Torteval Irish Wolfhounds

Captain George Augustus Graham (1833-1909) played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the Irish Wolfhound. All who love the breed owe him a debt of gratitude, as were it not for his dedication and perseverance we would not today enjoy the privilege of sharing our lives with these magnificent dogs.

When his grave, in St Mark's churchyard, Dursley, Gloucestershire, was found to be sorely dilapidated, Dr Nicholas Wilkes (Strickenoak) and local historian, Andrew Barton, began a fund-raising campaign to restore it and replace the memorial cross, and also to locate any living descendants of Captain Graham.

Thanks to the generosity of the international Irish wolfhound community, sufficient funds were raised to effect a full scale restoration of the grave. Two commemorative plaques were also provided for the new Rednock School, built on the site of Captain Graham's property of that name.

Finley and Seamus (and Chris & Deb) received a special invitation to attend the rededication of the restored grave and unveiling of the plaques from one of the Captain's great-great-grandsons, who had recently moved to their village.