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News detail The article is headed 'Church's grave survey must be independent' and appears on page 6 of this weeks edition. Sir - I read with great amusement the article in the Times 'Grave Concerns over plan for listed church'. It was full of fictious information. It said that research suggested that 2,000 bodies were buried on the site - you could not fit 200 bodies on the site let alone 2,000. The previous church on the site was a small pretty Georgian private chappel and there are photograph showing a few headstones. The present church was built in 1887 following the demolition of the chapel. The area where the graves were was covered in part by the existing building. A recent survey by professional archeologists found nothing but Victorian rubble. The Musical Museum moved into the church in 1963 and no human remains have ever come to the surface in that time. The front gardens were paved over in 1990 as part on the environmental improvements to the surrounds of the church. I think there may be a confusion with the burial ground elsewhere in Brentford which was in the old Parish boundary of St George. With regards to those who want to keep the building standing I suggest they come and have a close look at it. The Museum would not be moving out at great cost if the building could be saved. If one just touches the outside walls chunks of the stone come off in your hand. The Museum is open Sat and Sun 2.-5. pm so not only can you see the cracks from the inside but you can see and hear the lovely musical instruments as well!
Michael Ryder
Sir - Members of the Holland Gardens Residents Community have undertaken considerable research into St George's Church and it's grounds, inclusive of discussions with local authors responsible for historic books on Brentford, and searches of the London Metropolitan Archives. Our results reveal not only maps indicating grave yards within the current grounds of the church, but also lists of 2299 names of people buried within the site. But most importantly we found an original document dated 1885 indicating what was to happen to any remains and headstones disturbed during demolition of the previous church (chapel) and building of the current church. I have sent a copy of the transcription of the London Metropolitan Archives document to (the Times) with relevant sections highlighted to validate this statement (reproduction of this document must be authorised by St Paul's Church, Brentford). We have also sent a copy of a letter from a local resident who remembers bones surfacing in recent years, a statement reiterated by one of the Church Commissioners. It is therefore imperative that those wishing to demolish St George's Church come up with substantial evidence to ensure no remains are in-situ either within the grounds or within St George's Church itself. Curiously, it is the organisation who has most to benefit from the demolition that is charged with establishing the site is clear of (human) remains. This procedure MUST be undertaken by an independent surveyor and not any developer. Our goal is quite simple - let's see all possible options to retain the building and leave demolition as a last resort. On a different note I struggle with the concept that someone can maintain, cherish and love historic musical instruments but not care less about one of the only buildings of historic note left in Brentford. Do I need to put a 200 year old Steinway (literally) under the hammer to make the point? A web site has been set up to allow resoidents to vote on what they think should happen to the church. Visit www.hollandgardens.org
Stephen Browne, Secretary
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