Tuesday, 15 October 2024

Memorial to Bridget Thomas, Crewkerne

On the wall of St Bartholomew's Church in Crewkerne there is a brass memorial.  It says on it:

"To the memory of Bridget, the daughter of John and Bridget Thomas who was buried near this place Aug 1723 in the 4th year of her age."  

At the top of the brass there is a clock face showing the time of nine minutes to seven.  This is believed to be the time at which little Bridget died.  A skeleton holding an hourglass in his right hand and a scythe in his left, is engraved to the left of the clock.

The brass also commemorates "Biddy Thomas, who died the 20th December 1741 aged 14 years."

Memorial brass

Tuesday, 1 October 2024

Coronation Commemorations

Many Somerset communities have celebrated coronations with one-off events, such as street parties and bonfires.  Some have chosen to commemorate the occasions with more permanent features, for example community halls, seats, fountains, promenades, stones, gardens and public parks.  There are also many roads named after various coronations.

Coronation Hall, Bleadon
Note the crowns on the flower barrels

Coronation Road, Worle

Coronation Close, Ruishton
Judging by the age of the houses in this road, I think this road must have been named to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

Coronation seat, Holford Bowling Green

Fountain in Westcombe to commemorate the Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary

Coronation Fountain, Somerton
This was built in 1902 to celebrate King Edward VII's coronation.  It was manufactured in Coalbrookdale for the Somerton ironmonger T.C. Head.  It provided water for people, horses and dogs and also incorporated a lamp.

Coronation Stone at the top of Brent Knoll
Coronation bonfires were held here in 1902 for the Coronations of King Edward VII in 1911, King George V in 1911, King George VI in 1937 and Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.


Jubilee Stone, Backwell
This also commemorates the Coronations of King Edward VII and King George V & Queen Mary

Jubilee Stone, Backwell
This side of it also commemorates the Coronations of King George VI & Queen Elizabeth in 1937 and Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

Coronation Promenade, Knightstone Island, Weston-super-Mare
Plaque commemorating the re-opening of Coronation Promenade by Queen Elizabeth II on 20th July 2007

Wellington Park
Wellington Park was presented to the town by Fox Brothers & Co Ltd at the time of the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902

Wellington Park Plaque