Pet Cemetery

The pet cemetery in Thornes Park lies to the left of the path going behind the Aviary. This was where the Gaskell family laid their family pets to rest in the grounds of Thornes House. The largest of the headstones is engraved to “My Mouse” and there are smaller headstones to the family dogs commemorating “Geordie” (1868-1882), “Jack” (1896-1910) and “Sin” (died 1910). The inscription on Geordie’s headstone is in Latin and here’s an idea of the translation of this “ever mindful dog”:
“He rests among beloved seats of love,
To whom the Fates granted to enjoy nearly thrice times five years.
Having been snatched away in venerable old age he leaves this dear place to us,
Nor did his heart lack faith, ever mindful dog”.