Mystery grave of dogs who had their day
Pilot, Gyp, and Turk lie together in Newport – and now a local historian is looking for a lead as she tries to unravel the mystery of the town's doggy grave.
The gravestone in Clemmett Close, off Beaumaris Road, includes a poem in affectionate memory of Pilot, who died on May 24, 1886, aged 12.
It reads: "Here Pilot lies, a faithful friend was he, when fortune smiled or in adversity, to do his utmost he would always try, with wagging tail and love-illumined eye. Alas, he's gone, rest light the soil above, one who though dog, deserved his master's love."
Also recorded on the tombstone are Gyp and Turk – presumably also dogs. Gyp died on October 7, 1892 – no age is given on the stone – while Turk died on November 11, 1894, aged 12.
Linda Fletcher, of Newport History Society, is trying to find out more about the unusual memorial.
"It is something of mystery as to who owned the dogs," she said.
"There was never any house on the land. In the mid-19th century the land was owned by the Morris family. They were attorneys. They owned much of the north west side of High Street towards Lower Bar, and fields on Beaumaris Road.
"The grave is on the left hand side of the communal car park close to the hedge."
Can you shed any light on Newport's dogs' grave? Drop a line if so to toby.neal@shropshirestar.co.uk
