Mary May Prestage

[Mancunian194]

Hi,

This poser is about sharing graves!

Frank Neal, born 1873 in Ladybarn, Manchester, died in Q4 1924/Q1 1925 and was buried on 6th January 1925 at Southern Cemetery, Manchester, in plot V 723 (Consecrated). The grave also holds other family members but it also contains a Marian (Marion) May Prestage, buried 25th February 1949.

The presence of Marian May Prestage is a bit of a mystery. I wondered if she was the daughter of a Neal female marrying in to the Prestage family, but I can’t find such evidence. What I have uncovered is that Marian, born Q3 1882 in Fallowfield, is the daughter of Helena Prestage (born 1861), who was a widow in 1891. Helena was the 'beerhouse keeper' of Stamford Arms, 73 Dale Street, Hulme. Helena died in 1920 and was buried on 1st May 1920 at Southern Cemetery in plot U 723 (Consecrated) so why wasn't Marion buried in that grave?

Thanks & Regards

[CaroleW]

Is it possible there is or was a mix up given that the grave numbers are the same and a V and a U can look very similar

[Mancunian194]

Hi,

There may be a mix up but I'm going off the records at http://www.burialrecords.manchester.gov.uk/.

I may know more if I get to visit the grave (and there's a legible headstone!)

Thanks & Regards

[Milliepede]

Looking at Helena to see who she was but can't find her marriage to a Prestage - unusual name.

[Mancunian194]

Carole,

Rereading your post I think you are correct. Helena was buried in U 723 and Marian supposedly in V 723 so who ever recorded the burial locations could have easily misread the data.

Another grave to check!

Thanks & regards

[Mancunian194]

Carole,

Checked the graves today. Helena's grave, U723, has no headstone! Marian's supposed grave, V723, has no mention of her. So I think you are right. I've also asked the Council if they can check their sources about this discrepancy.

Thanks & Regards

[CaroleW]

Hi

V723 and U723 - too much of a coincidence isn't it.  I'm sure they will sort it out for you so good luck

[Mancunian194]

Hi,

Manchester Cemeteries have confirmed it was a mistake; Helena and Marian should be in the same grave, U723. Good spot.

Regards

[CaroleW]

That's great news - thanks for letting me know