This is another one of the interesting gravestones which we have found in the Prescot St Mary’s Churchyard.

The subject of this third gravestone in the series is that of William and Margaret Holme which is located in Section 3 of the lower Churchyard and we have identified it as 3-K68, that is Section 3, vertical row K, horizontal line 68.

There is also an image and information saved on the find-a-grave website where other family members can be viewed.

This stone, as stated in the inscription at the top, marks the grave of William Holme and Margaret (nee Welsby). William was born in 1814, the son of Richard Holme and Margaret (nee Beesley), and was a Master Stonemason and Builder. In 1841 they lived in Eccleston Street and in 1851 onwards, St Helens Road.

Margaret Welsby was born in 1811, the daughter of William Welsby and Catherine (nee Beesley).

Margaret Beesley was born in 1775, the daughter of William Beesley and Elizabeth (nee Copple)

What makes this gravestone particularly interesting is the inscription at the bottom. It is a tribute to William and his father, Richard, who…..

REBUILT THE STEEPLE OF THIS CHURCH IN 1796

THE FORMER ONE HAVING BEEN STRUCK BY LIGHTNING

AND DESTROYED. HE ALSO REBUILT THE NORTH AND SOUTH

GALLERIES OF THE CHURCH IN 1818 AND 1819

BUT WHICH HAVE SINCE BEEN TAKEN DOWN.

HE WAS INTERRED NEAR THE S. E. CHANCEL IN 1843.

AFTER THE STEEPLE WAS REBUILT IT WAS AGAIN STRUCK

AND PART OF IT TO THE EXTENT OF 5 YARDS WAS TAKEN DOWN

AND REBUILT BY THE SAID WILLIAM HOLME. WHO WAS

FOR 3 YEARS CHURCHWARDEN IN 1858, 1859 AND 1860.

THE ABOVE RICHARD HOLME WAS A FREEMASON,

AND WILLIAM HIS SON WAS A ROYAL ARCHMASON, OF

LODGE No 86, PRESCOT

AND FOR 30 YEARS A CONTRACTOR IN THE BUILDING

DEPARTMENT OF THE EARLS OF DERBY, KNOWSLEY.

This is a wonderful example of how historical events can be discovered by studying gravestones.