‘Mystery’ gate repair honours fallen strangers

Monday 23 September 2019

A ‘mystery’ gate belonging to a former graveyard for unidentified islanders has been rescued from falling into obscurity and disrepair.

Unmarked until now, many islanders were confused and intrigued as to the provenance of the once overgrown and rusty gate on Old St. John's Road.

But a transformative new mural by a Hautlieu student has helped bring its heritage as a former Strangers' Cemetery to life.

The renovation comes thanks to Lee Butler of Andium Homes’ Repairs and Facilities Team, who began researching the gate’s provenance when he spotted it earlier this year. 

Having contacted Jersey Heritage, he learned that the now-blocked access point on the retaining wall of Westmount Park was not Listed.

Pictured: Before the refurb... 

Continuing his research, he went on to learn that the gate was, in fact, once the entrance to the former Strangers’ Cemetery, dating back more than 180 years.

With Jersey having fallen victim to an outbreak of illness carried by returning troops in the late 1700s, many islanders died – a figure that only increased with the arrival of cholera in the 1830s.

Burial grounds therefore became overcrowded, leading the States to purchase grounds at Westmount to become a Strangers' Cemetery, according to The Island Wiki. The graveyard, which later also became a Garrison Cemetery, was subsequently dedicated in 1832.

Among Lee's plans to acknowledge the site’s history was the creation of a granite plaque to adorn the wall next to it.

Pictured: Lee with the transformed Strangers' Cemetery gate.

He also arranged for the growth to be removed, and had the gates taken away and completely refurbished. 

The most notable addition, however, was a colourful mural completed by a student from Hautlieu School.

Sharing the news on Facebook, an Andium spokesperson commented: “We are sure you will agree that the transformation is really very special. Well done Lee, great job!”

The post attracted over 200 ‘likes’ and reactions, and dozens of complimentary comments, including from Housing Minister Senator Sam Mézec, who said: “Fantastic. Great to see our heritage restored in this way. Good job Lee!” 

One mum described the mural as a “beautiful art tribute”, while another islander commented: “Wow! Have walked past that gate for years and always wondered what its origin was. Saw that it had been refurbed recently but can’t wait to pop along now and see this. Looks great.”