The Churchyard Action Group of St Mary's in Prestwich are preparing to apply for funding to restore the Grade II* John Brooks Monument before it deteriorates too far.

This will require a preliminary report by an expert monumental stone mason which will then identify the remedial works required so that quotes can be obtained and grants can be applied for from suitable bodies such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund & the National Heritage Memorial Fund. Public donations are also saught as such grants rarely provide the full amount of funding required.

John was politically active, standing as a Liberal Parliamentary candidate at one stage. In addition he was one of the earliest and most zealous members of the Council of the Anti-Corn-Law League (a major political movement agitating against the Bread Tax) and was recognised as a powerful public speaker.

He laced his speeches with facts, and was described as original and forcible when speaking.

John also gave financially to the Anti-Corn-Law League, and travelled the length and breadth of the country lecturing and advising on its aims and methods. He was also part of a delegation sent to meet with Sir Robert Peel at Downing Street, to try and convince him of the dreadful impact that the Corn Laws of 1815 were having on the working classes throughout the country. Along with Richard Cobden, he continued to be one of the hardest workers until the dissolution of The League.

He was not only liberal with his purse to strangers, but also remarkably generous to his dependents. He was tolerant of other men's opinions, and known for his liberality to employees and others who were in distress.

You can read more about John Brooks and his monument at Prestwich.org.uk