Female Mason & Juliet

Historically, the South side of a church was the area used for community gatherings, fetes, festivals and celebrations. Hopefully you have found it on a sunny day, and can enjoy the area as the locals did all those hundreds of years ago.

The table tomb nearer the railing is in memory of Mary Diggle, and has a relief carving. It is listed grade two, as a rare example from this era of a monument carved by a female stone mason, Sarah Patefield. Inscribed on the tomb is a lovely verse from Mary's husband.

oh cruel Death that would not spare, Nor yet thy Dart remove. Thus to divide a happy Pair, Whose Days were spent in Love.

Pause to examine the carving and find the inscription of the mason's name.

Near to the railing and at the foot of the large tree sadly peppered with scars from Ash Dieback, is the grave of Julia, wife of Charles Mayne Young, a celebrated stand up and actor of his day.

Julia and Charles met playing Romeo and Juliet on stage, and visited Prestwich whilst working at the New Theatre Royal , in Spring Gardens, Manchester. Julia loved the beauty of this part of the churchyard, which then looked out over farmers fields, and requested that she be buried here. She died within the year, shortly after childbirth. The eulogy, written by Mr. Aston, editor of the Manchester Herald, and carved upon her grave stone:

Such is the ease with them, that wish to paint, In honest verse, devoid of flattery’s leaven. Her, who is now - so pure she was - a saint Unchanged an Angel - Julia still in Heaven.

Across the pathway stands a chest tomb with iron plaques on it.

It is barely readable now, but the rust hised the name of Lawrence Fort, business partner of Richard Cob den of the Free Trade and Anti Corn Law League. Lawrence died after being found collapsed at home with cuts to his neck, and was rumoured to haunt the ruins of his home, Sedgeley Hall, which was destroyed in a fire.

Please be careful of the substantial drop at the boundary wall.

With your back to the chest tomb head towards the church.