Wm Thackeray Cenotaph and Thackeray and Jones Tombs in North Part of Overleigh Cemetery

The WM Thackeray Cenotaph and the Thackeray and Jones tombs are located in the northern part of Overleigh Cemetery in Chester. The cenotaph, dedicated to William Makepeace Thackeray, was erected in 1852 and is made of yellow sandstone, designed in the style of an Eleanor Cross. It features three square steps, a plinth with cusped arches on each side, a tier of blank niches, and a crocketed spire. The plinth bears an inscription that honors Thackeray's memory, detailing his birth in Cambridge on April 15th, 1769, his death in Chester on July 29th, 1849, and his burial in the cathedral. The inscription also highlights his contributions to charitable institutions, care for the sick and needy, and kindness to children and orphans. Additionally, the base of the plinth notes that it was restored in 1905 by his granddaughter, Emma Lowe Haswell, the mason. The right side of the cenotaph is inscribed with "THE CHESTER GENERAL INFIRMARY," the left side with "THE CHESTER BLUECOAT HOSPITAL," and the rear states "ERECTED IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1852."

Adjoining the cenotaph are two weathered tombs with raised crosses, commemorating Sarah Jane Thackeray, who died in 1872, and Johanna Jones, who died in 1884. The inscriptions on the tombs read: "SARAH JANE THACKERAY, DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE, DIED DECEMBER 21ST 1872" and "JOHANNA DAUGHTER OF WILSON JONES OF HARTSHEATH: DIED MARCH 19TH 1884 AGED 49." The Thackeray commemorated here was the paternal uncle of the famous novelist, and it is likely that his qualities influenced the choice of names for his nephew.