William Wood Memorial, Eyam

William Wood was born on December 6th 1804, son of William Wood, a lead-miner, and the second in a family of four sons and three daughters. He died on June 27th, 1865, and was buried near the church where a small headstone bearing simply his date of death and initials identifies his grave. This Memorial, frequently mistaken for his actual grave, was erected nearby by public subscription.

The inscription on the front of the memorial says:-

In Memory of
William WOOD
who died June 27. 1865
Aged 60 Years.
Author of the
History and Antiquities of Eyam.
Tales and Traditions of the Peak &c
Men but like visions are
Time all doth claim.
He lives who dies and
leaves a lasting name.

A further inscription commemorates William's widow Sarah:-

Also / of Sarah
the wife of / William Wood
who departed this life
March 15th, 1886
In her seventy seventh Year.

The dedication on the memorial says:-

This / Monument
was erected
by his Neighbours and
Friends, to record their high
Opinion of his Upright and
Faithfull Character,
and their Admiration of his
Genius and Literary Attainments.

A Biography of William Wood of Eyam (1804-1865) is provided on a separate webpage.

(Commentary provided by Rosemary Lockie)