On 6 June 1855, Thomas Tomkys became the first person to be interred in Wednesfield New Burial Ground. At that time, St Thomas’ Churchyard was full to capacity, and although it would not be formally consecrated for almost another four months, the much-needed new ground was put to use. The exact location of his grave is unknown.

A Belated Eulogy for Thomas Tomkys

Thomas was born in 1773 and came from a line of skilled trap makers. In the metal clanking garden workshop of his Wednesfield home, he honed his craft, learning the intricate skills passed down through generations, from his father and grandfather.

The industrious garden workshops of Wednesfield churned out thousands of traps yearly, earning them a global reputation. For all but a few, trapmaking wasn’t a huge wage earner but it was regular and reasonably paid work which kept the wolf from the door. Thomas led an industrious but long life. Married to Lydia Marston in 1794 at St. Peters, Thomas and Lydia had five children but only two girls survived to adulthood and marriage. His wife Lydia died in 1846 and was buried in St Thomas’ Churchyard.

For many years up to his death, Thomas lived in the heart of Wednesfield in High Street. His trapmaking legacy faced an eventual bittersweet conclusion for within 100 years of his demise, the industry had waned fading into obscurity as modern methods and changing times eclipsed the craft that had once been a cornerstone of Wednesfield’s identity.

by Hazel Keirle

Sacred to the
Memory of Thomas Tomkys,
Trapmaker of Wednesfield
1773–1855

There once was a man from old Wedgefeld
Thomas Tomkys was his name.
A maker of traps, and maybe, perhaps,
That was his local fame.

He lived to a grand old age
Being 82 years at his death;
The church yard, it’s sad, no more grave space had
So where could they lay him to rest?

Mr Pidgeon said to the Church
I have plenty of land to spare.
Here’s some that I’ve found for a new burial ground
And Thomas was the first buried there.

Poem by Jackie Harrison