Interesting Gravestones in the Churchyard #2 – TYRER
This is another one of the interesting gravestones which we have found in the Prescot St Mary’s Churchyard.
The subject of this second gravestone in the series is that of Elizabeth Tyrer who died on the 3rd of October 1757.
This stone is one of the clearest. The inscription can be easily read and, as you progress, very mixed emotions are revealed.
Unlike the majority of gravestones which refer to the subject as having, for example, “Died” or “Departed this life”, in this case Elizabeth’s husband, John Tyrer, had clearly given the inscription some thought. He chose a more dramatic and heartfelt Statement:-
Beneath me lies the
Ever dear Remains of
Elizth Tyrer who Closed
The Scene of this Life
Then, after her date of death, the final statement, expressing the immense sadness that the parents must have endured, is declared:-
With 4 of her Sons.
She was, therefore, interred with them, having pre-deceased her. They were John, aged 17 months, another John aged 8 years, William aged 1 year and another William aged 1 month. There are records of 4 more of their children who survived – Elizabeth, James, Mary and Thomas.
Both Elizabeth and John were from the St Helens area originally but at some point, possibly after their marriage, they lived in Prescot where John’s occupation was a Tallow Chendler.
John died in 1771 and, although not added to the inscription on the gravestone, must surely be buried in the family grave with his wife and sons.