The Polish Heritage Society

Johannes Zukertort grave rededication in London's Brompton Cemetery - 26 June 2012

On Tuesday, June 26th the grave of Johannes Zukertort (1842-1888) was rededicated in London's Brompton Cemetery. The Polish-born chess player, who was one of the world's leading players in his time, died at the age of 45 in London, only two years after losing to Wilhelm Steinitz in the first official World Championship match in 1886. Last year GM Stuart Conquest had discovered that Zukertort's grave had fallen into a state of neglect. After a successful fund raising campaign, the grave was restored and rededicated.

Zukertort came from a Protestant family of Jewish origin, who emigrated to Berlin and later to the UK, whereby he became a fully fledged British citizen towards the end of his 46 year long life. Upon his death,  a snuff box was found with the image of Tadeusz Kosciuszko and "Sonnets" by Adam Mickiewicz  - evidence of his deep attachment to Poland.

Zukertort's grave in Brompton Cemetary in London's district of Chelsea, was discovered by Dr Marek Stella Sawicki Chairman of the Polish Heritage Society who worked together with the UK's current chess champion Stuart Conquest in bringing the project to fruition. The ceremony at Brompton Ceremony included a short ecumenical service celebrated by the head  of the Polish Lutheran Church in London, Bishop Janusz Jagucki and the Prelate of the Polish Parish Church of Christ the King in Balham, Fr. Władysław Wyszowadzki

Rededication Service