Grave of William and Eleanor Hardy in Kimberley Churchyard

Eleanor was buried in the same grave as William. The grave shown in the two photographs below taken in about 2002, has some curious features associated with it, as related by Roy Plumb, a local historian: -

"William's brother, Thomas, was a benefactor of the Anglican church in Kimberley. Eleanor and William's religious beliefs have always been a bit of a mystery. Their grave is facing you head-on as you enter Kimberley cemetery, just before half way up the hill. To your right are the Non-Conformist graves and to your left are the Anglican church graves. The Hardy grave is smack in the middle. The tombstone is horizontal with a somewhat rusty wrought iron grill encircling the top of it."

The dedication to William is on the Anglican side of the tombstone and references Revelations 14 Verse 13, which reads in the New English Bible : - "Moreover, I heard a voice from heaven, saying, 'Write this: "Happy are the dead who die in the faith of Christ! Henceforth" says the Spirit, "they may rest from their labours; for they take with them the record of their deeds."

The dedication to Eleanor is on the Non-conformist side and references Revelations 21 Verse 4, which reads : - "He will wipe every tear from their eyes; there shall be an end to death, and to mourning and crying and pain; for the old order has passed away!"

A possible explanation of the grave's position may be that Eleanor was, like her father and her relatives in Rugeley, a follower of the Primitive Methodists whereas her husband followed the Anglican Church. Although William certainly helped fund the Primitive Methodists in Kimberley he may have done this out of respect for Eleanor's beliefs, rather than for his own.

The grave seen from the West or Non Conformist side

The Inscription on this side refers to Eleanor Hardy and reads:

"In Loving Memory of
ELEANOR HARDY
beloved wife of WILLIAM HARDY
who passed away June 1st 1910,
aged 77 years."

REV 21. VERSE 4.

The grave seen from the East or Anglican Church side

The Inscription on this side refers to William Hardy and reads:

"In Affectionate Remembrance of
WILLIAM HARDY
Who died April 4th 1893 aged 64 years

REVELATIONS XIV. 13.