On 30 July 2026, a new memorial was unveiled at Colchester Cemetery to honour Thomas Bolton, the first person to be buried there in 1856.
Thomas Bolton, a cordwainer who lived at Winsley Square almshouses, holds a unique place in Colchester’s history as the first person to be buried in Colchester Cemetery 170 years ago. The cemetery was consecrated by the Bishop of Rochester on 25 April 1856 and Thomas was laid to rest there on 2 May 1856.
For many years, Thomas Bolton’s grave remained unmarked. Through dedicated research by Colchester historian Sharon Mooney, supported by Sir Bob Russell, his story was rediscovered and brought back into public awareness. The research also helped reconnect Thomas’s history with his descendants, including his three-times great-granddaughter, Kathy Dathan.
A surprise beneath the surface
While preparing for the installation of the new memorial, the cemetery team unexpectedly uncovered Thomas Bolton’s original headstone, which had been buried and hidden from view for many years. The team kept the discovery a secret until the unveiling ceremony. When the Mayor and Sharon unveiled the memorial, Thomas’s family were delighted to discover not only the new headstone but also Thomas’s long-lost original marker, making the occasion even more poignant and memorable.
While preparing for the installation of the new memorial, the cemetery team unexpectedly uncovered Thomas Bolton’s original headstone, which had been buried and hidden from view for many years. The team kept the discovery a secret until the unveiling ceremony. When the Mayor and Sharon unveiled the memorial, Thomas’s family were delighted to discover not only the new headstone but also Thomas’s long-lost original marker, making the occasion even more poignant and memorable.
The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Andrew Ellis, said: “One of the greatest privileges of being Mayor is helping to preserve and celebrate the stories that have shaped our city. A memorial is more than a stone, it is a statement that every life matters and every story deserves to be remembered. Today we are finally giving Thomas Bolton, the first person to be buried in this cemetery, the lasting memorial he deserves, and ensuring his place in Colchester’s history is not lost.”
Trevor Hunnabll, Chairman of Hunnaball Family Group, said: “Our Memorial Team approached this with the utmost care and respect, recognising the historical importance of Thomas and Elizabeth Bolton's story. It has been a privilege to create a lasting memorial that honours not only the first burial in Colchester Cemetery, but also a family whose descendants were able to share in this very special occasion.”
Colchester historian Sharon Mooney said: “As I take tours around Colchester Cemetery, one of the first questions people ask me is, ‘Where is the first burial?’ Until now, I could never show them a memorial. To know that Thomas Bolton was the very first person buried here, finally has a visible marker is incredibly special. This memorial means we can properly tell his story and honour his place in the history of this cemetery.”