War Memorial - Leeds Hyde Park St Wesleyan

[annied]

Can anyone tell me if this memorial has survived in whole or in part and whether it was moved elsewhere after the church was deconsecrated? We have asked all the usual sources eg Wesleyan church archives, War Memorials Trust etc. I have a theory it might have been moved to Woodhouse Cemetery as some of my rellies rested there, which I guess would mean it did not survive? As luck would have it my cousin has a very old photo of the memorial and dedication stone which related to the Indian Mutiny (Alfred Laverack - evangelist of Leeds) and the Crimean War.
Regards, Ann

[Roger Thompson]

Hi there Ann,

Whilst not being able to answer your query, I just wanted to know if you call Woodhouse Cemetery the one that was in the University grounds and now called St Georges field.

If so you need to speak to the Estates Office on the main University number, there is a gentleman there who knows all about that site.

I hope this is of some help to you.

Cheers Roger.

[Mike Hansell]

Hi Ann,
If you would like to send me a copy of the photograph I can publish it on this website. I have recently photographed all of the Graves in St Georges Field. I will have a look and see if the memorial still exists.

Mike.

[annied]

Thanks Roger. I recall reading that Woodhouse Cemetery was the cemetery which was taken over by the University and that the MIs were recorded and listed before they were physically taken away and then that list was lost. Have I remembered incorrectly? I also recall somewhere it is mentioned that many Wesleyans chose to be buried at Woodhouse. Unfortunately I live many thousands of miles from Leeds but perhaps one of my English "cousins" will be able to phone the Estates Office.
Regards Ann

[annied]

Thanks for your interest Mike. Unfortunately I am not able to provide you with a scan of the photograph, as the original is not mine to put into the public arena. I shall ask for a transcript of the words (again), as I have of course misplaced them. I do know that Alfred Laverack died in 1899 and the "Leeds Mercury" reported his funeral and recorded that Veterans of the Indian Mutiny marched ahead of the coffin to Woodhouse Cemetery - so that is how I know where he was buried. The war memorial was erected after his death. Alfred had been a QMS in the 98th Regiment of Foot and served his full time. After he left the army, he wrote several books, one called "A Methodist Soldier in the Indian Army", I understand he founded the original Hyde Park St Wesleyan Church, he was an evangelist and had a travelling diaroma. A most unusual man. Because the Leeds Mercury reported at the time he was buried at Woodhouse Cemetery, I had a faint hope that the war memorial might have also been moved there. Are you and Roger tell me that some MIs of Woodhouse Cemetery survive in St George's Field? I live in Oz so sometimes I do not understand the geography.
Kind Regards, Ann

[Mike Hansell]

I have searched the Yorkshire Weekly Post for 1915 to see if I could find anything about the dedication ceremony, with a negative result, however Alan Longbottom searched the 1899 YWP and found reference to the funeral which I have attached below.

[annied]

Thanks Mike and Alan for taking the time to search the Leeds newspaper databases. The obit was same as that reported in the Leeds Mercury. My grandfather GWT Laverack is listed as one of the mourners - he was another Wesleyan Minister and he travelled the world, but when he came to Australia he switched to become an Anglican Minister. I have lots more questions on other Yorkshire questions in relation to all the Ridings, so from time to time will continue seeking the forum members' advice. Regards, Ann