Goldsmith Summer School restoration of Goldsmith's grave.
Goldsmith's place in the literary history of London has already been cemented by the refurbishment project untaken by The Summer School in 2004, where Goldsmith's grave was cleaned and restored and a commemorative plaque set in place beside his burial place.
The official unveiling of the new commemorative plaque took place in April 2004 at the Middle Temple in the heart of the London's legal district. This was performed by the Ambassador of Ireland, Mr Daithi O Ceallaigh. A large crowd from the Longford-Westmeath area travelled over for the event. To mark the occasion the Ambassador also hosted a reception for the Committee and visiting dignitaries in the Irish Embassy. This was a marvellous event attended by many of the leading figures in the Westmeath and Longford communities in London.
Seamus McCormack (Chairman) &Arthur Conlon (PRO) with Ambassador of Ireland, Mr Daithi O Ceallaigh and Aidan Ryan (First Secretary)
They met with Michael McGann of the Longford Association in London , Longford native and prominent London publican, Alan Rowan. Photographer Mel McNally's help and contacts also proved invaluable. This was followed by a visit to the Temple area where Goldsmith lived from 1764 until his death ten years later. Goldsmiths grave is in a secluded corner adjacent to the "Master's House" It is the intention of the committee to have this cleaned up and refurbished.
Beneath the Plaque
Arthur Conlon, P.R.O. of the group said "Oliver Goldsmith has been universally recognised as a literary master and as "a citizen of the world", and we feel it is appropriate that his genius and historical significance be recognised with a plaque at his gravestone in the Temple . Similar members of Goldsmiths literary group such as Dr. Samuel Johnson, David Garrick and Sir Joshua Reynolds have their importance recognised with plaques at the site of their lodgings. Other ideal locations would be at his primary London residences at Brick Court , Green Arbour Court and Wine Office Court .