Restoration

Restoration or Replacement

Throughout history those engaged in enforcing laws have faced a backlash, since the beginning of modern ‘policing’ those entrusted to uphold the rule of law have, sadly, lost their lives on or in the line of duty.

In the 19th Century the murder of a Police Officer or other high profile loss of life often led to appeals to fund the widow and children, often this money was used to fund the gravestone. However in the case of Police Constable James Gordon there was never a gravestone placed, he lay in an unmarked grave for 120 years until the Police Roll of Honour Trust placed the first ever headstone at his grave. PC Gordon was murdered on duty but despite a full Police funeral he never did receive a headstone, until the Trust rectified this.

Sgt John Hately of Northumberland County Constabulary died during a riot in Alnwick in 1875. Reports at the time said Sgt Hately and several other officers had been surrounded outside the Angel Inn pub while trying to take a man into custody. His colleagues and local community raised sufficient monies to care for his family and to erect his headstone. Over the years it became eroded due to the weather, and was unreadable.

We were honoured to replace his gravestone and ensure men and women recorded in the Police Roll of Honour are never forgotten.

The image shows the original gravestone, badly eroded and illegible and the new stone we replaced it with.

Inform us

Please contact us to make us aware of a grave that is unmarked, is in need of repair or to discuss anything similar you believe we can assist with.