In October 2025, the grave of Police Constable William Ezra Price at St Mary’s Churchyard, Stretton, was professionally restored and cleaned by GraveClean – the UK’s leading headstone cleaning and restoration company.
The project was commissioned and funded by Staffordshire Police, who wished to preserve the resting place of one of their own — a brave and well-respected officer who tragically lost his life in the line of duty more than 120 years ago.
Elaine Pritchard, Chair of Stretton Parish Council and local historian, later shared the moving story of PC Price’s service, sacrifice, and the events surrounding his untimely death.
The Story of PC William Ezra Price (1867 – 1903)
Just after midnight on Monday 26 January 1903, Stretton’s police constable, William Ezra Price, aged 35, died from injuries sustained while investigating a theft in nearby Anslow.
PC Price had served in the Staffordshire Police for almost 18 years — six of them stationed at Stretton. A devoted husband and father of three, he was known locally as a kind, fair and well-liked officer.
The fatal incident began when Albert Draper, a resident near the Brickmakers’ Arms, reported that several ferrets had been stolen, allegedly by a group of travellers camped at Anslow. When PC Price approached the group to question them, a struggle broke out between the constable and Thomas Sheriff, joined shortly after by Thomas’s brothers. PC Price was struck repeatedly with sticks — and possibly his own truncheon — before his attackers fled.
Though he initially appeared to recover, returning home after hospital treatment, PC Price’s condition deteriorated rapidly. Despite an emergency operation to relieve pressure on his brain, he sadly passed away that night.
A Manhunt and a Community in Mourning
The assault on a serving police officer sent shockwaves across Staffordshire and Derbyshire. A county-wide manhunt was launched, involving hundreds of officers and even police cyclists searching surrounding villages. Within days, all three Sheriff brothers were captured.
PC Price’s funeral on Thursday 29 January 1903 drew between 6,000 and 7,000 mourners. Shops closed, blinds were drawn, and people travelled by train, bicycle, horse-and-trap and on foot to pay their respects. Floral tributes came from across the county — including from Sir Oswald Mosley of Rolleston Hall, the Charrington family, and fellow officers of the Burton Division.
He was remembered as “a brave and conscientious officer — perhaps at times a little strict, yet always bright, cheerful and kind.”
Funds were raised for his widow and three children, totalling more than £140 — the equivalent of over £14,000 today.
Preserving PC Price’s Legacy — 122 Years Later
In 2025, more than a century after his death, Staffordshire Police arranged for PC Price’s headstone to be cleaned and restored by GraveClean as part of their commitment to honour fallen officers.
Our professional technicians carefully carried out the work using pH-neutral solutions, soft-bristle brushes, and low-pressure rinsing, ensuring the memorial was cleaned safely without damage to the original stone.
The restored headstone now stands proudly once again — a fitting tribute to a man who gave his life serving his community.
GraveClean is proud to have played a part in preserving this important piece of local and policing history for generations to come.
About GraveClean
GraveClean is the UK’s leading headstone cleaning and restoration company, trusted by families, councils, and national organisations. Our team of trained technicians are fully insured, NAMM- and SIAM-certified, and carry out every job with the same care and respect that memorials like PC Price’s deserve.
From gentle cleaning and biocide treatments to full memorial restoration, re-lettering, and gilding, we help ensure loved ones’ headstones are preserved safely and respectfully across the UK.
For more information or to request a quote, visit www.graveclean.co.uk.
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