Approx. time Friends of Cemetery 1 - 1½ hours Lord Mayors Trail No 1

One of a series of trails to enhance your enjoyment of the Cemetery Registered Charity Best enjoyed: All Year Round No. 701091

INTRODUCTION Today's Trail will take you on an interesting walk This trail complements our other Trail - 'Lord Mayors around the Northern Section of the Cemetery visiting Trail 2' which visits a further 21 Lord Mayors buried in 22 of the 52 Lord Mayors of York, serving a total of the Southern Section of the Cemetery. 75 years in Office, buried in the Cemetery. THE REGALIA & OFFICE of LORD MAYOR In 1212 King John gave York men the right to collect have been assumed by gradual usage over the their own taxes, hold courts and generally conduct following centuries. While the girdlers petitioned the their own affairs. In return he was given a present of first citizen in 1417 as 'oure worschipfull lord the £200, three riding horses and an agreement that the maire of this citie' he was generally addressed at this City would pay considerably increased taxes. time as 'ye maire'. The designation of 'my lord the Within a year of these events the citizens of York mayor' appears in Corporation minutes at the end of elected their first Mayor and achieved a civic this century but it was not until the first half of the independence. This was to be enshrined in a Charter sixteenth that the title of Lord Mayor begins to in 1256 which decreed that no royal sheriff or bailiff achieve the respectability of more or less regular use. should 'meddle within the liberty of the city'. A similar evolutionary process seems to have occurred in . Nevertheless its self-governing status was occasionally lost for some offence against the Crown; By the nineteenth century the pre-nominal in 1280-82 for altering a Royal Charter, 1292-7 for designation was firmly established and shared only failing to pay its taxes, and in 1405-6 for its support with London and the Lord Provosts in Edinburgh and of Archbishop Richard Scrope. Glasgow, thus giving York an important position amongst the principal cities of the United Kingdom. Shortly before this latter event, however, Richard II, While there are now more cities with Lord Mayors, seeking popular support, is said to have given his there are only four entitled to use the honorific of sword to be borne thenceforth point upwards before Right Honourable during their year of office: London the Mayor, who was to be elevated to the status of and York, by long standing tradition and two very Lord Mayor. Tradition also has it that Richard recent members of the club, Belfast (1929) and presented the City with its first mace and cap of Cardiff, (1956). maintenance, items of Civic regalia which, together with the sword, albeit later replacements of the Today the Lord Mayor chairs meetings of full Council originals, are still to this day carried before the Lord and together with the Sheriff, represents the City on Mayor in Civic processions ceremonial occasions, welcomes international visitors and attends events organised by local people and There is little doubt about the gifts of the sword, community groups. mace and cap but the title of Lord Mayor seems to THE TRAIL !! FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY PLEASE KEEP TO THE PATHS !! At the cemetery entrance follow the tarmac road to On your right amongst the cotoneaster is the pink the Chapel and turn left down the slope. Midway obelisk monument to John Colburn along this path and at the cross-path (Compass set in the path) turn right. Follow this path to just before the 'T' junction.

1. John Colburn (1826-1877)

John, baptised at St Olave's Marygate, was a Pawnbroker, Silversmith and Retail Jeweller trading at 13/14 Lower Ousegate (corner of Church Lane). He resided at the Mount. He died on 17 May 1877, aged51, in Boulogne-sur- Mer on his way home from convalescing in the south of France. He left Effects of under £25,000. Liberal Councillor (Micklegate Ward) 1860 Alderman 1865-1877 Lord Mayor 1869-70

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Turn right at the 'T' junction and follow the curving informal occasions. It was designed and executed by path to exit at the far side of the Centre Circle. Follow Alderman J.B. Inglis, Jeweller of Coney Street, and this exit path and turn right at the cross junction. contains a representation of the Rymer Arms below Ahead. Just before the 'T' junction note the chest those of the City of York. tomb on your right. Behind this tomb is the grey and These arms were first noted in 1770 being used by white obelisk monument to William Richardson the Rimmer family of Warrington and appear to have 2. William Richardson (1797-1873) been assumed by Sir Joseph Rymer without authority from the College of Arms. His action was described by Conservative Councillor before the T.P. Cooper, a local expert on heraldry, as 'an Municipal Corporations Reform Act egregious blunder'. He also thought the jewel was 1835 'garish frippery' and 'an unofficial bauble .... adorned Alderman 1845-1868 with bogus armorial bearings'. Despite his outraged Lord Mayor 1845-6 feelings his protests fell on deaf ears. The more William was a Senior Partner in recent display of these arms in the Minster has now the firm of Richardson, Gutch, given them some additional respectability. Richardson & Cowling of Blake Street. Turn left at the cross junction. Within a few paces and on your left at the foot of the Rymer monument is the As well as being a Director of large cross monument to William Wilkinson York Savings Bank and York Wilberforce City & County Bank he was an early associate of George Hudson, the Railway King, 4. William Wilkinson Wilberforce (1828-1895) in his enterprises. Liberal Councillor He died on 24 August 1873, aged 76, at Canterbury Alderman 1879-1883 while convalescing. He left Effects of under £140,000. Lord Mayor January 1880 following death in Office of Thomas S Ahead and turn left before the steps onto the curving Watkinson path. Follow the curving path and stop immediately before the cross junction. On your left is the stone William became Lord Mayor in cross monument to Joseph Sykes Rymer January 1880 following the death, in Office, of Thomas 3. Sir Joseph Sykes Rymer (1841-1923) Samuel Watkinson who was the Lord Mayor for 1879-80. Councillor (Monk Ward) 1867-1885 Alderman 1885-1917 William was Articled to the well Sheriff of York 1882-3 known Architect, George Townsend Andrews. Then, Honorary Freeman of York 1914 after farming at Stockton on Forest, he joined the Lord Mayor 1887-8, 1899-1900, family chicory business in Walmgate. 1907-8 and 1912-13 He was Director of United Gas Company, York City & Sir Joseph served on the County Bank and York Tramway Company. Council for almost 53 years. He was a coal, lime and sand He was Warden of the Walmgate Ward Strays being merchant on Monk Bridge, a succeeded on his death by Lancelot Foster (see Lord business founded by his Mayors Trail 2) grandfather, Peter, in 1811, He died on 28 April 1895, aged 67, leaving Effects of which he inherited in 1859. £62,805 11s 7d. He was both a prominent Methodist as Senior Chapel On the other side of the path and to the left of the Steward and Senior Circuit Steward of Centenary black monument to Ethel May Atkinson is the twin Chapel. He was also a prominent Freemason at York plot of chest tombs to James Meek Lodge as Worshipful Master 1882, Provincial Grand Registrar 1884 and Provincial Grand Senior Warden 5. Sir James Meek Jnr. (1816-1891) 1900. Sir James was the He was Chairman of Wharfedale Coal Company, third of three James Castleford and York Glass Company. He was also Meeks who are Governor of the Merchant Adventurers of York, 1900- important in the 1901 and a Director of York Waterworks. history of York. On 9 February 1901 he was knighted by King Edward He went up to VII in his Coronation honours. Cambridge in 1837 His son, Edwin John Leetham Rymer was Lord Mayor but left to join his in 1928 and is buried elsewhere in the Cemetery. father's business He died on 18 February 1923, aged 82, leaving interest as Currier Effects of £266,881 13s 1d. Liberal Councillor Bootham Ward (dresser & colourer To commemorate his Honorary Freedom in 1914 Sir 1849-1853 of tanned leather) Alderman 1853 Joseph presented the City with an undress jewel to and Glass-maker in Lord Mayor 1855-6, 1865-7, 1866-7 be worn by the Lord Mayor for the time being on Goodramgate. Continued overleaf

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Sir James Meek Jnr. (1816-1891) continued 7. Sir Joseph Terry (1828-1898) He was a Wesleyan Methodist becoming a Primitive Conservative Councillor (Monk Ward) Methodist in 1853 and an active member of Little 1860 Stonegate Chapel.He was instrumental in establishing Alderman 1874 until his death in the former Elmfield College off Malton Road and was 1898, aged 70 Chairman York City and County Bank, Governor of Sheriff of York 1869-70 Bootham Asylum and Treasurer of York Mission. Freedom of York 1850 Lord Mayor 1874-5, 1885-6, 1886-7, He was also a prominent Freemason at York Lodge as 1891 (this term of office was for Worshipful Master 1864 and Major Commandant of only two months following the death the 1st West Yorkshire Rifle Volunteers. of Philip Matthews) In 1869 he was knighted, somewhat belatedly, for his In 1824 his father, also Joseph, hospitality to the Prince and Princess of Wales on became a Partner in Robert their visit to York in August 1866 when they attended Berry & Co, Confectioners (originally Bayldon and the Yorkshire Fine Art and Industrial Exhibition in the Berry, founded in 1767) and renamed the firm Joseph grounds of Bootham Park Hospital, the annual show Terry & Co in October 1826. of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and the Great Sir Joseph is widely seen as the driving force behind Volunteer Review of 21,000 troops, both on the the success of the confectionery company Terry's Knavesmire. through the expansion of business operations through He died in 1891 aged 75 leaving a Personal Estate of the use of the Humber Estuary to import essential £16,714 19s 6d having spent his final 5 years living commodities such as sugar and cocoa. Later in his in Cheltenham. career, he would oversee the company's transition and specialisation into a Chocolatiers. His youngest daughter, Phoebe, is buried in the adjacent grave. He was educated at St Peter's School and followed his father as head of the firm in 1850. He registered the His father, James (1790-1862), is buried under the trademark 'Joseph Terry's & Sons' in 1876, which, Cemetery Chapel Portico. He had previously been under his chairmanship was incorporated as 'Joseph Sheriff of York (1827), Alderman (1835-1862) and Terry & Sons Ltd' in 1895. Lord Mayor (1836, 1848-9 & 1850-1) laying the foundation stone of the Cemetery Chapel during his He was a committed Freemason and adopted a first term as Lord Mayor. philanthropic and active approach to the issues of Victorian York. He was Trustee of York Charities, Both James lived at Middlethorpe Hall. Chairman Grand Yorkshire Gala Committee, Vice- Ahead for 6 graves on the right side of the path. chairman and Director of York Fine Art and Industrial Behind the leaning monument to the Payne family is Institution, Chairman York Conservative Association, the chest tomb monument to John Wood Director of the New York Waterworks Company, Governor of the York Merchant Adventurer's Company !! DO NOT LEAVE THE PATH !! 1881/2 and Chairman of the York Merchant Adventurer's. 6. John Wood (1798-1875) He further assisted in the duties of the York Cricket John was a Solicitor Club, promoting their move to Bootham Crescent in with a Practice at 1881, whilst concurrently serving on advisory panels 13 Pavement (Now for both the County Lunatic Asylum and the local Marks & Spencer) Sunday School Committee. and was Coroner for Yorkshire for over In 1887 he was appointed Justice of the Peace for the 50 years until 1853. City of York and the North Riding of Yorkshire. He was an original He was knighted on 6 August 1887 in the Queen Director of the Victoria's Golden Jubilee Honours. Yorkshire Insurance Councillor (Monk Ward before the Company. On To commemorate his knighthood he obtained a grant Municipal Corporations Reform Act retiring in 1868 his of arms from the College of Arms, putting him in a 1835) two sons continued probable unique position amongst his fellow Lord Alderman 1853-1868 his Practice. Mayors, who chose to get their coats of arms by Lord Mayor 1857-8 unofficial means. A good example of his armorial He died on 30 August 1875, aged 77, leaving Effects bearings can be seen in Skeldergate on the alms of under £35,000. house cottages erected in 1899 as a memorial to him. Ahead. Just before the dominant tree on your left is He died of heart failure, induced by over-exertion, at the monument to Sir Joseph Terry the Royal Station Hotel on 12 January 1898, aged 70, after attempting to win a by-election to become Member of Parliament for the City of York. He left Effects of £38,959 10s 2d.

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Ahead. A short distance before the steps and on your He died on 16 June 1911, aged 62, while right set back from the path in the undergrowth is the convalescing in Devonport leaving Effects of £30,806 pink obelisk monument to Ralph Weatherley 18s 6d. His body was brought back to York for burial by the Great Western Railway Co. who charged 1s 0d !! DO NOT LEAVE THE PATH !! a mile for carriage, a total of £17 14s 0d. Altogether 8. Ralph Weatherley (1817-1879) his funeral cost £60 14s 1d including 2 guineas for tolling Great Peter at the Minster. Liberal Councillor (Bootham Ward) 1856 Ahead on the curving path and turn left at the cross Alderman 1865 until his death in junction. Ahead toward the brick wall. Toward the end 1879 of this path and on your right is the dominant Sheriff 1863-4 monument to James Melrose Lord Mayor 1867-8

Ralph was a Freemason and 10. James Melrose (1828-1929) Partner in the firm of Weatherley Conservative Councillor (Monk Ward) and Rymer, a considerable 1869 Building Contractor employing Alderman 1875-1886 upon over 150 tradesmen, labourers retirement from the Council and boys. Lord Mayor 1876-7 In 1850 the firm was located in St Leonard's Place James "Jimmy" Melrose known adjacent to Bootham Bar, premises formerly occupied as 'The Grand Old Man of York' by John Tilney. was born on 5 August 1828 Their works included the restoration of Heslington into a family of Fell-mongers Hall, the building of St George's and St Wilfrid's RC (sheepskin dealers) who had Churches, Poor Clares Convent, Lawrence Street and migrated to York from Traquair Darlington Bank Top (Main Line) Station. in Peebleshire in the middle of the 17th Century. In 1866 Ralph retired from the business in favour of his brother, Robert, and Peter Rymer. Eschewing the noisome family trade he became a Land Agent, one of his Projects being the draining of He died on 26 June 1879, aged 62, in Scarborough the Knavesmire to make it suitable for horse racing. leaving Effects of under £14,000 Shortly after his marriage to Elizabeth Stephenson in Ahead down the steps 1858 he joined his father-in-law in his brewing business in Beverley. However, he returned to York in !! TAKE CARE ON THE STEPS !! 1861 to become a Partner with John Roper who had Turn right and follow the curving path. Midway along breweries in St Sampson's Square and Walmgate. this path and on the left is the grey monument to On Roper's death in 1875 not only did Jimmy inherit Samuel Border the breweries but the bachelor Roper also

9. Samuel Border (1849-1911) bequeathed him a large house in Clifton, Clifton Croft, where he was to live for upwards of 50 years until his Conservative Councillor (Monk Ward) death. 1881-4 Sheriff of York 1887-8 His voluntary positions included Treasurer of York Alderman 1895 until his death in County Hospital and Yorkshire School for the Blind. 1911 He was a Freemason for over 75 years. Lord Mayor 1898-9, Feb 1907 (this term of office was occasioned by On his 100th birthday he had a ceremony of the death in office of William thanksgiving at St Lawrence's which was the church Bentley) he was baptised in. Samuel was born in Newton He died on 4 February 1929, leaving Effects of Abbott and by 1871 was living £168,154 6s, and was accorded a funeral in the and working with his uncle, Minster where he had been a regular worshipper for John Winn, a grocer in Coney many years. Street. He became a Partner in the business in 1874 (Winn & Border) and sole owner on his uncle's death. His name is still perpetuated in several ways, notably the long suburban road of Melrosegate and the He was a prominent Freemason at York Lodge as Melrose Stand at the racecourse opened in 1989 Worshipful Master 1889 and Provincial Grand which commemorates his 50 years service as Registrar 1890. Chairman of the York Race Committee from 1875 He was a Governor of the York Merchant Adventurer's until 1925 just three years before his death. Company 1892-4, Governor of Bootham Park Hospital, Ahead and turn right at the 'T' junction. Ahead up the Director of York United Gas Company 1902, Chairman slope to Belle Vue Gate on your left. Ahead to D of the Grand Yorkshire Gala 1906 and York Pageant Sharrat War Grave. Right to GT Lapping War Grave. 1909. In front of Lapping's monument is the unmarked Pulleyn family grave.

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11. Reg Pulleyn (1928-2015) 13. Richard Evers (1798-1871) Labour Councillor (Holgate Ward) 1962-8 Alderman 1850 until his death in Labour Councillor (Beckfield Ward) 1970-1978 & 1984-1992 1871 Honorary Alderman 1993 Sheriff 1848-9 Sheriff of York 1874, 1995 Lord Mayor 1852-3, 1859-60 Lord Mayor 1988-9 Richard was a tailor who was Reg was born in the Groves, York and joined British initially apprenticed to his Railways as a Signalman at the age of 16. He worked father and subsequently in a number of signal boxes in the area before became a Partner in the firm of moving to York Station Signal Box. He retired in 1989 Evers and Anderson in Coney after a 46 year career as a Signalman. Street. A Trade Unionist, he was also a Labour Councillor on He was noted for his North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) from 1973. benevolence to many charities. He was appointed Honorary Alderman on YCC in 1993. He was a Director of York Gas Company and was He greeted Queen Elizabeth II when she came to York Master of the Merchant Tailors Company in 1835 and in November 1988 following completion of the repairs 1850. to the Minster after the 1984 fire. On 9 October 1860 he laid the foundation stone for He was awarded the British Empire Medal in June the ill-fated Lendal Bridge designed by William 1976. Dredge. It collapsed into the river during construction on 27 September 1861 killing several workmen, some He died on 22 August 2015, aged 87. of whom are also buried in York Cemetery. Dredge's Retrace your steps to the junction near the Melrose services were dispensed with and a new bridge, monument. Ahead parallel with the brick boundary designed by Thomas Page, was erected in its stead. wall. Immediately before the bench on your left is the Richard died on 12 May 1871, aged 72, leaving chest tomb monument to John March Effects of under £16,000.

12. John March (1808-1880) His funeral service was held in and the Great Peter bell was tolled in mourning. 14. William Varey (1833-1903) Liberal Councillor (Micklegate Ward) 1868 Alderman 1876 - 1886 Sheriff of York 1871-2 Lord Mayor 1877-8 William, in Partnership with his brother, Thomas, was a Bacon Factor in the firm founded by his grandfather over 100 years Conservative Councillor (Monk Ward) 1849 previously. William laid the Alderman 1871 until his death in 1880 Lord Mayor 1873-4 foundation stone of Skeldergate Bridge on 12 June 1878. John was Licensee of the Golden Slipper Public House in Goodramgate. He died on 23 December 1903, aged 70, leaving Effects of £3,847 15s 8d. He developed the brewing side of the business in extensive premises behind the public house leading His brother, Thomas, is buried elsewhere in the through to Ogleforth.He was a prominent Freemason Cemetery but without a Memorial. He was also a at York Lodge as Worshipful Master 1859, Provincial Liberal Councillor for Micklegate Ward 1868, Grand Superintendent of Works 1859 and Provincial Alderman 1876 - 1886, Sheriff of York 1878-9 and Senior Grand Warden 1874 Lord Mayor in 1882-3. He died on 26 November 1880, aged 72, leaving Thomas was Chairman of the Committee which Effects under £12,000. organised the Memorial to George Leeman on Station Rise and presided at its unveiling by the Marquis of Ahead. Pass 2 junctions on your left. Shortly after Ripon on 13 April 1885. passing under the dominant Beech tree turn left. Turn left at the first cross junction. Stop after 10 paces. On He died on 24 October 1903, aged 65, leaving Effects your left and under the canopy of the Beech tree are of £310 15s the monuments to Richard Evers, William Varey & Sir William Stephenson Clarke

!! DO NOT LEAVE THE PATH !!

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15. Sir William Stephenson Clarke (1782-1851) He was a Corn Merchant in Partnership with his brother Leonard. Their premises were at the corner of Conservative Councillor (Micklegate Ward) 1813 North Street and Tanner Row. Alderman 1839 - 1849 He was, for a time, a Director of the York and North Sheriff of York 1820 Midland Railway and a Government Agent for the Lord Mayor 1839-40 Distribution of Stamps. Sir William was placed with His father had been Sheriff of York in 1807 Alexander Mather, a York Surgeon, in 1798. He continued He received his knighthood from William IV at St his studies in London and James Palace on 8 June 1836 returned to York in 1806 as a General Practitioner. He died on 20 May 1854 aged 57. He received his knighthood in July 1840, one of the Immediately on your right is obelisk monument to many honours distributed to celebrate the marriage Joseph Agar of Queen Victoria to Albert. He died in 1851 aged 69. 18. Joseph Agar (1832-1920) His father, William Clark, had been a Sheriff of the city in 1786.

Return to the cross junction at the Santorsola monument. Ahead for a few paces to the small cross monument on your left. To your left in the vegetation are the monuments to William Hutchenson Hearon & Sir John Simpson !! DO NOT LEAVE THE PATH !! 16. William Hutchenson Hearon (1772-1842 Councillor before the Municipal Corporations Reform Act 1835 Alderman (Directly elected) 1880-1918 Alderman 1812 until his death in 1842 Lord Mayor 1881-2, 1888-9, 1889-90 Sheriff of York 1808 Lord Mayor 1815, 1827 The Agar family came to York from Kilburn when Joseph began his eight year apprenticeship with William was a Tea Dealer of Hearon and Dale in High William Lister in 1775. On obtaining his freedom in Ousegate. He was a resident of Fulford and is the 1783 he started his own Tannery business in High earliest Lord Mayor to be buried in the Cemetery. Ousegate, which was carried on subsequently by three further generations of the family, latterly as He came to office before the changes brought about Agar & Chadwick. by the Municipal Corporations Reform Act 1835. An Alderman for nearly 40 years, he laid numerous In the early 19th Century there was a desire to move foundation stones and it is reported that when he the cattle fairs from Walmgate, Fossgate and died he had a collection of more than 70 presentation Petergate to a more convenient position. A number of mallets and trowels. sites were considered. However, York Corporation chose to purchase six acres of land outside Walmgate His father, Benjamin Agar, bought Plantation House, Bar from Alderman Hearon. The cattle market opened on the south side of the Cemetery in 1849 and in 1827 and had moved to Murton by 1976. renamed it Kilburn House. It is said that when developers built houses on the land in the 1930s they Along with many other political leaders of this period had only heard of Kilburn in London, and so named he assumed a coat of arms which was displayed in the new roads after other London area such as one of the windows of the old council chamber Edgeware. destroyed by bombs during the Baedeker Raid in April 1942. Benjamin's son, Joseph Agar II (1833-1920) took over the firm on his father's death in 1858, and was He died on 01 June 1842, aged 70. himself succeeded by his son, also Joseph who died in 17. Sir John Simpson (1797-1854) 1944. Three generations, Joseph, Benjamin and Joseph II Liberal Councillor (Micklegate Ward) 1821 were successive trustees of York Cemetery Company Alderman 1834 until his death in 1854 Sheriff of York 1826 from 1837 to 1944, a period of over 100 years. The Lord Mayor 1836. He was again chosen in 1847 but declined third and last Agar Trustee sold a field between to accept the office and paid the appropriate fine (See Kilburn House and the Cemetery to the Cemetery Appendix) Company in 1929 which is now part of Section D. Sir John was the first Lord Mayor of York after the He was a prominent Methodist, a Sunday School introduction of the reforms brought in by the Superintendent and a Director of York Coffee House, Municipal Corporation Reform Act 1835. York Waterworks and the Wesleyan Chapel Company.

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Ahead 4 paces. On your right set back from the path The York & North Midland had built him a house, and in the vegetation is the tomb monument to North Lodge. However, it was in the way of their Henry Steward proposed through-running station (1870s) outside the City walls. To get him to move they built him a new !! DO NOT LEAVE THE PATH !! house, The Hollies on Tadcaster Road, in exchange. 19. Henry Steward (1817-1876) The Hollies is now the Marriott Hotel, formerly The Chase Hotel. Liberal Councillor (Micklegate Ward) Sheriff of York 1868-9 He was Treasurer of York County Hospital and Lord Mayor 1872-3 Wilberforce School for the Blind, Governor of York Blue Coat and Grey Coat School and Director of York He was a Comb-maker in the Union Banking Company. business founded in the early nineteenth century by his He died on 14 September 1896, aged 77 leaving Grandfather, George Steward. Effects of £126,559. In addition to horn combs the firm, located at 37 Blossom Ahead on the curving path. Stop at the small tree on Street, also made lantern your right. On your left and in the vegetation is the leaves (before glass was used), monument to Edwin Wade powder flasks and drinking horns. !! DO NOT LEAVE THE PATH !! He was a Director and Trustee of the York Permanent 21. Edwin Wade (1800-1889) Building Society and Chairman of the York Regatta. A keen gardener, he was Vice-Chairman of the Ancient Liberal Councillor (Guildhall Ward) 1856 Society of York Florists. Sheriff of York 1861 Alderman 1862 - 1874 The sanitary and housing conditions experienced by Lord Mayor 1864-5 York citizens throughout the the 19th Century were Edwin, the son of a tailor, was born in York, and was appalling and it was during his time as Lord Mayor, apprenticed to Cattle and Barber, Silversmiths. the Public Health Act 1872 was introduced. The new Urban Sanitary Authority took over the functions of In his early twenties he was employed by Alderman the local Board of Health and the following year a Turner, a Dental Surgeon in Coney Street, and Medical Officer of Health was appointed. eventually becoming his Partner. On 1873 he hosted a grand banquet in the Mansion He was a Director York Cemetery Company 1868, House attended by the 200 Mayors of England and Chairman York Tourists Society and Member of the Wales . The gathering was aimed at seeking more Grand Yorkshire Gala and York Race Committees. control from Central Government over local affairs. He died on 9 December 1889, aged 89 leaving a He died on 15 December 1876, aged 59, leaving Personal Estate of £13,976 5s 7d. Effects under £9,000. Ahead to the holly tree. Turn right at the cross Ahead on the curving path to the pink obelisk on your junction and again right with the Chapel to your left. right. In front of this monument is the monument to Ahead to the North Boundary wall. Turn left and John Close walk the length of this path. 5 headstones from the end and on your left is the stone cross monument to 20. John Close (1819-1896) James Birch

Conservative Councillor Directed 22. James Birch (1856-1913) Elected Alderman 1864 - 1868 and 1883 Conservative Councillor until his death in 1896 (Micklegate Ward) 1900 Lord Mayor 1884-5, 1891-2, 1892-3 Alderman 1908 - death Lord Mayor 1908-9, 1909-10 John was taken into Partnership James Birch was born in York by George Brown, Woollen and was educated at Priory Draper in High Ousegate in Street School (now a 1850 until 1868. Community Centre). He was a Partner in Close, Ayre He ran a Plumbing and Glazing and Nicholson, Iron-founders, business in Blossom Street, and Fishergate Postern and also in Partnership with was a keen sportsman. He was William Cooper, Wine Merchant of Skeldergate. a forward with the original York Rugby Club and Cooper, who was is also buried in York Cemetery was sometime Chairman of York Cricket Club. Councillor for Micklegate Ward 1825, Alderman 1850- His position in the role of Lord Mayors is unique. He 1853, Sheriff of York 1832 and Lord Mayor 1851. was the first to be elected to the office from amongst John was Secretary of the Newcastle and Darlington the ordinary Councillors since the 1835 Municipal Railway and the York and North Midland Railway Corporations Reform Act. (See Appendix). during the chairmanship of George Hudson. He was granted Freedom of the City in 1878 and died on 07 July 1913, aged 57, leaving Effects of £5,663.

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APPENDIX 1

SELECTING THE LORD MAYOR Prior to 1835 had to be revised in November 1979 after the re- emergence of the Liberals in civic politics. At the beginning of the nineteenth century the York Corporation was a 'closed' or self-electing body and Since then a points system based on the number of Lord Mayors were selected from the Aldermanic seats held and for how long ensures that even the bench or, as has happened on a few occasions, was minority parties occasionally get a chance to an influential citizen who could afford to entertain in nominate the Lord Mayor from amongst their the manner expected. members who have been councillors for at least five years. After the Mayoral election the Party's points 1835 - 1972 are reduced by a sum equal to the total number of In 1835 the Municipal Corporations Reform Act was seats on the Council. passed. The Act established a uniform system of Lord Mayor's Expenses Municipal Boroughs, to be governed by Town Councils elected by the ratepayers. The reformed boroughs Prior to 1924 the Lord Mayor was required to were obliged to publish their financial accounts and personally fund all activities related to the office. were liable to audit. Each borough was to appoint a In November 1923 William Dobbie a Labour politician salaried Town Clerk and Treasurer who were not to be and a railwayman, born in Maybole, Ayrshire was a member of the public. elected as Lord Mayor, the first Labour Politician to be The Act was designed to make Councils more efficient elected to the position. and democratic. In York the old two chamber system In January 1924 the City's Finance Committee was replaced by a single body with the Aldermen and recommended making a Grant to the Lord Mayor in Councillors given equal status. The office of connection with any function invited or authorised by Chamberlain was abolished, and the number of the Council. In September of that year it was agreed Sheriffs was reduced to one. that a Grant to meet the Lord Mayor's expenses Freemen and men owning property in the city rated should be made. This figure was set at a maximum of at £10 or more could vote to elect Councillors, who £500 expended in any year. At that time the Town then selected the Aldermen and thereby the Lord Clerk was earning £1375 per annum and the City Mayor. Should a candidate decline the position of Lord Engineer £800 per annum. Mayor, a fine was payable. By 1903 this was £100, The Mayoral Year but was gradually reduced to £5 by 1932 and eventually to a nominal 5/- (25 pence). On 12 December 1489 Henry VII issued a new order for the election of the Lord Mayor. This required him This system of selecting the Lord Mayor from the to be elected on the feast of St Maurus (15 January) Aldermen ensured that the Lord Mayor usually and to take office on the feast of St Blaise (3 belonged to the majority party. February). 1972 - Present After the implementation of the Municipal Following the Local Government Act 1972 it was Corporations Reform Act 1835 the Lord Mayor was agreed to alternate the honour between the two elected in November and took office the same day, an principal parties (Conservative and Labour). But this arrangement which applied until 1949 when mayor making was moved to May.

Tel: 01904 610578 Friends of York Cemetery Email: [email protected] The Cemetery Gatehouse www.yorkcemetery.org.uk Cemetery Road Regd. Charity No. York YO10 5AJ 701091

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APPENDIX 2 Key: (1) Indicates Lord Mayors Trail 1, (2) Indicates Lord Mayors Trail 2 LORD MAYORS of YORK BURIED in YORK CEMETERY Year(s) of Office Melrose, James (1) 1876-7 Agar, Joseph (1) 1881-2, 1888-9 Milward, Sir Chris Annakin (2) 1895-6, 1896-7 1889-90 Morris, Thomas (2) 1936-7 Anderson, Edward Richard (2) 1856-7 Oliver, Charles (2) 1953-4 Bentley, William (2) 1906-7 (Died) Year(s) of Office S. Border (1*) Pulleyn, Reginald (1) 1988-9 Birch, James (1) 1908-9, 1909-10 Purnell, Edward William 1900-1 Border, Samuel (1) 1898-9, Richardson, William (1) 1845-6 1906 (Part) Rooke, Edward 1875-6 Brown, George 1878-9 Rymer, Edwin John Leetham (2)1928-9 Carter, Thomas (2) 1910-11 Rymer, Sir Joseph Sykes (1) 1887-8, Chapman de Burgh, Harold (2) 1944-5 1899-1900, Clark, Sir Wm Stephenson (1) 1839-40 1907-8, 1912-13 Clarke, William Fox 1861-2, 1862-3 Seymour, George Hicks (2) 1849-50 Close, John (1) 1884-5, 1891-2, Shaw, William Henry (2) 1935-6 1892-3 Shipley, Charles William (2) 1929-30 Colburn, John (1) 1869-70 Simpson, Sir John (1) 1836 Cooper, Henry 1851-2 Steward, Henry (1) 1972-3 Evers, Richard (1) 1852-3, 1859-60 Terry, Sir Joseph (1) 1874-5, 1885-6, Foster, Lancelot (2) 1901-2 1886-7 Gray, Edwin (2) 1897-8, 1902-3 1890 (Part) Gray, William (2) 1844-5 Varey, William (1) 1877-8 Hearson, Wm Hutchenson (1) 1815, 1827 Varey, Thomas 1882-3 Horsman, William (2) 1940-1 Wade, Edwin (1) 1864-5 Hutchinson, Chas Th'burn (2) 1937-8 Walker, William (2) 1871-2 Lacey, Edward 1942-3 Watkinson, Thomas Samuel (2)1879-80 (Died) Leeman, George (2) 1853-4, 1860-1, W Wilberforce (1*) 1870-1 Weatherley, Ralph (1) 1867-8 March, John (1) 1873-4 Wilberforce, Wm Wilkinson (1) 1879-80 (Part) Matterson, William 1841-2 Wood, John (1) 1857-8 Matthews, Philip 1890-1 (Died) Wragge, Robert H Vernon (2) 1903-4, 1904-5, Joseph Terry (1*) 1905-6, 1931-2 Meek, James (2) 1836-7, 1848-9, 1850-1 *Completed the Term of Office following the death of Meek, Sir James (Jnr) (1) 1855-6, 1865-6, the incumbent Lord Mayor 1866-7

Tel: 01904 610578 Friends of York Cemetery Email: [email protected] The Cemetery Gatehouse www.yorkcemetery.org.uk Cemetery Road Regd. Charity No. York YO10 5AJ 701091 York Cemetery - Lord Mayors 1 Trail (Jan 2017)A.docx 9

APPENDIX 3 The GUILDHALL and MANSION HOUSE

The Guildhall The Guildhall reconstruction was completed 19 years later when it was reopened in 1960 by the Queen The medieval Guildhall was built between 1437 and Mother. Representatives of Munster, York's German 1449 as a meeting place for the smaller Trades Guilds twin town, were present as that city had contributed which did not have their own halls. to the restoration costs. Lord Mayor Albert Philipson had attended Munster's celebrations for the restoration of their 500 year old Town Hall. The Council originally held its meetings in a building on Ouse Bridge but, after the centre arch was destroyed by a flood in 1564 it moved into St The Mansion House William's Chapel at the Micklegate end of the bridge. The Mansion House was built between the Guildhall When the medieval bridge was replaced with the and St Helen's Square as a residence for Lord Mayors present one between 1810 and 1820 the Councillors and their families while they were in Office and as a moved again to a purpose built Chamber on the place to store the Civic records. Building began in downstream side of the Guildhall. In 1891 they 1725, and in 1730 the first Lord Mayor moved in. migrated to their present home in a new Council Chamber built on the upstream side. It is the oldest Mansion House in England and the only one still lived in by the Lord Mayor. With the One of the saddest moments of York's history was the Guildhall and Council Chamber it forms the focus of night of 29 April 1942 when the Baedeker raid took Civic activity in York. the lives of over 94 York citizens as well as causing severe damage to many buildings in the City including the station and the Guildhall.

We really hope you enjoyed this trail. Why not try another one. We hope you enjoyed this trail and that it inspired you to find out more about York Cemetery. A trail of this kind can give only a flavour of what the Cemetery has to offer, so why not: • Try one of our guided walks • Become a Friend of York Cemetery • Become a Volunteer (Pick up a leaflet or see the website for more details)

This Trail was originally prepared by Helen Nightingale and Hugh Murray in 1994 from the original research by David Poole. It was modified in 2017 by Dennis Shaw. Artwork by K Lea

Tel: 01904 610578 Friends of York Cemetery Email: [email protected] The Cemetery Gatehouse www.yorkcemetery.org.uk Cemetery Road Regd. Charity No. York YO10 5AJ 701091

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Approx. time Friends of York Cemetery

1½ hours+

Lord Mayors Trail No 1 Regd. Charity No. 701091

FOR YOUR SAFETY B PLEASE KEEP to the PATHS B 11 B B VICTORIAN FELICITY’S GATE B B SECTION

10 B 12 B B B 9 HERB

BELLE VIEW GATE VIEW BELLE 8 6 5 GARDEN

7 4 3 B

PERGOLA B B MODERN

2 SECTION 14

NORTHERN BOUNDARY 13 15 B BEECH CENTRE B TREE 16 18 CIRCLE 17

19 B B HERN BOUNDARY 21

20 1

SOUT B B

B

CHAPEL ROCKERY BUTTERFLY WALK BUTTERFLY

B

B CROSS of SACRIFICE

STONEMASON AVENUE LIME

22 WC POND

GATEHOUSE

Entrance KEY Walk between Sections B Bench Steps

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