Old Church Cemetery (Cobh) facts for kids
The Old Church Cemetery is a very old and important burial ground. It is located just outside the town of Cobh in County Cork, Ireland. This cemetery holds the graves of many people. It is especially known for being the final resting place for 193 victims of the passenger ship RMS Lusitania. This ship was sunk by a German torpedo during the First World War in May 1915. More than 1,100 lives were lost in that tragic event. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission helps to look after the graves of 127 identified soldiers and sailors from the same war. This includes some of the Lusitania victims.
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Famous People Buried Here
The Old Church Cemetery is home to the graves of several interesting and famous people. Their stories are part of history.
Jack Doyle: The Irish Boxer and Singer
Jack Doyle (1913–1978) was a very well-known Irish person. People called him "The Gorgeous Gael." He was famous for two main things: being a professional boxer and a talented singer and actor. Jack Doyle had a fascinating life. He traveled the world performing and fighting. His grave is a popular spot for visitors to the cemetery.
Robert Forde: Antarctic Explorer
Robert Forde (1875–1959) was an amazing explorer. He was part of Captain Robert Falcon Scott's famous Terra Nova Expedition to the Antarctic. This journey took place between 1910 and 1913. Forde was one of the brave men who explored the icy continent. He helped map new areas and faced extreme cold. His adventures were truly remarkable.
Frederick Daniel Parslow: A War Hero
Frederick Daniel Parslow (1856–1915) was a brave sailor. He was the captain of a merchant ship during the First World War. In 1915, his ship was attacked by a German submarine. Captain Parslow showed incredible courage. He tried to save his ship and crew. For his bravery, he was given the Victoria Cross. This is the highest award for bravery in the British armed forces. He was the first person from the British merchant navy to receive this honor.
Charles Wolfe: The Poet
Charles Wolfe (1791–1823) was an Irish poet. He is best remembered for his famous poem, "The Burial of Sir John Moore at Corunna." This poem is about a British general who died in battle. Wolfe's poetry is still studied today. He lived a short life but left a lasting mark on literature.
Dr. James Roche Verling: Napoleon's Doctor
James Roche Verling (1787–1858) had a very unique job. He was the personal doctor to Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon was a famous French emperor. He was exiled to the remote island of St. Helena. Dr. Verling was there to look after him. This shows how important Dr. Verling was in history.
Other Notable Burials
- Captain Thomas Brierley was a hero. He helped rescue survivors from the sinking of the RMS Lusitania. He was awarded a medal for his brave actions.
- Louis Piatt (1876–1884) was the young son of two American poets. He sadly drowned in a boating accident in Cork Harbor.
- Six members of the crew of the British submarine HMS A5 are also buried here. Their submarine was destroyed in an accidental explosion in 1905.
