20. QUEENS ROAD CEMETERY
The Old Chapel, a former Mortuary Chapel, with its knapped flint, is an architectural gem designed by the renowned Victorian architect Thomas Jeckyll. Sadly, it is now used as a store but the Town Council would like to redevelop it as a community asset. If this is done it is essential that any additions to the building complement and enhance the appearance of the chapel.
In the cemetery are the graves of Sir George Edwards MP (1850-1933) and of John Cousins Garrood (1851-1936), bicycle designer and engineer, both of whose lives are depicted on the Town Sign. Grave of Sir George Edwards OBE His rise from being an illiterate labourer to being an MP and Knight of the Realm have been described earlier at the Town Sign. His importance is acknowledged by the presence of his Party Leader Clement Attlee at a memorial service in 1950 some 17 years after his death. Attlee became Prime Minister after the Second World War and his government started the National Health Service. George describes his life in his book ‘From Crow-Scaring to Westminster’. 
Sir George Edwards OBE.
This memorial service was 21 years after his death. Click on image to enlarge.
George’s motto, displayed on the banner was: AGITATE! EDUCATE!! ORGANISE!!! Click on image to enlarge.
The final resting place of John Garrood. Behind it is the grave of William Orris Ebbage Utting.
Grave of
William Orris Ebbage The grave seen behind John Garrood’s in the photo below is that of William Orris Ebbage Utting 1847 - 1916 a property developer from Walsall in Staffordshire. Until his death, William Utting lived in Victora House in Lichfield Street and was responsible for much of the terraced housing which was built in the area north of the cemetery; many names are linked with the West Midlands such as Walsall Terrace, Lichfield Terrace and others. AUDIO - Click to Play
VIDEO - Coming Soon!
You should now walk to Church Lanes and after a few yards turn right down the steep Constitution Hill. At the top the house on your right was the old National School for Boys. The National School for girls was at the bottom. Turn left in Oak Street and the next plaque is on your left on the wall beneath the railings. |
The Old Chapel, a former Mortuary Chapel. A fine example of flint knapping.
Grave markings of Sir George Edwards MP and John Cousins Garrood.
An advertisement for the business of John Garrood Senior.
John Cousins Garrood on The Garrood Ordinary "Special Lancaster" equipped with tubular forks.
He achieved great success as a racing cyclist and won 25 prizes in 37 races.
John Cousins Garrood in front of his cycle repair shop in Boston, Massachusetts.
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