Vandals target centuries-old tombstones in historic Waterford park

Serious vandalism to a historic site at Wyse Park in Waterford city has caused considerable concern amongst locals, as historic walls and centuries-old tombstones were sprayed with graffiti and broken.

While in Wyse Park last week to investigate the damage, Waterford Council ground staff told us that they are regularly in the park to maintain the space. Thanks to the work of the staff, the graffiti is now completely cleaned away.

One member of staff told us that it took considerable time to remove: “It took the lads hours to clean it. It took a day or two days. It happens every now and again, every couple of weeks, and you just don’t know what you’re going to find when you come down here," he said.

The member of staff told us that council staff work hard to maintain the space, however, it is difficult given the scale of antisocial behaviour which takes place in the area.

“We’re in here every day and if not every second day, we’re even in here on a Sunday. We’re going to clean this now today and if you came in again tomorrow morning you’d think that it wasn’t done, because it's constant anti-social behaviour that’s causing it.” 

He added that vandals are damaging historic headstones and that staff occasionally find drug paraphernalia in the area.

The member of staff said that they do see youths loitering in the area and "sometimes you could get abused here". 

A barrier was formerly at the site to prevent people from accessing the historic walled-off area, and some believe it should be re-erected.

One person told the News & Star: “Before they had it railed off so people couldn’t get in there. I don’t know why they took it down."

A statement from Waterford Quakers to this newspaper stated: “Waterford Quakers are very disappointed that further damage has occurred again at Wyse Park and hope the City Council will try to safeguard any future damage to this important historical site in our city.” 

The space is under the control of Waterford City and County Council, since being handed over to what was formerly known as Waterford Corporation by the Quaker community in 1950.

The Quakers have been present in Waterford from around 1655, and continue to play an active role in the city’s economic, social, commercial and educational life. 

The location in Wyse Park is the second of two burial grounds close to the original Quaker Meeting House near Bowling Green Lane.

The earlier site on John’s Lane was used until circa 1764. It is estimated that approximately 200 burials took place in that location.

A larger, walled burial ground was purchased in the area in 1764, where approximately 450 burials took place. Some of the tombstones in Wyse Park, including those damaged and broken by vandals, are up to 400 years old.