Folklore Thursday – Forget-Me-Nots and Barton Family Grave

The dainty Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis sylvatica), is a European native now growing in Castle Bromwich Graveyard. This harbinger of spring and member of the Borage family, loves the shady spots at the base of headstones and under the trees.

Some say that  it was the floral equivalent of last to be picked at games when the flowers were named, and its plaintive cry gave the flower its name. But we prefer the Medieval lore which states a knight errant and his lady walked along a river, and that gentleman bent down to pick his lady-love a bouquet of these blue flowers. Unfortunately, he lost his footing on some slippery rocks and fell into the river. The weight of his armour was too much. His last words cried out before being claimed by the depths was “Forget-me-not.”

To this day, the Forget-Me-Not is given to someone who you hope will keep you in their thoughts.

With that in mind, they grow throughout Castle Bromwich Graveyard as a reminder of those who have been gone for many years. Today we are taking time to remember Thomas, Mary and Charles Barton whose grave is appropriately smothered in Forget-Me-Nots.

Thomas was the son of James Barton and his wife Ann née Hudson. He was born in Castle Bromwich on 22nd June 1794 and baptised on 15th May the following year. He married his first wife, Elizabeth, on 20th July 1815. The couple appear to have had eleven children, one of whom was Charles. Elizabeth died on 5th July 1838. She was buried in Castle Bromwich Graveyard four days later. Her grave, which she shares with her mother Annie Godwin, is close to her husband’s final resting place. Thomas remarried, his second wife being Mary. Mary died on 22nd December 1864 and was buried five days later.

Thomas’ son Charles was born on 11th November 1829. He never married and died on 21st February 1875. He was buried in the same grave as his step-mother four days later. Thomas himself died on 27th October 1883, he was buried in the same grave as his son and second wife on 2nd November. During his later years Thomas’ occupation is recorded as a Master Farmer and his home address is given as the Sycamores, Castle Bromwich.