Restoration of Captain William Le Lacheur’s Highgate headstone moves to next stage
- Stage One of the renovation of Captain William Le Lacheur’s headstone has been successfully completed.
- The headstone suffered severe structural damage, leading to its repositioning.
- Initial restoration costs amounted to £8,500, funded by donors in Guernsey and the Guernsey Society.
- The next phase requires professional cleaning and repair work, estimated at £3,400.
- Donations are being sought to fully restore the memorial, which links Guernsey, Britain, and Costa Rica.
The restoration of Captain William Le Lacheur’s headstone at Highgate Cemetery in London has reached a milestone with the successful completion of the first stage.
This initial phase involved the recovery and stabilisation of the headstone, which had broken away from its base and slid down a steep bank, becoming lodged against a tree.
Following this incident, cemetery staff installed temporary restraints, allowing for the involvement of specialised conservators from the London Stone Conservation Company.
Their efforts included repairs and repositioning of the headstone, completing this stage at a cost of £8,500, which was covered by contributions from donors both in Guernsey and through the Guernsey Society.
The headstone remains in poor condition, with much of the inscription now illegible. The next stage in the restoration process will involve cleaning by stonemasons Luxtons.
Founder Neil Luxton boasts four decades of expertise, having restored listed memorials for organisations such as the National Trust and English Heritage. Luxtons are the recommended stonemasons by Highgate Cemetery and have estimated that their cleaning services will cost £3,400, with additional specialist work anticipated for restoring the lead lettering.
Keith Le Page, Chairman of the Guernsey Society, expressed the significance of this restoration project: “This headstone is not just a memorial to one man and his family, but a tangible link between Guernsey, Britain and Costa Rica. Completing Stage One is a significant milestone, but we now need the public’s support to ensure Captain Le Lacheur’s legacy is properly preserved for future generations.”
Captain Le Lacheur, born on 15 October 1802, is an important figure with historic ties to Costa Rica.
He is credited in the country with having transformed its economy of the country by establishing a direct regular trade route for coffee growers to the European market. That began in 1843, when his ship Monarch arrived in Puntarenas and loaded the first cargo of nearly 5,000 bags of coffee.
An appeal for further donations is now underway. Contributions can be made by contacting Marguerite Talmage at margueritetalmage@gmail.com or on 07911 719081.
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