And here we have the grave of Andel Highgrove. Born in Eveston, he was returned here following his death onboard the Guarantee in 1864. He is notable for the manner of his death, in that he was killed by an elephant whilst onboard a ship. The Guarantee was returning from India with a cargo that included a live elephant being brought as a gift for the Duke of Mainwarren. During a storm, the special hold that contained the creature was damaged and Andel fell into it. In the resulting panic, he was crushed by the elephant. The creature was still brought here and presented to the Duke, who kept it in the grounds of this estate until it too died, albeit some twelve years later.
Next on our route is the resting place of Graham Plemson. One of the first members of the local police force, he was the firsts officer to die in the line of duty. On 27 October 1894, he responded to a request for assistance from the owner of the Bull and Goose public house. When he arrived, he was set on by a group of unknown and subsequently un-arrested individuals. He suffered a severe beating and died on site.
Finally, we have the last grave on the tour. This belongs to Masinda Raj. She died in 1912 and was the last person recorded as dying from the cholera outbreak in 1905. Her family criticised the treatment she received from the doctors, particularly one Doctor Adamson. A subsequent investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing on his part, but he did resign his position several months later.
And that is the end of the tour, Ladies and Gentlemen. Thank you for your attention, I hope you found it worthwhile and learned something of the town’s history.