The Russell Family

This family plot commemorates several members of the Russell family and is dominated by the only war grave in Denne Cemetery, that of Ralph Russell. He was a private in the Royal Sussex Regiment and developed trench fever whilst abroad. Although he was returned to England, Ralph died at Devonport, Plymouth in 1918, aged 34. Denne Cemetery was closed to new burials by this time, but Ralph could be buried in the existing family plot. His funeral was conducted with full military honours, including three volleys fired over the grave.

Ralph’s father, William Smart Russell, was well-respected in the town, and has been called ‘the forgotten artist of Horsham’.

William was a tea and general grocer, running W. S. Russell and Son which was located on West Street, Horsham. William made many contributions to Horsham life by taking a keen interest in the town’s affairs, serving as a member of many committees, and as a respected businessman.

Sadly, William faced problems in his personal life. Losing his son in WWI was the third tragedy to strike the family. William had two daughters and one of them, Irene, died in 1899 at just 14 years of age. His wife Caroline then died in 1905 and, although he remarried, it was reputed that this second union was not a happy one.

As well as being an enthusiastic gardener, William Smart Russell was an amateur watercolourist. Towards the end of his life this artistic skill was recognised. In the 1920s he was commissioned by J Salmon Ltd (the first postcard and calendar publisher in Britain) to paint scenes of Horsham and the District, eight of which were reproduced as postcards. Many of these survive, as well as other paintings of his, and are a fitting tribute to this talented Horsham man.