Perhaps the most poignant of the early discoveries in the gardens at Heligan was a simple inscription. It was written in pencil on the lime-washed wall in the ‘thunderbox’, or toilet, in the garden bothy. It bears the motto, “Don’t come here to sleep or slumber”, with the names of those who worked there written underneath.
It was done at the outbreak of the First World War and, I understand, by 1915 many of the younger gardeners had gone to fight for King and Country. Adding to the poignancy was the discovery later of many of the same names on local war memorials
More details can be found, e.g., on Heligan’s website.
In recognition of the centenary, Heligan have sown a ‘Poppy Field of Remembrance’ on the West Lawn. And later this year they will be holding a Remembrance Sunday “Lest We Forget” day, on 8th Nov 2015.
It was done at the outbreak of the First World War and, I understand, by 1915 many of the younger gardeners had gone to fight for King and Country. Adding to the poignancy was the discovery later of many of the same names on local war memorials
More details can be found, e.g., on Heligan’s website.
In recognition of the centenary, Heligan have sown a ‘Poppy Field of Remembrance’ on the West Lawn. And later this year they will be holding a Remembrance Sunday “Lest We Forget” day, on 8th Nov 2015.