Inside the tiny Nottingham city centre public garden where a legend is buried
You may have walked past the tomb without even realising
If you’re Nottingham born and bred, then chances are you’ll be familiar with the name Bendigo.
There was, of course, the Bendigo pub in Sneinton, which stood just a stone’s throw from Bendigo Lane.
Foodies may also be familiar with the Bendigo Lounge, a highly-rated café and bar in Beeston.
But who was Bendigo and why does he have such a huge connection with Nottingham?
Born William Abednego Thompson in Trinity Walk some 213 years ago, Bendigo was one of 21 children and grew up in poverty.
He became a professional boxer at the age of 21 and only lost one fight during his career.
Bendigo died on August 23, 1880, after falling down the stairs of his Beeston home.
Four days later Bendigo was laid to rest, but not where you might expect.
Over the years Nottingham Rock Cemetery has earned a reputation for being the final resting place of many notable local people such as architect Watson Fothergill and former mayor Edwin Patchitt.
However, following a funeral procession which saw thousands line the streets of Nottingham, Bendigo was taken to one of the lesser-known city burial grounds.
St Mary’s Rest Garden, in Bath Street, was opened in 1836 following a devastating cholera outbreak which left many of the city’s cemeteries nearing capacity.
The site was used as a cemetery until 1950, before being transformed into a public garden.
Those entering the garden from Bath Street will notice a large monument of a lion located close to the road.
This is Bendigo’s tomb, which was originally positioned in the centre of the cemetery before it was converted into a public garden.
An inscription on the tomb reads: “In life Always brave, fighting like a lion. In death like a Lamb, tranquil in Zion.”
In 1995 the monument was Grade II listed by Historic England, recognising its cultural significance to the city of Nottingham.
These days St Mary’s Garden is a popular place for workers to visit on their lunch break or simply somewhere to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
But next time you’re passing, it might be worth stopping by and taking a moment to pay your respect to a bona fide Nottingham legend.