Memorial to The Paupers' Graves

As regular readers may recall, I wrote a recent article on the plan by the Burial Committee to mark the passing of many who were buried in the bottom area of the cemetery and were left as unmarked graves – and as such, forgotten. 

I researched the records once I took over the management of the cemetery following the untimely death of my dear wife Joan. 

These unmarked graves hold the remains of some ninety men, women and children and, as I stated before, ranging in age from just 2 hours to 89 years. 

I am pleased to report that at the January quarterly meeting of the Burial Committee, it was agreed that we should proceed with a stone to mark these forgotten persons. 

Accordingly, I commissioned Rogers Masonry of Nantwich to draw up a stone which would contain each and every name. This plan is now in paper form and the scheme it is to have a cube of granite – 24ins by 24ins, standing on a shaped plinth and with a gently sloped top.

On the top would be an inscription explaining just to whom the memorial is dedicated and then on the front and side faces, to detail each man, woman and child – giving the grave number, name, age and date of burial.

We would hope that, once full agreement is reached by members of the committee, we would have this marker in place in June of this year. 

As I move around the village, I have been approached by many with a wish to give towards the costs of such a move and indeed have received a cheque from a resident of Shrewsbury. Further, Sue Walley of Hankelow has stated that she wishes to carry out a sponsored walk in aid of this move.

If any other person feels so inclined, payment could be made to me – Audlem Burial Committee. My contacts are 01270 812125, 07813 820157 andrjw@notrubraw.com" target="_blank">rjw@notrubraw.com

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