Listed Building: WM THACKERAY CENOTAPH AND THACKERAY AND JONES TOMBS IN NORTH PART OF OVERLEIGH CEMETERY (1375894)

CHESTER CITY (EM) SJ4065 OVERLEIGH ROAD 1932-1/8/212 (North side) WM Thackeray cenotaph & Thackeray & Jones Tombs in N part of Overleigh Cemetery GV II Cenotaph and 2 tombs adjoining. Cenotaph of William Makepeace Thackeray. 1852. Yellow sandstone, in manner of an Eleanor Cross. 3 square steps; plinth with cusped arch to panel on each side; tier of blank niches; crocketed spire. The plinth is inscribed "TO THE MEMORY OF WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY M.D. CANTAB. BORN AT CAMBRIDGE APRIL 15TH 1769, DECEASED AT CHESTER JULY 29TH 1849 AND BURIED IN THE CATHEDRAL. THIS MONUMENT IS ERECTED BY HIS FELLOW CITIZENS IN WHOSE HEARTS ARE MORE VIVIDLY RECORDED HIS ATTENTION TO THEIR CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS, HIS CONSIDERATION FOR THE SICK AND NEEDY, HIS KINDNESS TO THE SCHOOLBOY AND THE ORPHAN AND HIS UNIFORM READINESS TO REJOICE WITH THEM THAT DID REJOICE AND WEEP WITH THEM THAT WEPT". On the base of the plinth "RESTORED IN 1905 BY HIS GRANDDAUGHTER EMMA LOWE : HASWELL, MASON". On the right side is inscribed "THE CHESTER GENERAL INFIRMARY"; and on the left side "THE CHESTER BLUECOAT HOSPITAL"; on the rear "ERECTED IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1852". Adjoining the monument 2 tombs, weathered slabs with raised crosses, to Sarah Jane Thackeray, d.1872 and Johanna Jones, d.1884. Inscribed: "SARAH JANE THACKERAY, DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE, DIED DECEMBER 21ST 1872 and JOHANNA DAUGHTER OF WILSON JONES OF HARTSHEATH : DIED MARCH 19TH 1884 AGED 49". The Thackeray here commemorated was paternal uncle of the eponymous novelist; the qualities of the uncle no doubt influenced the choice of forenames for the nephew. Listing NGR: SJ4030865346