Jem Mace

Jem Mace (1831-1910), heavy weight boxing champion of the world, who fought several matches in America, was born in Beeston-next-Mileham.

In the village church, St Mary’s, lies a  memorial stone for Mace beside the grave of his father William Mace, and a display about him can be found in nearby Swaffham Museum.  A blue plaque about Mace can be seen on Swan Lane in Norwich.

Jem’s grave lies in Anfield cemetery, Liverpool; Mace was an instructor at the Liverpool Gymnasium.  His gravestone reads,

“Where Hardy Heroes Natures Weapons Weild.

He Stood Unconquered. Champion of The Field.

Time Counts Him Out. But Memory Will Remain.

We Ne’er Shall Look Upon His Like Again.”