Esther Swinford was tragically murdered more than 100 years ago, but now she has been remembered at a graveyard service in Swindon.

People gathered at Radnor Street Cemetery, in Old Town, yesterday on the 106th anniversary of her death for a memorial rededication service.

The service was conducted by Father David McConkey, of St Mark’s Parish Church – where Esther’s funeral was held in 1903.

The barmaid was shot in the Ship Inn, Westcott Place, in September 1903 by her jealous fiance Edward Palmer.

Fr McConkey said: “It has been an unusual today.

“Ordinarily, when one is doing a blessing people are in the middle of terrible grief. But after 100 years there is resolution and peace.

“Radnor Street is a wonderful cemetery with Swindon’s history surrounding us.”

The service was organised by family historian James Turner, who wanted to mark the restoration of Esther’s memorial.

Highworth Memorials restored the monument for free after James asked for a quote.

James was pleased with the turn-out. He said: “It was nice that so many representatives came along, including the Rodbourne History Group.

“The service was spot on. It draws a conclusion to things.”

Fr David McConkey blessed the restored headstone and prayed for Esther, as well as for those who were affected by the incident.

Lilies lay on the monument yesterday, as those were the flowers chosen for her burial more than a century ago.

Esther’s great-niece Valerie Simmons, 60, of Stratton attended the service.

She said: “My nan – Rose Musty – used to tell me about her sister who was shot when I was a little girl.

“I think the monument looks lovely. it is special. In my nan’s day, people could not afford things like that.”

Jean Allen, the chairwoman of the Swindon Society, who is Esther's third cousin, also attended.

She said: “I feel I am representing my grandmother and mum.”

The 77-year-old said murderer Palmer wrote a letter to Esther’s family saying: ‘sorry for that mad day’ after the shooting.

A representative of the undertakers who conducted Esther’s funeral, A E Smith and Son, also attended.