We are excited to announce that plans are underway to create a Memorial Garden at the corner of East Street and Station Road in St Monans, offering a place of remembrance and reflection to honour the 21 men lost at sea in the 1875 tragedy. Fife Architects are working with St Monans Memorial committee, designing and overseeing the project.
November 1875
The garden will serve as a lasting tribute to the 21 local fishermen who lost their lives in a devastating storm off the Norfolk coast. Three Fifies from St Monans—The Quest, The Beautiful Star, and The Thane—joined the annual migration of fishing vessels down the North Sea to harvest the rich fishing grounds off Norfolk.
Tragically, the storm claimed the lives of all seven men aboard each vessel. In the aftermath, 11 women were widowed, 43 children lost their fathers, and many others in the close-knit village mourned the loss of family, friends, and neighbours. The tragedy left a profound mark on St Monans, deeply affecting its fishing, church, school, and community life. This new Memorial Garden will honour their memory and the enduring bravery of fisherman. The garden will be a place for quiet contemplation, education, and a tribute to the spirit of our fishing community.
November 2025
The aim is to unveiled the Memorial Garden at an Opening Ceremony with a Service. It is hoped that representatives from the local community, Kings Lynn community, and the wider fishing fraternity will join us on the day.
Funding
The estimated cost for the Memorial Garden project is £30,000. The Committee is launching a series of fundraising initiatives to bring these plans to fruition. Community members and well-wishers can contribute to crowd-funding page has been set up through a dedicated Crowdfunder page.
