A historic pet gravestone in Woodthorpe Grange Park has been restored and reinstalled after a four-year search for local stonemasons capable of replicating the original design. The memorial belongs to Faithful Old Tim, a family pet of the former owners of the Grange and Woodthorpe Estate, and has been a feature of the park since it opened to the public in 1922.
Vandalism and the Search for a Stonemason
The original stone was damaged by vandals, prompting the Friends of Woodthorpe Grange Park to seek a replacement. However, finding a craftsman able to faithfully reproduce the intricate design and inscription proved challenging. After four years of searching, they finally secured the expertise needed.
Jason Barret of Natural Cut Stone Ltd donated York stone for the project, while James Whitbread from Whitbread Restoration volunteered his time to shape and inscribe the memorial. Both businesses provided their services at no cost to the park group.
Gratitude from the Community
Members of the Friends of Woodthorpe Grange Park expressed deep gratitude to both companies. In a statement, a spokesperson said: “We are incredibly thankful to Jason and James for their generosity and skill. It was important to us that the monument was faithfully recreated for park visitors, and they made that possible.”
The new stone was installed earlier this month. It replicates the original wording and design, ensuring that the memory of Faithful Old Tim remains a part of the park’s history.
Historical Significance
Faithful Old Tim was a cherished pet of the former owners of the Grange and Woodthorpe Estate, a large country house and grounds that later became the public park. The gravestone is one of several historic features in the park, which is a popular green space for locals and visitors alike.
The restoration project highlights the importance of preserving local heritage. The Friends group continues to maintain and enhance the park’s historic elements, relying on volunteers and donations to fund their work.
