Watler Cemetery

The Watler Cemetery is a historic cemetery located in the settlement of Propsect on Grand Cayman. It was donated to the National Trust for the Cayman Islands by the Watler family in 1991 [http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/info/watler.html NATIONAL TRUST for the Cayman Islands ] ] .

Although the graves in the cemetery currently date from the beginning of the nineteenth century, it is possible that the site was in use even before that, as Watlers have lived in the Cayman Islands since the eighteenth century. It is thought that the name is a corruption of "Walters" .

Watler Cemetery is notable for the number of traditional-style grave markers which still stand within its walls. Shaped like houses, the memorials are constructed with a combination of crushed coral and limestone daub. Similar markers, dating to the Middle Ages, have been found in both England and Wales; other markers in the same style, these dating to the 1600's, may be seen across the British West Indies. The markers are designed so that a wooden coffin may be safely buried underneath; the stones are heavy enough that only the most violent of storms could dislodge them. At one time each marker had a mahogany tablet set into one wall, listing the name and dates of the deceased; unfortunately, many of these have disappeared over the years, while others have become illegible. ore modern stones cover numerous burials, but traditional markers were designed for only one body each .

The cemetery is today enlosed by an old stone wall; the original entrance is now filled in, but may be seen almost directly across from the current one. Mature trees surround the graveyard. Next door is a center run by the United Church; there is also a small beach in the area .

Today, the cemetery is almost all that remains of the town of Prospect.

Notes and references

* [http://www.nationaltrust.org.ky/info/watler.html National Trust page]