I often vent on this blog about the state of our historic cemeteries. I sincerely thank all the known and unknown folk who take the time to tend the graves, when and as they are able. Every bit helps.
Eastern Boundary of the Shortland Cemetery ExtensionWhile carrying out a survey of graves in the Shortland Extension (area adjacent to Danby Street), it became clear that things didn't match up with what's on the ground and what is recorded in the council database. Where were certain plots located, let alone were there any headstones. (Area marked in blue below)
The Shortland Extension, at Shortland Cemetery Thames.
Source: TCDC online Database.
Take a look at the photographs below; its difficult to imagine that Thamesites were interred here. You wonder whether the land has subsided? Been damaged by storms? Or are the maps incorrect.
Known burials in the area this block at the eastern boundary are: Alexander LELEAN (Plot 3049), Frederick T MARSON (P 3051), William WISHART (P 3051), George ROBINSON (P 3060), Jack G TETLEY (P 3062), William COLLINS (P 3063), Thomas DOIDGE (P 3066), Christopher LYNDON (P 3067), Richard CRAWFORD (P 3068), Mary MUTTON (P 3072), Mary DAGGAR (P 3073), Kanu HELLSTEN (P 3073), Charles ROSS (P 3077), Richard W POLKINGHORNE (P 3079), John HAWKINS (P 3080), Catherine HAWKINS (P 3081); Alfred, William and James ISAACS.
Nineteen interments (at least), in an overgrown section of the cemetery.
View towards the eastern boundary of the Extension at Shortland Cemetery.
A Second Look at Plots 3049 to 3082
As regulars will know, when help is needed, call 'our' volunteer Graeme - who has the skills to clear, measure plot layout and most importantly find lost graves! Worthy of being an 'honorary cemetery archaeologist'!
Left: View to the eastern boundary of the extension - land now cleared.
Right: Spot Graeme still hard at work at the top of the row.
Below: A quick rest, before clearing the top of the row.
Latest 'Finds' at Shortland Cemetery
The Hawkins and Polkinghorne Plots were cleared at the top (south) end of the row. The biggest reveal came with the location of five year old Jack Granville TETLEY's grave. Part of Jack's headstone was found in the rubble and placed back on the grave.
Jack's grave - (Plot 3062), Shortland Cemetery, Thames.
The view of the plots that were previously covered by scrub and weed.
Following the left blue line at the base is Jack Tetley's grave, and at the top of the 2nd blue line is the Polkinghorne and Hawkins' Plots.
Also uncovered was part of a grave in the adjoining row. Excavation would be necessary to see whether it is an intact structure or rubble from a a broken grave that has become covered with dirt over decades. Just one of the many mysteries and finds in Graeme's exploration and 'work' at Shortland Cemetery.
A section of grave wall and other rock debris found at approximately plot 3096, Shortland Cemetery.
Another big Reveal!
Further north down the hill and further miracles had been performed. You may have seen a previous article on the locating and clearing of John Miln's grave - now the area has been completely cleared (again thanks to Graeme).
Further down the incline is located the grave of Mrs Sarah Glasgow. The photograph below, clearly showing the overgrown and inaccessible land around the plot. There was no way that I could get to it to take a better photograph! There are interments in all but two of the plots surrounding Mrs Glasgow's.
It was pleasing to see that the actual memorial structure is intact.
It was pleasing to see that the actual memorial structure is intact.
BEFORE & AFTER
Above: Plot 4161 Sarah Ruth GLASGOW nee Underwood.
Below: The area surrounding Plot 4161 has now been cleared (by Graeme).
Left: Mrs Glasgow's grave. Right: Northern side of the grave, looking south up the hill.
Thanks to the area being cleared, we are now able to identify the location of the plot for 85 year old Mrs Mary Scown (Plot 4163). In the photograph below, the plot is second from the right end of the row - where the shadow of the tree is on the ground.
Mrs Mary Scown's Plot at Shortland Cemetery.
The Work Never Ends
Sadly the day never comes for complacency, maintaining Shortland and Tararu Cemetery is an ongoing issue. Graeme carries an enormous load and help is always desperately needed (under the co-ordination of TCDC).
In April 1939, a visitor to the town wrote to the paper about the shameful state of the cemetery. The newspaper report stated: It is poor respect to the dead who helped to build up Thames, to neglect their last resting place so dreadfully he urged. “A cemetery should be a garden of sleep and serenity, where relatives can visit in reverence, not a wilderness of overgrown graves and paths which merely advertise a community’s indifference and apathy.”
The Mayor at the time responded, called a working bee and agreed the words were true. The question still alluded him and the town how to maintain Shortland Cemetery.
Thames Star 26 April & 11 May 1939.
If you know the answer to resolving these issues long-term,
please share with our local Thames Ward Councillors!
