Quaker memorial set to be unveiled

A burial ground dating back over 300 years and which is the final resting place for 200 Quakers is the site of a new memorial to be unveiled on Saturday in Waterford.

The memorial has been erected at the burial ground at John’s Lane in Waterford City as part of the Waterford 1100 celebrations, and also to mark the end of National Heritage Week.

The unveiling will be performed by mayor of the city metropolitan area, Cllr Lola O’Sullivan, and will remember those who were buried on the site during its period of use between 1689 and 1764.

This was the first burial ground used by the Quaker community in Waterford and the second at the adjacent Wyse Park was offered by the community in 1944 to be used by the city council for public amenities.

Joan Johnson of the Waterford Quaker Community said both sites had been given over to the city by 1950.

“Due to their geographic locations, right in the centre of the city and inside the ancient city walls, many local residents of the time still have happy and fond memories of the well-maintained playground that was created there.”

She said it will be “wonderful” to have a memorial unveiled at the sites.

The early Waterford Quakers, buried in John’s Lane, were behind many of the successful businesses established in the area in the late 18th century. These businesses had substantial influences during the next century and beyond, in industry, relief work, in education and in the development of Ireland’s oldest City.

Some of the most recognisable names include Strangman who established a brewery in Waterford in 1772; Jacob who was the name behind Jacob’s Cream Crackers, whose direct descendants were to establish firms in shipbuilding and biscuit making in Waterford, and Penrose who founded the Waterford glass works in 1783.

The memorial will be opened to the public at 11am this Saturday, followed by guided tours at the burial ground, with Joan Johnson talking about the various 19th and 20th Century Quakers buried there.