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Folkestone: Boy killed after 'hit-and-run' buried in historic cemetery after King granted permission

Hundreds gathered to pay their respects to William Brown, who was killed in Folkestone in December. He was buried under a chestnut tree in the grounds of a historic churchyard after the King granted his family special permission.

Sunday 14 January 2024 12:35, UK

A floral tribute from William's grandmother, who described him as a "true gift from God"
Image: A floral tribute from William's grandmother, who described him as a 'true gift from God'
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A schoolboy killed in a suspected hit-and-run has been buried in a historic churchyard that was "so dear to his heart" after the King granted special permission.

William Brown, seven, was killed on the A259 Sandgate Esplanade in Folkestone, Kent, on December 6 last year.

His father, William Brown Snr, said William had been trying to collect his football when the crash happened.

Mourners attending the funeral at St Mary And St Eanswythe Church, Folkestone.
Image: Mourners attending the funeral at St Mary & St Eanswythe Church, Folkestone
The coffin, draped in a Manchester United flag, is carried into the church
Image: The coffin, draped in a Manchester United flag, is carried into the church

The King granted permission for him to be buried under a chestnut tree in the grounds of St Mary & St Eanswythe Church after a campaign by his family and friends. The churchyard has been closed for burials since 1857.

William had written in his school yearbook in 2021: "I feel peaceful when I am sat under the chestnut tree."

Hundreds of mourners stood outside the packed 400-seat capacity church for the service.

Two white horses transported William's coffin to the church, draped in a Manchester United flag and accompanied by items including a club football and trophy.

A floral tribute being carried into the church
Image: A floral tribute being carried into the church
A football and trophy being carried into the church
Image: A football and trophy being carried into the church

His father was among others who carried the coffin inside.

William had a "unique spirit" and was hailed as a "best friend to many" by his mother, Laura Brown.

"He was a child of God and he spent nearly every day after school in that graveyard," Mrs Brown said ahead of the service.

"He would spend his time collecting conkers, foraging for wild garlic or generally digging, something that he loved."

Parents William Brown Snr and Laura Brown, who hailed her son as a "best friend to many"
Image: William and Laura Brown hailed their son as a 'best friend to many'

Mr Brown said he was the "proudest dad" to William, who had a keen interest in the "natural and historical world".

Addressing his son, he said: "I'm honoured to be your father, I have learned so much from you, you have moulded me into a better person, I love you and I will always carry you with me."

He also thanked the community for their "moving and uplifting support", with some 4,000 people signing a petition for the churchyard to be reopened for William's burial.

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Mrs Brown drove up to Sandringham, the King's official residence in Norfolk, to hand deliver the petition.

Almost 1,000 people donated to a crowdfunding page to help pay for funeral costs, which has so far raised £21,000. Any remaining funds will be donated to the church to help pay for a new heating system.

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The collision happened on Sandgate Esplanade in Folkestone
Image: The collision happened on Sandgate Esplanade, at the junction with Prospect Road in Folkestone
Flowers and messages left at the scene in Sandgate, near Folkestone, after seven-year-old William Brown was killed in a hit-and-run, whilst he was collecting his football from the road on Monday when he was knocked down and "left dying" in the street. Picture date: Thursday December 7, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story POLICE Folkestone. Photo credit should read: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire
Image: Flowers and messages left at the scene after the tragedy

The crash, at the junction with Prospect Road, involved two vehicles and happened around 5.35pm, police said.

A 49-year-old man was arrested in Dymchurch on December 7 on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by careless driving, failing to stop at the scene of the crash and perverting the course of justice.

He was later released on bail until March 6 as officers continue their investigations.

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