WEASTE CEMETERY’S FIRST AND SECOND REGISTRARS DISCOVERED.

In February, we were honoured to meet Sheila Mason (nee Walker) and her son Kevin from Kent. They were visiting Salford to locate the grave of Sheila’s family. It turns out that Sheila’s great great grandfather was William Walker, who was the Registrar of Weaste Cemetery from its opening in 1857 until his death in 1878. Then William’s son (and Sheila’s great grandfather) Henry Walker became the Registrar until his retirement in 1927 after 48 years of service with the Council. They lived at the Cemetery Lodge and were buried in the family vault at Weaste Cemetery. We hope to post more information about the Walker family when Sheila completes her research about William and Henry. The photographs show Sheila and Kevin by the grave. The lead lettering has been picked off by vandals, but can just be made out. The vase on the top does not appear to be original and is loose. The remains of cement on the top indicates that the monument had an upper portion, perhaps an obelisk. The base stone reveals: Also HENRY WALKER son of the above, for 47 years Registrar of this cemetery, who died April 7th 1943 aged 88 years. Also ADA MARGARET his beloved wife, who died July 13th 1926 aged 47 years.
Photographs by Pete Kilvert.