Queen's Diamond Jubilee 4-the cemetery lychgate

Post date: Feb 01, 2012 3:51:7 PM

This article is contributed by Ted Bates of Wateringbury Local History Society. It was previously published in the Society's publication 'Wateringbury People and Places' Volume Two.

In 1897, Britain had every reason to celebrate the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria's reign. The previous 25 years were on the whole years of great prosperity and increasing wealth in which most sections of the community shared. All classes were therefore able to join in the celebrations with real pride and thankfulness throughout the Kingdom.

Here in Wateringbury a public meeting was held to consider what form a permanent memorial to the Queen's long and prosperous reign should take. From the very first, people seemed to have been almost unanimous that something of a permanent nature should be undertaken to mark the jubilee for generations to come. Many suggestions were made; a chapel for the cemetery, but a chapel however desirable, would cost a great deal of money; someone suggested a clock for the church tower, but it was thought that one good clock in the village was enough.Then a fountain was thought of, but second thoughts brought 'hoppers' to mind and the idea was quashed. At last someone mentioned a lychgate, and the idea caught on. It was also suggested that should any funds remain, a life-saving apparatus should be purchased and placed near Bow Bridge. This met with general consent. The following 7 gentlemen were elected by ballot to form an executive committee with power to invite and collect subscriptions, and to carry out the scheme; the vicar (Rev. G.M.Livett BA), Lt. Gen. Dawson Scott RE, Mr.W.M.Jude, Mr. W.W.Blest, Dr. Walker Fry, Mr. Amos Baker and Mr. Edward Goodwin (Hon.Sec).

At a subsequent meeting of the executive committee it was said that a satisfactory lychgate would cost nearly £70, if not more. However 2 members were appointed a sub-committee to invite plans from architects, and it was decided to issue an appeal for subscriptions. A hope was expressed that everyone in the parish, even the poorest, would give something, however small, in order that the memorial may represent the patriotic sentiments of a united parish, and that the names and amounts subscribed be printed in the parish magazine.

A design for the gate prepared by Mr. W. Goodwin was approved by the committee and tenders for its erection called for. Sanction was obtained from the County Council and the Burial Board. At a meeting of the committee on 2 September 1897 held at The Red House, the tender of Mr. Wm. Wells, Jnr. of £120 was accepted. District Visitors reported that a substantial sum had been received or promised towards the cost. A list of donors appeared as an appendix to the October edition of the Parish Magazine showing that £100.18s.1d had been promised or paid by 67 people (counting as a single donation one from Miss Field on behalf of the girls of the school). At a meeting of the committee in December 1897 a letter was received from Mr. Walter Goodwin the honorary architect, who wrote 'I have inspected the timber to be used in the framing of this structure, and am of the opinion that it is of excellent quality. I am also able to report satisfactory progress in the work on same. I deem it of great importance that the work should not be hurried, and I would suggest that it would be advisable not to erect the structure at the cemetery until the early spring. This would give time for the oak to set, and would help to prevent the development of cracks, etc. The whole will be pinned up in the builder's yard as soon as worked, but not finally pinned together, so that it may be taken to pieces for removal.'

The report continued: the stonework at the Cemetery has already commenced, and will be completed forthwith, but in view of the above letter the committee have decided that the woodwork, which is now being framed up at the builder's yard, shall not be finally removed and erected with inadvisable haste. The same edition of the Magazine gave details of help given by residents of the village during the Maidstone Epidemic. The names of 127 ladies and of 4 gentlemen (including the vicar) are listed as having sent parcels of bedding and clothing to the Central Relief Committee in Maidstone for those affected. Although the Parish Magazine carried no further report on the collection of the balance of the funds required or of the completion of the work, the sound condition of the lychgate today and of its shingle roof more than 100 years after its construction, with only minor repairs a few years ago, is evidence enough that it was well and truly built at the time. A constant reminder of Queen Victoria's glorious reign is the inscription on the lintel as you enter the cemetery which reads:

VICTORIA REGINA SEXAGINTA REXIT ANNOS.

E.F. BATES

For more about need for life -saving apparatus at Bow Bridge see Wateringbury hero.

Photo: T.A. Bird