Smethurst Memorial

GRIMSBY

TA2608SE PEOPLES PARK 699-1/29/53 Smethurst Memorial

II

Memorial obelisk. c1892, by RW Ray of Grimsby. Limestone. Square-section stepped plinth inscribed: R. W. RAY, CARVER, GRIMSBY. Square base with relief carving of portrait medallion and mayoral mace flanked by coats of arms. Inscription below reads: ALDERMAN HENRY SMETHURST JP/ MAYOR OF GRIMSBY 1886 & 1887/ CHAIRMAN OF THE SCHOOLBOARD 1880-1889/ BORN 1819 DIED 1892. Right return inscribed: AN EARNEST AND SUCCESSFUL WORKER/ IN THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH/ AND IN THE TEMPERANCE CAUSE FOR MORE/ THAN FIFTY YEARS. Left return inscribed: HIS FELLOW CITIZENS RAISED THIS MONUMENT TO COMMEMORATE THEIR APPRECIATION OF HIS CHARACTER, AS WELL IN HIS PRIVATE AS PUBLIC LIFE. Above this is a realistically-carved blockwork obelisk, profusely draped and stacked around with sailing and fishing gear, including ropes, cables and pulleys; nets, sails and flags; chains, anchors and a buoy inscribed GV180; seaweed, crabs and barnacles. Smethurst, a leading figure in Grimsby, owned the port's largest fleet of fishing smacks. Peoples Park, landscaped with a lake, trees, flower beds etc., was presented to the town by Lord Heneage in 1883. (Grimsby Planning Department: Wellow Conservation Area: Grimsby Borough Council: 1972-: MAP).

Listing NGR: TA2689708399