The Guernsey Society has launched a major fundraising appeal to restore the deteriorating gravestone of Captain William Le Lacheur.
The Guernseyman is considered a hero in Costa Rica after his entrepreneurship and naval skills were instrumental in building the country’s coffee export market.
Born in Guernsey in 1802, Le Lacheur was famed for sailing between London and Costa Rica, including in the then-quickest time recorded. His frequent trips helped to build the coffee export market as well as other economic and cultural partnerships that Costa Rica still benefits from today.
When Le Lacheur died in 1863 he was buried in London’s Highgate Cemetery where his grave has fallen into serious disrepair and is now deemed at risk of collapse.
The Guernsey Society estimates the restoration will cost £20,000, but Marguerite Talmage said it is worth it.
Her great-great-grandfather, Captain John Lucas, was master of the clipper William Le Lacheur. Other Guernseymen also served aboard Captain Le Lacheur’s ships, she said, and their work should all be remembered.
“My ancestor completed the return voyage from London to Costa Rica several times and held the record for the fastest journey between Costa Rica and London in 94 days. My family and the Le Lacheurs grew up a mile apart in the Forest parish and would have known each other well.”
Plaques honouring Le Lacheur – and by association his crew and their joint legacy – can be found in Guernsey in the Forest where he grew up, at St Katharine Docks in London, and at the Church of the Good Shepherd in San José, Costa Rica.
However, Ms Talmage said his Highgate gravestone faces potential loss without the urgent conservation work.
Keith Le Page, Chairman of the Guernsey Society, said it is a priority of the group to ensure the grave isn’t lost.
“Captain Le Lacheur is one of Guernsey’s great figures, someone whose vision, compassion, and enterprise helped shape the future of another nation. His story deserves to be remembered, and his memorial preserved for future generations. We hope the community, both in Guernsey and abroad, will join us in supporting this restoration appeal.”
Helen Glencross, Head of Culture and Heritage Services at Guernsey Museums and Galleries, has pledged a contribution towards the restoration.
“Guernsey Museums recognises William Le Lacheur as an important islander who had an impact far beyond our island shores. With this in mind, Guernsey Museums are actively supporting the restoration of his headstone in Highgate Cemetery, and to encourage others to also support this important conservation.”
The fundraising appeal is supported by His Excellency Mr Rafael Ortiz Fabrega, the Costa Rican Ambassador to the United Kingdom, who has previously visited Guernsey in recognition of the island’s historic ties with his country.
Film maker Jose Palma, from Meliora Productions, is planning a feature picture on Le Lacheur’s life story.
He was in Guernsey recently to see where Le Lacheur had come from, and is also supporting the gravestone restoration campaign.
“We will definitely support that, simply because, the same reason why film helps to preserve history and be a reflection over history, I think it’s important to take action. So whilst we make a film, it is important to be able to really keep this history alive in a material form and to show the respect of the legacy of wonderful individuals in the history of Guernsey.”
Donations to the appeal can be made through the Guernsey Society by contacting Marguerite Talmage on 07911 719081 or margueritetalmage@gmail.com.