WESTBURY Leos have now completed their project to restore the Quakers’ graveyard, and thank all who were involved for their support.
Westbury Leos started the clear-up of the 300-year-old Quaker graveyard, behind Pinniger Finch & Co in the town centre, last year.
During the works, which was overseen by archaeologist Julian Richards, discovery was made of 14 graves, together with two top sited gravestones, one of which denoted the grave of William Matravers, who on his death in 1804, bequeathed £1,000 to fund a school for the children of Westbury, still known today as Matravers School.
The area, that had been left to ruin, has now been transformed to once again be recognised as a Quakers’ graveyard.
Lion, Michelle Tallentire-Strout said,“It has been fantastic and a real honour to be a part of this project. The Leos have felt honoured to have been given this opportunity. They have shown dedication and hard work getting it to a point where they can hand it back to the town as a space that people can come and visit. Please do come along and enjoy it.”
Leos’ president, Phoebe Strout, said, “It has been a pleasure to work with different people and groups in the community. It has brought all ages together, with members from Westbury Shed, Lions and Leos as well as local historians and representatives from the local Quakers group. A huge thank you to all who supported us, especially Julian Richards.
“It has really brought to life this area and it’s great knowing that in the future I can bring my children here and be able to say that I helped with this project.”
Lion Mike Pearce said, “Dr Riding, headteacher at Matravers, should be immensely proud of his students working together and completing the graveyard. They have done a marvellous job at preserving it for the future.
“A big thank you must go to John Fryer. He built the walls, dug the footing, created a planter at one end and really started the whole project.
“There are talks about hopefully getting the graveyard on the town’s blue plaque trail, which would be great to get people to come along and take a look.”
Janet Stugeon, a representative from Trowbridge and Devizes Quakers said, “A big thank you to all who have helped bring this graveyard back to life. It has been a pleasure being a part of the journey.”
Above: Leos with Lions, volunteers and visitors on the final day of the project.
Left: Phoebe Strout Leos President with archaeologist Julian Richards.
