There are three memorials in Hull General Cemetery made from cast iron. The Eleanor Crosses
Two are shaped in the form of Eleanor Crosses. The third is a much smaller version of the same model. The first cross was erected on Elizabeth Stather’s grave by her husband, Thomas Stather. His firm of engineers, Thompson and Stather, had cast this first model and it was erected in 1863. The second one was erected after this date and it stood on the Mason grave.
Bill Longbone is one of the long standing members of the Friends of Hull General Cemetery Committee. He recently acquired the memorial book of Benjamin Burnett Mason. Memorial books were a Victorian innovation for the wealthy and famous. They listed within them the achievements of the deceased as well as the lavish funeral arrangements made for their departure. Published after the funeral it usually included the names of the people attended the funeral to show how important the dearly departed had been.
Bill asked me if I could put this book up on the site and so here it is in its entirety. I hope you enjoy it. And thank you Bill for this view of the history of the Mason family and also an insight into Victorian funeral practices.
Pete Lowden is a member of the Friends of Hull General Cemetery committee which is committed to reclaiming the cemetery and returning it back to a community resource.