of five daughters of Albert Harrison of Red Hill House, Hunnington. He was one of several Black Country manufacturers who acquired large country houses after the 1914–18 war. The whole family were adherents of Methodism and brought their support of that cause from Reddall Hill Methodist Church at Old Hill to that at Romsley. Two daughters, Charlotte and Fanny, each married a Methodist Minister.
D104. Newton
George Terence Newton was one of the best loved General Practitioners of his time in the Hales Owen and Romsley area. A graduate of the Birmingham University School of Medicine, his practice was housed in Great Cornbow, Hales Owen. He lived at Kenelmstowe, the house at the top of the hill on the road from St. Kenelm's to Romsley. A progressively crippling disease brought his early demise at the age of forty-four, but he fought his disability with great courage, continuing to practise from a wheelchair until shortly before his death. Newton's widow, recently deceased (1992) now lies with her husband.
D105. Edwin John Witcombe
Son of former Hunnington Stationmaster (see D92).
D107. Fritz
Who was Fritz? His dates (1926–1964) suggest he may have been a German ex-soldier. A prisoner-of-war perhaps, who chose not to return to his native country? The inscriptions indicate he had engendered a great deal of affection from his English friends.
D116. Sidaway
The Sidaways came from the Old Hill area in 1906 to take up farming at Horsepool Farm, Hunnington, in what was then the village's oldest and architecturally the most important house. Erected in 1763 and mentioned in Pevsner's "Worcestershire", it was demolished in 1959, a fate which would have saddened Simeon and Elizabeth Sidaway. Simeon was a familiar and friendly figure on Romsley roads, where with his horse and cart, he was under contract to the local Authority for road work, haulage, snow clearance and the like. Evenings would find him in the bar parlour of the Sun Inn, the cheery centre of a group of elderly villagers discussing local gossip over a friendly pint of "mild". Descendants of a large family still live locally, and one son emigrated to farm successfully in New Zealand.
D117. Joseph and Eliza Parkes
The Parkeses lived at the bottom of Red Hill, Hunnington, in a steeply roofed bungalow of part sandstone construction which Joseph built single-handedly. Buying the plot between the main road and the Breach bridleway, he excavated much of the stone for his house from his own land. It was said that during its building he walked daily from his Black Country home and either dug from the soil or cast from concrete at least one of the huge blocks from which his walls were constructed. A doughty man was this, of whom Francis Siddall writes in her 1946 sketch of Hunnington: "Joseph Parkes fought the miners' cause in personal interviews with Gladstone, Joseph Chamberlain and other contemporary statesmen."
Appeals in local newspapers and magazines for more information about Parkes's political activities have so far produced nothing, but the writer remembers that he wrote vernacular poetry, which his wife, a tall gaunt figure, was always pleased to recite in an appropriate Black Country accent, at W.I. and similar meetings. One correspondent, who revealed that the Parkes's bungalow had been built largely from sandstone, dug up on the spot, and also told of Mr. Parkes's excavations having brought up some gold coins which he had sent to the British Museum. Room for more research here!
D124. Flt. Sgt. J.W. Boilstone
One of five airmen's graves in St. Kenelm's Churchyard. John William Boilstone, son of Joseph Pearson and Dorothy Boilstone, was born in Blackheath in 1915 and attended Orchard House and Wrights Lane School. Always interested in things mechanical, he served an apprenticeship at Austin Motors, Longbridge. With the advent of war in 1939 he joined the R.A.F. Volunteer Reserve with the avowed ambition to become a pilot.
Training took place in Canada and Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A., where he learned to fly many types of aircraft. Back in England he was posted to the Air Transport Auxiliary as a Ferry Pilot (Service No. 1245319), engaged in ferrying new aeroplanes.
He met his future wife, Dorothy Margaret Ashmore, when she was only fourteen and he seventeen, and the area round St. Kenelm's was favourite courting country for the couple. Because of their love for St. Kenelm's, they decided to marry there. The ceremony took place on August 26th 1942 while Boilstone was on two days' leave. The marriage was to be a short one, and because of defence regulations the new Mrs. Boilstone had no idea at any time where her husband might be flying.
On December 9th 1943, while serving with No. 12 Maintenance Unit, he was piloting a Beaufort LZ16 of No. 16 Ferry Port to a Scottish airfield when, with poor visibility, it crashed one hundred yards West of Kirkbridge Airfield and he was killed instantly. Because of the secrecy surrounding plane movements, the widow had difficulty in finding the whereabouts of the crash, and even greater difficulty in getting her husband's body back to St. Kenelm's for burial. Only an R.A.F. Burial party was present at the funeral conducted by Rev. E.J. Owen, then Rector of Romsley.
From 1943 to 1987 Sgt. Boilstone's widow attended the grave assiduously, and only age and failing health caused her to give up. She eventually remarried, and now lives at Cradley Heath, and thanks to the present investigation, has arranged for the grave to receive attention, and she is to resume the provision of altar flowers for the Church on the Sunday nearest to the anniversary of his death.
D126. The Lowe Family
This grave is of members of yet another Black Country business whose principals sought a country residence after the First World War. Lowe Bros. Ltd., Timber Merchants of Old Hill, is still in business. Albert Charles Lowe bought a piece of land near to the Romsley Hill end of Dark Lane and built on it a wooden weekend bungalow which, much altered, still exists. He was a Methodist Local Preacher. Charles Leonard Lowe, who is also commemorated and buried here, was the son of Albert Charles and combined business with Methodism and lay preaching.
D131. Frederick Perry Simnet
A schoolmaster who on retirement came to live at Hunnington, and was for a time Clerk to the Hunnington Parish Council.
D134 & D135. Fielding
Although D134 carries only a person's Christian name, it is undoubtedly a memorial to Ernest Arthur Fielding, son of Walter J. and Mary Ann Fielding who lie in Grave D135. Walter Fielding in his retirement was largely responsible for reviving the Methodist cause at Dayhouse Bank. He lived in a semi-detached house in Bromsgrove Road, Romsley, which for many years after his death was occupied by a bachelor mentally sub-normal son. Walter had several unmarried sisters who lived in a now demolished wooden bungalow in St. Kenelm's Road, between the Rectory and the Church.
D143. The Attwood Family
The headstone and plinth record the death of Joseph Attwood and his wife Florence Lizzie who are buried there, but also recorded is the death on active service in World War I of their son, 2nd Lieutenant Joseph T. Leslie Attwood. On 25th September 1918 he was flying a DH4 Aircraft Serial No. A2159, carrying out a strategic bombing raid on German targets, when he was shot down and killed.
Commonweath War Graves Commission Record Book Vol. 30 contains the following additional information:
Charmes Military Cemetery Essegney France
Attwood 2nd Lt J.T.Leslie, 55 Sqd R.A.F.
25th Sep 1918 Age 22 yrs.
Only Son of Joseph & Florence Lizzie Attwood.
126, High Street, Old Hill. Staffs. Grave I.C.5.
Squadron 55 (Motto: Nil nos tremefacit. "Nothing shakes us") was formed at Castle Bromwich 1916, April 27th, as a training unit. It was the first squadron to be equipped with D.H.4s, that being in Jan 1917. The Squadron went to Lilbourne, France sometime around March. Its role was to carry out bombing, reconnaissance duties, attacking enemy airfields, bases and communications behind the Western Front.
The Independent Force was formed in June 1918, and the squadron was ordered to join No. 41 Wing, to carry out strategic bombing raids on German targets.
D144. The Chatwins
Henry Chatwin was the only one of the Black Country 'incomers' to bring his trade with him. He was a highly skilled chainmaker, and, after having holiday accomodation in Romsley for some years, had a house built for himself on the corner of St. Kenelm's Road and "The Hedgerows". He constructed a chain shop in his garden, and for many years the noise of hammer and anvil could be heard as he turned out large quantities of medium size chains. Some members of a large family of one son and four daughters still live locally. He and his family were stalwarts of the local Methodist Church.
D149 & D150. Ldg. Aircraftman Ling and Sgt. J. F. Harrison
Since both these airmen lie at the foot of standard War Grave Commission Headstones, it is appropriate to combine the two entries. In a letter dated January 13th 1993 the Commonwealth War Grave Commission advised that while it was responsible for maintaining the stones, it did not maintain the actual graves. In view of the poor condition of these, recourse was made to the local Royal Air Force Association, and with gratifying results, for now the graves have been stone covered and free from nature's encroachments. From the R.A.F. Historical Branch and private sources have come the following details of the two airmen's service careers.
Derek John Ling No. 937983
R.A.F. Volunteer Reserve. No 600 Squadron
Killed in Action Dec. 24th 1940 Aged 27
Son of Herbert James and Kathleen Mary Ling of Putney, London.
Jeffrey Frederick Harrison No. 952921
Son of Frederick and Edith Annie Harrison of West Heath, Birmingham. Born 1917. Address in St. Kenelm's Register, 162 Jiggins Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham. Harrison was a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner. On May 21st 1941 Blenheim Aircraft L9388 of 190 Tu, Upwood, was engaged in a cross-country exercise. At approximately 16.30 hours due to bad weather causing low cloud and poor visibility, the aircraft crashed into high ground near Poaka Beck Reservoir, Dalton, Lancs. The crew in addition to Sgt. Harrison were:
928400 Sgt. L. Prior, Pilot
64290 P/O George V. Wilson, Observer
All were killed in the crash.
D151. Flt. Lieut. John Shorthouse
Shorthouse enlisted on Nov 20th 1941 and was discharged to Commission in Oct 1943, having achieved the rank of Leading Aircraftman. He was issued with new Service No. of 157179, and served in the General Duties branch of the Service. He died on September 26th 1949 while engaged on an air exercise involving No. 61 Squadron Lincoln Bombers from Kirkham, Lancs. He was twenty-six years old and his home address is recorded as 8, Edward Road, Warley, Birmingham. The burial service at St. Kenelm's was conducted by the Vicar of his home Church, St. Hilda's, Warley Woods.
D154. The Price Family
The ashes of a great athlete, Jack Price, are buried here. Born in a small Shropshire village in 1884, at the age of seventeen, having heard of the good wages to be earned in the industrial Midlands, he gathered together his few possessions and set off on foot one day in search of employment. That night, tired and hungry, he had reached Hasbury and was given food and a night's lodging at the home of a local Salvationist. (He was to be associated with the Salvation Army for the rest of his long life). His first work in the area was on the Elan Valley to Birmingham water pipe line (an undertaking to be used by Brett Young in many of his novels) but latterly found permanent employment at the vast Stewarts and Lloyds tube works at Coombs Wood, Hales Owen.
Working alongside Jack was a Malcolm Glaze who, in 1904, persuaded him to take part in a walking race from Hales Owen to Kidderminster. He won the race (the 1st prize was a 50/- suit) which proved to be the turning point in his career. Henceforth athletics in general, and long distance running in particular, were his primary interest. For two years he ran as an individual, achieving only moderate success, but on joining Small Heath Harriers in 1906, he soon shot to the top as a cross country runner.
Achieving success in the National Cross Country Championships of that year, he was chosen to represent England at the Newport International Event. Selected for the 1908 Olympic Marathon race, he was unsuccessful, although he had previously beaten the winner's (the American Indian Longbend) time. This frustration spurred him on to greater effort, and he turned professional.
Then victory followed victory. Chief among them being his winning the great Penderhall Marathon at Edinburgh. Cups, trophies, medals and other prizes accumulated, and when a bedroom suite he had won was delivered to his modest terraced home in Mount Street, Hales Owen, another record was added to his name, for no other house in the street had one! The list of his racing successes was formidable, and would have been much greater but for the advent of World War I which Jack spent in the trenches of Belgium and France.
Surviving unscathed he returned to Hales Owen determined to found an athletic club for working class sportsmen. So, in 1922, the Hales Owen Athletic and Sporting Club was formed, which now has its own track and club premises on what was once part of the land of the town's Premonstratensian Abbey. These eleven acres of drained marshland now provide facilities for cycling, running, cricket and tennis. That, rather than the St. Kenelm's tombstone, is Jack Price's true memorial.
He marked his fiftieth birthday by running twenty miles in two hours, and virtually right up to his death at the age of eighty-one he was a familiar and much loved figure as he strode over the Clent Hills. On the occasion of the burial of his cremated remains at St. Kenelm's in Dec 1965, the cortege started from the Manor Abbey ground and, after the committal, a group of club members returned there and completed a memorial run to Clent and back, using the route that their old mentor had used for so many years for his training.
D155 & D156. The Smith Family
An unusual group of graves, the inscriptions recalling a unique farming family which for generations farmed land around St. Kenelm's Church, eventually becoming tenants of the adjoining Chapel Farm, built in 1887, then part of the widespread estate of the Hagley Lytteltons. The farm and outbuildings, now converted into three dwellings, replaced earlier farm houses on the site, possibly dating back to Norman times when the original Church could have been that of the Lord of the Manor whose Hall would adjoin it.
The Smiths lived an isolated life, resisting all modern comforts until the last members of the family to live there, succumbing to the frailties of old age, reluctantly had electricity and the telephone installed. To the end they had no mains water supply.
Two generations of Smiths lie here, parents, and nine children. Of this large family, only one child, a daughter, married. For the rest none, for the whole of their lives, had travelled more than a few miles from their home, and the interior of the house was a time capsule of Victoriana.
The Churchyard was, of course, carved out of the original farmland, and in 1919 when the Lychgate was built and an iron fence was built to divide the graveyard from the farm, a bitter boundary dispute ensued which erupted into near violence between male members of the Smith family and the then Incumbent.
The Smith sisters catered for visitors to the Church, and the neighbouring hills, and achieved local fame for the cheapness and wholesomeness of the home produced fare they offered. They were well known, too, for the large cakes, models of the Church, which they made for important festivals.
D157. Horton
John Horton was a Birmingham manufacturer of metal pressings, chiefly for the automobile trade, who built up a successful business under the name of L. Shelley Ltd. in the City before transferring it to a purpose-built factory in Manor Way, Hales Owen, now an annexe of the large Sandvik factory. He and his wife came to live in Hunnington in one of the houses opposite Dove House Fields Farm.
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