Restoration of the vandalised monument at Southampton Old Cemetery
The memorial to two Royal Mail ships that were lost in a hurricane off the British Virgin Islands on 29th October, 1867, was vandalised on October 2011.
Many of the of the ship’s crew lost were from Southampton and their names were engraved on the slate plaques round the memorial. The effect of the loss to the town was devastating, leaving many widows and orphans. A relief fund was set up to help the families but many of the children were sent to orphanages, as the mothers were unable to provide for them.
The wreck of the Rhone is now one of the most famous diving wrecks in the world and the site designated a National Park. The community from the British Virgin Islands is very keen to start fund raising to restore this memorial, as well as the Friends of Southampton Old Cemetery who are starting with a Guided Shipwreck walk round the Cemetery, Sunday 12th February at 2 pm. All are welcome.
Hampshire Gardens Trust has also agreed to donate £500 to the Restoration Fund.
