Mystery surrounds the disappearance of a headstone detailing the life and death of one of the country’s most influential statesmen.

The granite stone, in God’s Acre Cemetery, Burley-in-Wharfedale, marked the resting place of 19th-century Bradford MP William Edward Forster, and gave details of his achievements.

But in recent years it has completely vanished from the cemetery, and no-one knows why.

Now local historians Dennis and Margaret Warwick are trying to locate the missing stone and are appealing for information about its whereabouts.

Mr Warwick said: “It’s a complete mystery. We have no idea what has happened to it, or exactly when it went missing, and would be keen to hear from anyone who knows where it’s gone.

“Forster was one of our great statesmen, tipped for Prime Minister in the 1870s. His grave was a little slice of history that seems to have vanished.”

Mr Forster, a passionate social reformer, was best-known for the introduction of the Education Act of 1870, which opened the doors of learning to all children over the age of five. The Act, known as Forster’s Act, paved the way for compulsory universal education in Britain and allowed all children, rich and poor, to be offered the chance to attend school.

Mr Forster went on to become Chief Secretary for Ireland which, during the struggle for Home Rule, made him the subject of death threats. He remained an opponent of Home Rule until his death in 1886, when following a funeral at Westminster Abbey, he was interred at God’s Acre Cemetery.

Forster Square and its rail station in Bradford bear his name.

Mr Warwick said: “As MP for Bradford for more than 25 years, it was Forster’s wish to be buried in Burley and though his grave remains there is nothing to mark its presence.

“A small stone cross is the only surviving monument. The gravestone was quite large and had a biography inscribed on it. I have spoken with his descendants and staff from Bradford Cemeteries but no-one has any knowledge of the stone being moved.

“There are no records of its removal. The family would have to be consulted if it were to be moved legally, and no-one has any recollection of such a request.”

There was a suggestion that the stone had been moved to Mr Forster’s birthplace in Dorset, but this has proved to be wrong.

Mr Warwick said: “I would love to hear from anyone who has any clues or insights as to what has happened to this stone.”

Mr Warwick can be contacted on (01943) 863019.

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