This headstone lies flat on the ground, seemingly fallen and unfortunately cracked and damaged. Mentioned on this stone are Henry Greenwood and his wife Emily (maidenly Green). Also, their son Harold Greenwood and his wife Edith (maidenly Davis).
Harold was born in Todmorden in 1893, the only child of Henry and Emily Greenwood. On 17th June 1919 he married Edith Davis at the Parish Church. Harold at this time was living at 17 Victoria Road and was a joiner. His father had died 12 years previously when Harold was just 14 years old.
Looking through the newspapers for Harold, it became clear that he was a much respected member of the community. He was a keen footballer, playing for Portsmouth Rovers and later became Captain for Lydgate United football team. He was also a well known cricketer, playing for both the Parish cricket club and Todmorden cricket club. On top of this he was also bell ringer at the Parish church for a number of years (potentially 18 years looking at the note on his burial record)?
In 1926, Harold and Edith had their one and only child, a daughter whom they named Muriel. By 1930 the family were living at 110 Burnley Road, Harold was described as ‘a man of genial personality’.
Unfortunately, Harold was to fall ill with pneumonia and after a short illness, he died. He was just 37 years old. The flags at the parish church and the cricket ground were hoisted at half-mast to mourn his passing.
Harold seems to have achieved a lot during his relatively short life, it seems a shame that the headstone for him and his family looks so neglected. Hopefully one day (health and safety permitting), something can be done to repair and erect the headstone once again.