Snapshot of the past surfaces

The woman who ministered to her needs was Clara Yorston Bracegirdle, who came from Belfast. Ms Bracegirdle was with Mrs Alexander when she died, and now the Cathedral, with whom the Alexanders are associated, has come into possession of a portrait photograph of the caring nurse.

It was through a great nephew of hers, Samuel Bracegirdle, that St Columb’s Cathedral came into possession of a small mantle clock many years ago, and there are plans to display the portrait alongside the clock.

“Samuel presented the Cathedral with a little French travelling clock. The clock had been presented by the Archbishop William Alexander as a token of thanks from him and his family for the care that Clara Bracegirdle gave to Mrs Alexander,” said Ian Bartlett, historian.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that a member of the congregation of St Columb’s Cathedral, David Bigger, has quietly dedicated himself to rescuing the photographic works of photographer Hugh Kerr from the mists of time. At one time Kerr had a photography studio on Carlise Road, and according to Mr Bartlett much of the Kerr Archive has been catalogued.

Mr Bartlett said that going through the archive Mr Bigger noticed a reference to Miss Bracegirdle and provided a copy of a picture of a lady to the Cathedral.

“I sent the photograph to Samuel Bracegirdle, who lives in Bangor, and he confirmed that it was indeed his Great Aunt. When we get back into action again the portrait will be displayed alongside the clock in the Chapter House,” he said.