Bennet Burleigh

 Published in the Winter 2018 edition of The Bay Magazine, an article entitled “Remembrance Never To Be Forgotten” I wrote about the two Swansea men, William A Taylor and David James, who both fought in the American Civil War and are buried Danygraig Cemetery and Babell Burial Ground, Carmarthen Road

On a recent visit to Brookwood Cemetery, I found the grave of Bennet Burleigh.

Who is Bennet Burleigh?

Bennet Burleigh

Bennet Burleigh who was born Bennet Graham Burley, 1840, was a Scottish-born pirate, Confederate spy and journalist.  Later in life he changed his surname to the aforementioned Burleigh and became a celebrated war correspondent for the London’s Daily Telegraph

During 1881, Burleigh covered the war in Sudan. During the bombardment of Alexandria, 1882, which he covered for Central News Agency.  Burleigh was the first to report the failure of the Gordon relief expedition, which resulted in the slaughter of Khatoum garrison.  He also reported the Boer War and Russo-Japanese War. He wrote a number of books, on experiences of reporting conflicts.

January 1914, The Cambrian Daily Leader, reported

 

The Cambrian Daily Leader 
20th January 1914

June 1914, Bennet Burleigh died at Bexhill, Sussex and he was buried at Brookwood.  His funeral was also reported in The Cambrian Daily Leader.

The Cambrian Daily Leader
22nd June 1914

One would think that would be the end of the story, alas his wife Mrs Burleigh, would feature in The Cambrian Daily Leader.

One report for assaulting Mr Percy John Vinter, physical science master at the City of London School, and having to answer the summons at London Mansion House Police Court, March 1915

The Cambrian Daily Leader
16th March 1915

April 1915, Mrs Burleigh losses her case against her solicitor, Mr Charles May, for unpaid costs of £150.  The case was heard before Mr Justice Darling. 

The Cambrian Daily Leader
24th April 1915