A fundraising campaign has been launched to restore the gravestone of Sergeant Major Matthew Clay, a decorated veteran of the Battle of Waterloo whose final resting place lies in Bedford’s Foster Hill Road Cemetery.
Clay, who played a heroic role in one of the most pivotal battles in British military history, is buried beneath a now-neglected memorial that has recently suffered vandalism.
The Clay of England Society has launched a JustGiving campaign to raise the £2,000 needed to restore the stone to its former dignity.
Matthew Clay is well known among followers of Waterloo history. His bravery at the walled farm of Château Hougoumont, a key strategic site during the battle, has been recognised in documentaries, including one presented by actor Sean Bean.
Clay’s personal pocketbook account of the battle, later published in 1853, provides a rare and vivid first-hand soldier’s perspective of the intense combat, including brutal hand-to-hand fighting and the psychological toll of war.
Scots Fusiliers
Born in Blidworth, Nottinghamshire in 1796, Clay joined the Scots Fusiliers in 1813 and served across Europe. He later became Sergeant Major of the Bedfordshire Militia, settling in Bedford with his family.
Despite his military service, Clay died in poverty in 1873. His plight, reported in The Times, eventually sparked public sympathy and donations, which were used at the time to erect his now-damaged gravestone.
Bob Ricketts of Foster Hill Road Cemetery, who has extensively researched Clay’s life, said: “Matthew Clay’s legacy is not just a chapter in military history, it is a story of courage, hardship and sacrifice.
“He was respected by his peers and honoured at his funeral by thousands of townspeople, yet his grave now lies in disrepair.”
The restoration campaign aims to honour Clay’s memory and raise awareness of the historical significance of his contribution. The Clay of England Society is encouraging members of the public, history enthusiasts, and local residents to support the cause.
Donate to the campaign
“While Matthew Clay has not been forgotten by historians, his final resting place deserves the same honour and respect he earned during his life. This restoration will ensure his story continues to inspire future generations,” said a spokesperson for the society.
To support the restoration of Sergeant Major Matthew Clay’s memorial, please visit the JustGiving page here.
For more information about Clay’s life, or to get involved with the campaign, visit the Clay of England Society’s website.
