A historic gravestone cross was knocked over and destroyed in a churchyard in Baldock, marking a second vandalism incident within a year. The damage affected burial memorials of long-standing significance to the local community.
The incident occurred between 10 and 11 March 2025 at the churchyard of St Mary’s Church, where a memorial cross gravestone was pushed over and smashed. The damaged gravestones in the churchyard are more than 150 years old, making the loss irreversible.
Rector Rev Phillipa Maddox described the impact on the community, stating she felt “frustrated and sad,” and emphasised that the destruction of historical headstones is “very sad and tragic,” as they commemorate generations of local residents. She highlighted that the churchyard is widely used and valued by the community as a place of reflection.
The incident follows previous vandalism in July 2024, when church hall windows and several gravestones were damaged. Police have opened an investigation and are appealing for witnesses.