A mysterious tribute to a cat who died in the 19th Century has left locals baffled.
The headstone can be found in Mayer Park in Bebington, Wirral - and its unusual message provoked discussion in a community Facebook group.
The headstone at the council managed park appears to read: “Jack a most intelligent and affectionate cat buried 27 April 1883.”
Thankfully, Dennis Boyd, chair of the Friends of Mayer Park, knew the full story.
Speaking to the ECHO, Mr Boyd said Jack was the cat belonging to Joseph Mayer, who the park is named after.
Joseph Mayer, who was born in 1803 and died in 1886, became a wealthy goldsmith and jeweller in the early nineteenth century.
Mr Boyd said Joseph Mayer was a “very important individual” for Merseyside.
Mr Mayer moved to Liverpool in 1822 and to Bebington in 1860, where he bought Pennant House.
When his cat died in 1883, Mr Mayer buried him in his private garden, which is today part of the park.
Describing Joseph Mayer, Mr Boyd said: “He never married, but was very much into arts and crafts, as well as educating the local community.
“He was a kind and intelligent person who did a lot of good for the area. It seems that he had his cat for companionship.”
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The park only got its current name after Joseph Mayer died in 1886.
In 1902, just 16 years later, the now defunct Bebington Council bought Mr Mayer’s home and gardens. That is when the headstone became open to the public.
Many walkers said they enjoyed seeing the headstone as they passed by and were intrigued about its origin.
Danny Sadler posted a picture of it on the Bebington Community Page.
Reflecting the mood of those who reacted to his post, he said: “It’s nice that a pet someone obviously cared so much for is still remembered as a part of local history.”
