With the visit to Gloucester of the American Eagles team who are participating in the Rugby World Cup, there has been increased interest in Button Gwinnett, who was born in Gloucester but emigrated to America where he rose to fame and signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

I am still working on a time line for Button but, as ever, he proves elusive. Whilst many of the events of his life and his movements are known, proof of them is harder to find.

In the meantime, there is a move to restore the impressive tombstone to his parents, the Reverend Samuel Gwinnett and his wife, Anne, at Down Hatherley. The grave has been cleared of ivy, displaying the damaged stonework below. The large inscription, for the details of which we have to thank Ralph Bigland, is no longer visible. Watch this space!