Naturalists & John Slagg

A six legged table tomb, marks the resting place of John Horsefield. He was a hand loom weaver from Whitefield, who as well as being president of the Prestwich Botanical Society, propagated a new variety of daffodil, Narcissus Horsefieldii. Bulbs have been planted around his grave. The poem as epitaph for Horsefield was penned by The Manchester Poet, Charles Swain and resulted in the grave being listed grade two.

Ye who behold God's works in Nature's ways, And find in flowers mute anthems to His praise. Who read the volume of eternal love, In seeds of earth as in the stars above. Here read a name whose fame shall long endure, One of poor birth, but Gifted although poor. God – unlike man – the humblest spirit lifts, Nor asks his wealth before He sends His gifts! Where'er Botanic science could be learn'd, New links disclosed – new species yet discerned. Where'er by wood or lane or heath or hill, God op'ed the book that taught Botanic skill. There HORSEFIELD's foot from dawn to eve was seen, to learn – to teach – to be what he has been. An honour to the soil that gave him birth. Oh, may that spirit for whose loss we grieve, Our God accept – our Saviour Lord receive.

Next to Horsefield lies James Percival, who lived at Hope Square, near where the Friendship Inn now stands. He became president of the Lancashire Botanical Society and his grave is inscribed "He had no favourite flower but loved them all". The grave of Richard Buxton, a third Natualist can be seen in the lower section below the slope.

Head South along the tree line, keeping the slope to your right.

The listed Venetian Gothic Chest Tomb belongs to John Slagg, born in Prestwich 18 08, merchant, justice of the peace, and friend of John Cobden of the Anti-Corn Law League. It was designed by Alfred Waterhouse in 1863. Waterhouse is best known for his design of Manchester Town Hall and the Natural History Museum in London.

Take the path down the slope to your right heading away from the church.