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Mystery gravestone found near Copperhouse Lane, Gillingham, belongs to Louisa Willett from Charing

The mystery of how a gravestone came to be dumped on waste ground continues.

As reported last month, dog walker Pam Penfold discovered the discarded tribute near Copperhouse Lane, Gillingham.

The stone was for 49-year-old Louisa Willett, who died in February 1985.

The dumped gravestone found by dog walker Pam Penfold and her dog Extra on land near the Lower Rainham Road
The dumped gravestone found by dog walker Pam Penfold and her dog Extra on land near the Lower Rainham Road

Mrs Penfold contacted Kent Online's sister paper, the Medway Messenger, concerned it had been stolen.

As the stone was relatively free of moss and weeds, it was speculated it had not been there very long.

After the story appeared on our website, several people got in touch and Mrs Willett was identified as a resident of Charing, near Ashford. She is buried in the village’s cemetery.

She was married to Archie Willett and was mother of Alfred.

Following the article’s appearance, Alfred revealed the family had her stone replaced about seven years ago.

They wanted a new granite one as it would be easier to clean and maintain. He said the old headstone was taken away by the tradesman who installed the new one.

However, speaking to the Messenger, that person said he remembered the job and definitely did not take the stone away.

Although the details of how it ended up in Medway have not been revealed, Mrs Penfold was glad to hear the family had been found.

She said: “At least we now know that there isn’t a family out there wondering what happened to their loved one’s headstone.”

Have you any idea how the gravestone came to be dumped in Medway? Email medwaymessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk

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