McKenzie's Pyramid

Grid reference: SJ354900
Co-ordinates: 335420, 390010
Bearing: E

Now here's an oddity for you.

In the churchyard of the derelict Church of St Andrew in Rodney Street, Liverpool, stands this tomb.

It is the grave of one William McKenzie, said to be a notorious gambler. There are two different explanations as to why he's in a tomb like this.

The first version is that, having lost all his money playing cards, the Devil turned up and suggested he play one more game - with McKenzie's soul at stake. McKenzie duly lost, but - recognising a good sport - old Mephisto said that he wouldn't claim McKenzie's spirit until his body was laid in the earth. McKenzie, being nothing if not sharp-witted, then contrived to be entombed above the ground instead. This may account for why his ghost has reportedly been seen frequently in the environs of Rodney Street.

The second version - somewhat more prosaic, but still entirely in keeping with our perceptions of Victorian eccentricity - states that McKenzie wished to be buried sitting at a card table, holding a winning hand.

The site has fallen into decrepitude through the neglect of the landowner, and there are still concerns as to what would happen to this monument in any redevelopment. Perhaps McKenzie's ghost needs to pay a visit...

© Nigel Stapley