Gravestones of a certain age take on a new meaning beyond their original intent. Rather than serving as a memorial, a marker for the grieving, once those with held memories have also departed these stones become historical documents, as if pages from a book or a newspaper were transformed into their own monuments, records that show people who once had a tale to tell. Let’s look at three such ‘talestones’ from Dovercourt Cemetery, for former Harwich residents, and bring a little life back to each.
Isaac Charles Pratt
In loving memory of Isaac Charles Pratt who died March 5th 1884 aged 39 years. Also of Mathilde, second daughter of the above who fell asleep August 23rd 1890, aged 15 years. Also of Charles Thompson, eldest son of the above who was drowned off the coast of Brazil in a gallant endeavour to save the lives of his shipmates December 29th 1905, Also of Claud Vowles, 2nd son of the above who was drowned off Cape Vilano April 10th 1911, Deeply lamented by their mother
Already very detailed, with two stories told directly, but as for Isaac himself, he was an Ipswich man, originally a “Chief Steward on board the Continental Steamers of the Great Eastern Railway Company“, before taking over at the White Hart Hotel, Harwich, in December 1880 (it formerly stood at the site of present-day White Hart Lane). He died while still proprietor, and the licence was transferred to his widow, Matilda Hannah Pratt.
Thomas Hill Jennings
In loving memory of Thomas Hill Jennings, the beloved husband of Elizabeth Sarah Jennings, who died March 1st 1890 aged 57 years.
But the Lord doth nought amiss, And since He hath ordered this, We have nought to do but still, Rest in silence on his will.
“Though lost to sight, to memory dear.”
Also William Sims, son of the above who died Febry 27th 1893 aged 18 years.
Take ye heed watch & pray for ye know not when the time is
Thomas Jennings, from Sheerness, was another landlord, this time of the Alma Inn, from about 1869 to 1882, as well as a fish merchant and a town councillor. Thomas married Elizabeth Sarah Clark at Dovercourt All Saints on August 1 1859; their son William Sims Jennings was born September 11 1874, and baptised at Harwich St Nicholas a month later.
Tuttell Mann Curtis
In loving memory of Tuttell Mann Curtis the beloved husband of Maria Curtis, who died 21st March 1899, aged 58 years.
Affliction sore long years he bore, Physicians were in vain, Till God in love called home his soul, And freed him from his pain.
Tuttell was from Norfolk, as was his wife Maria. Tuttell was remarkable in his own way, as the Essex Standard described:
Deceased, who died on Tuesday, March 21, after a long and protracted illness, was the tallest man in Harwich, his coffin measuring 7ft. 1in. His age was 58 years, and he was from 1863 to 1876 a member of the Harwich Constabulary, from which he had to retire on account of illness. He had been for the past 20 years a great sufferer from chronic asthma, which was the chief cause of his death. He leaves a widow and seven children.
Essex Standard, Saturday April 1 1899, P7
Harwicensis 