We’re always interested in memorials that are a little bit out of the ordinary. Here’s one for Sir John Bent (1793 – 1857) which caught our eye recently…

Sir John Bent, Yorkstone Memorial, Toxteth Park Cemetery

Nestled within Toxteth Park Cemetery is a memorial to Sir John Bent MP. This was one of the cemetery’s earliest monuments and is Grade II Listed. It was designed in the Classical Revival style – with Doric columns and wreaths – at a time when Gothic styles were becoming more fashionable.

Brewer and Lord Mayor

Sir John was born in 1793 and was the owner of Bents’ Brewery. He also held the office of Lord Mayor of Liverpool from 1850-1851. This title has been in existence since King John founded the area of Liverpool, granting it the status as an official town by Royal Charter in 1207. It’s not to be confused with the more modern office of elected mayor of Liverpool!

He had the honour of being knighted at the Town Hall by Queen Victoria on her visit to Liverpool in October 1851. The local paper recorded the event as having “much pomp and splendour and the streets thronged with people”.

Sir John died on 13 August 1857 at the age of 64. His portrait, painted in 1855 by John Phillip, can be seen at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, or here on the BBC website.

Do you know more about the life and work of Sir John Bent? If so, contact us here with details…

Louise McTigue is a freelance writer and researcher, writing on behalf of Sarsfield Memorials