In 1637 some 315 people died of plague here in Ross on Wye, and a stone Plague Cross was built in their memory in the corner of St Mary’s churchyard.

This year, we all have a renewed understand of what the town went through back then.

On Monday the Mayor, Councillor Danny Lister placed a small stone at the Plague Cross.

This is the beginning of a new memorial and St Mary’s Church and Ross-on-Wye Town Council are inviting anyone who would like to mark the loss of someone they knew who has died during this year to place a small stone or pebble on the stone steps at the base of the Plague Cross.

You are welcome to paint or mark your stone with the name or initials of the person you are remembering.

There will be pebbles and markers available each day in the church porch between 10.50am and 11am for anyone who needs one.

At 11am each day, until November 11, a member of the Ross Parishes Ministry Team will spend a short time at the cross in prayer.

The stones will be removed after November 11 and placed by the crosses in the Garden of Remembrance at the far end of the churchyard.

In addition, there will be a special All Souls’ Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving on Sunday November 1 at 6pm, which will be especially important for those who have not been able to attend family funerals this year.

If you wish to attend, please contact the church office before noon on Friday on 01989 562175.

Pictured at the stone laying are Canon Freda Davies, who came up with the idea, Councillor Daniel Lister (Mayor of Ross-on-Wye), The Reverend Sean Semple (Rector) and the Reverend Tiffany Jackson (Curate).