To all my followers, as you know I have a deep personal connection to the history of Plymouth through my lifelong passion for collecting stoneware ginger beer bottles.

One name that stands out in this history is W. Biscombe & Sons, a family business that helped shape the local industry for nearly a century. At the heart of this story is William Biscombe, a man who gave so much to the city, both as a businessman and a father.

William founded his company in 1857 and operated it with integrity and vision until his death in 1903. He was a well-respected pillar of the community, known for his hard work and dedication to his family. He had 11 children with his wife, Charlotte Biscombe. Together, they created a legacy that lives on in the stoneware they crafted.

But despite his significance in Plymouth’s history, his grave – like so many others over time – had been forgotten, buried under the weight of neglect.

In my journey to find and honor his resting place, I was struck with both sorrow and relief. After some tireless searching, I found his grave at Ford Park Cemetery, but it was in poor condition – a marble base without a headstone, hidden beneath mud and overgrowth.

With the help of some local groundworkers, we managed to lift the heavy stone that had been lying face down for years. Thankfully, it was indeed William’s headstone. The inscription revealed that Charlotte, his beloved wife, was buried beside him, along with their son, John Montague Biscombe, who died tragically young at just 28.

It was a powerful moment. I felt the weight of history, the pain of loss, and the immense respect that this family deserves. William was a man who shaped an entire industry and contributed so much to the life of Plymouth, but in death, his resting place was abandoned.

I’ve made it my mission to bring dignity back to their gravesite. Thanks to the generous help of Debbie at Elite Memorial Cleaning, the stone has been cleaned, revealing the beauty of its inscription once again. But the stone still lies half-buried in the mud.

Now, I’m reaching out for your help!!!!

To complete my journey, I need to raise £600. This will cover the cost for the repair and reinstatement of the headstone by a local stonemason - who will put the stone back to its rightful resting place, standing tall and proud for future generations to see and remember.

My search also led me to the burials of his 5 sons and 6 daughters;

William Biscombe Junior. 1857-1916. Aged 59 years.

Buried at Ford Park cemetery with his sister Kate

Kate Biscombe. 1859-1923. Aged 64 Years

Buried at Ford Park cemetery with her brother William

John Montague Biscombe. 1861-1890. Aged 29 Years

Buried at Ford Park Cemetery with his Mother & Father

Evaline Maude Biscombe. 1863-1947. Aged 84 Years

Cremated at Efford Crematorium and ashes spread within the garden of remembrance

Fred Biscombe. 1865-1937. Aged 72 Years

Buried at Efford cemetery with his beloved wife

Charlotte Biscombe. 1869-1872. Aged 4 Years

Buried at Ford Park cemetery in a common grave

Elizabeth Biscombe. 1869-1872. Aged 3 Years

Buried at Ford Park cemetery in a common grave

Lucy Biscombe. 1871-1965. Aged 94 Years

Buried at Efford cemetery with her beloved husband

Bessie Biscombe. 1872-1976. Aged 104 Years

Cremated at Efford Crematorium and ashes spread within the garden of remembrance

James Biscombe. 1874-1967. Aged 93 Years

Cremated at Efford Crematorium and ashes spread within the garden of remembrance

Alfred Joseph Biscombe. 1876-1959. Aged 83 Years

Cremated at Efford Crematorium and ashes spread within the garden of remembrance

Can you help me......?