Historical Description of Westminster Abbey Part 10
Thynne, Rifle Brigade.
The fourth figure is Gideon, and in the medallion he is occupied in threshing the corn, as when he received his call and commission to deliver Israel from the Midianites.--Judges vi. 11. This window is erected by the comrades of Captain William Robert Moorsom, forming the first division of the army in Oude, under the Command of Sir James Outram, of which he was Deputy-a.s.sistant Quartermaster-General.
The fifth figure is David, and the medallion exhibits his triumph over Goliath.--1 Sam. xvii. 15. This window is erected by the Rev. T. Lovick Cooper, Vicar of Empingham, Rutlandshire, father of Lovick Emilius Cooper, Rifle Brigade.
The sixth window is Jonathan, and the medallion refers to the account of his surprising and discomfiting the garrison of the Philistines, with no other a.s.sistance than of his armour-bearer.--1 Sam. xiv. 4-6. This window is erected by Mrs. Bankes, mother of William George Hawtrey Bankes, Cornet, seventh Hussars.
The seventh window in the West Aisle of the North Transept is erected in memory of Brigadier the Honourable Adrian Hope, by his relations, and is ill.u.s.trative of those pa.s.sages in the career of Asa, as recorded in 2 Chronicles xiv. 5. 11, 12. His destruction of idols in the city of Judah, verse 5; his prayer, verse 11; his victory over the Ethiopians, verse 12.
Sir WILLIAM WEBB FOLLETT, Knt., who was at the time of his decease representative in Parliament for the City of Exeter, and Attorney-General to Queen Victoria. Of unblemished conduct in every relation of life, of manners gentle and prepossessing, combining with great legal knowledge extraordinary powers of persuasive eloquence, he attained, with the esteem, admiration, and good-will of all who witnessed his brilliant career, the highest eminence as an advocate and a Parliamentary speaker.
The general hope and expectation that he was destined for the highest honours of the law were blighted by his untimely death. Died June 28, 1845, aged forty-eight.
A bust to the memory of GEORGE GORDON, Earl of Aberdeen, K.T., K.G. Born January 28th, 1784; died December 14th, 1860. Amba.s.sador, Secretary of State, Prime Minister.--_M. n.o.ble, S.C._
Next to this on your left is a monument sacred to the memory of ELIZABETH WARREN, daughter of Henry Southwell, Esq., of Wisbeach, in the county of Cambridge, and widow of the Right Rev. John Warren, D.D., late Lord Bishop of Bangor:--"She was distinguished for the purity of her taste, and the soundness of her judgment; her prudence and discrimination were in no instances more conspicuous, than in selecting the objects of her extensive charity. The widow and the fatherless were protected and relieved, and the virtuous who had fallen from prosperity, had peculiar claims to her benevolence. Though mild and gentle in her manners, yet she was remarkable for the firmness and vigour of her mind. Stedfast in the faith of Christ, she lived to ill.u.s.trate his precepts, and died reposing on his merits and intercession. She departed this life, March 29, 1816, aged eighty-three. Her surviving sister, Mary, widow of the Right Honourable Sir James Eyre, Knt., Lord Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, in testimony of her sincere affection, has erected this monument to her memory."--It represents a houseless wanderer with an infant in her arms, on a square pedestal; the figure with its draperies is very generally admired.--_Sir Richard Westmacott, sculptor._
Sir HENRY BLACKWOOD, with this inscription:--"Sacred to the memory of Vice-Admiral the Honourable Sir Henry Blackwood, Bart., K.C.B., G.C.H., who died December, 13, 1832, aged 63 years, 51 of which he had spent in the active service of his profession, distinguished by his energy, prompt.i.tude, and bravery, qualities which derived additional l.u.s.tre from the virtues which adorned his personal character; with valour combining a strong sense of religion, and the elevation of an upright n.o.ble mind, with all the endearing feelings of a manly, generous, and benevolent heart.
This tribute of sorrow and affection to the memory of one so justly honoured and beloved, is offered by his deeply afflicted widow and his surviving children."--_Behnes, sculptor._
In memory of the Right Honourable Sir GEORGE CORNEWALL LEWIS, Baronet, of Harpton Court, in the County of Radnor; successively Chancellor of the Exchequer and Secretary of State for the Home and War Departments. The bust is erected by many friends, to mark their affectionate esteem and admiration, and to record his honoured name among the ill.u.s.trious dead who lie buried within these walls. Born April 21, 1806; died April 13, 1863.--_Weekes, R.A., sculptor._
A monument erected by the East India Company, as a memorial of the military talents of Lieutenant-General Sir EYRE COOTE, K.B., Commander-in-chief of the British forces in India, who, by the success of his arms, in the year 1760 and 1761, expelled the French from the coast of Coromandel. In 1781 and 1782 he again took the field in the Carnatic, in opposition to the united strength of the French and Hyder Ally, and in several engagements defeated the numerous forces of the latter; but death interrupted his career of glory, on the 27th April, 1783, in the fifty-eighth year of his age. It consists of two figures as large as life; one a Mahratta captive, weeping beside a trophy of Persian armour, represents a province subdued; he is holding a cornucopia inverted, the contents of which are falling into a Britannia's shield. The other, a Victory, having erected a trophy, is decorating it with the portrait of Sir Eyre Coote, by hanging it on a palm-tree, which rises from behind the armour. The elephant on the sarcophagus marks the scene of action. The Mahratta figure is particularly admired.--_Banks, sculptor._
A bust with the following inscription:--"Amidst the memorials of maturer greatness, this tribute of private affection and public honour records the talents, virtues, and early death of the Right Honourable CHARLES BULLER, who, as an independent Member of Parliament, and in the discharge of important offices of state, united the deepest human sympathies with wide and philosophic views of government and mankind; and pursued the n.o.blest political and social objects, above party spirit, and without an enemy.
His character was distinguished by sincerity and resolution, his mind by vivacity and clearness of comprehension; while the vigour of expression and singular wit that made him eminent in debate, and delightful in society, were tempered by a most gentle and generous disposition; earnest in friendship and benevolent to all. The British Colonies will not forget the statesman who so well appreciated their desires and their destinies; and his country, recalling what he was, deplores the vanished hope of all he might have become. He was born August, 1806; he died Nov. 29, 1848."
A bust sacred to the memory of the Right Honourable WARREN HASTINGS, Governor-General of Bengal; Member of his Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council, LL.D., F.R.S., descended from the elder branch of the ancient and n.o.ble family of Huntingdon. Selected for his eminent talents and integrity, he was appointed by Parliament, in 1773, the first Governor-General of India, to which high office he was thrice re-appointed by the same authority. Presiding over the India Governments during thirteen years of a most eventful period, he restored the affairs of the East India Company from the deepest distress to the highest prosperity, and rescued their possessions from a combination of the most powerful enemies ever leagued against them. In the wisdom of his counsels, and the energy of his measures, he found unexhausted resources, and successfully sustained a long, varied, and multiplied war with France, Mysore, and the Mahratta states, whose power he humbled, and concluded an honourable peace, for which, and for his distinguished services, he received the thanks of the East India Company, sanctioned by the Board of Control. The kingdom of Bengal, the seat of his Government, he ruled with a mild and equitable sway, preserved it from invasion, and, while he secured to its inhabitants the enjoyment of their customs, laws, and religion, and the blessings of peace, was rewarded by their affection and grat.i.tude; nor was he more distinguished by the highest qualities of a statesman and a patriot, than by the exercise of every Christian virtue. He lived for many years in dignified retirement, beloved and revered by all who knew him, at his seat of Daylesford, in the county of Worcester, where he died in peace, in the eighty-sixth year of his age, August 22, 1818. This memorial was erected by his beloved wife and disconsolate widow, M. A. Hastings.
Over the inscription is a bust, greatly like him, executed by Mr. Bacon.
A statue to the memory of FRANCIS HORNER, who, by the union of great and various acquirements, with inflexible integrity, and unwearied devotion to the interests of the country, raised himself to an eminent station in society, and was justly considered to be one of the most distinguished members of the House of Commons. He was born at Edinburgh in 1778, was called to the bar both of England and Scotland; and closed his short but useful life at Pisa, in 1817. His death was deeply felt, and publicly deplored in Parliament. His affectionate friends and sincere admirers, anxious that some memorial should exist of merit universally acknowledged, of expectations which a premature death could alone have frustrated, erected this monument, A.D. 1823.--_Chantrey, sculptor._
Brigadier-General HOPE, Lieutenant-Governor of the province of Quebec, where he died in 1789, aged forty-three years. The design of it is simply an Indian, whose affection has drawn her to the monument; she kneels on the pedestal, and bending over the sarcophagus, expresses that sorrow which the loss of such a benefactor has occasioned. A rudder is introduced, emblematical of his situation as Governor: the serpent and mirror, engraved thereon, point out the prudence of his administration; and a cornucopia conveys the idea of the felicity of it.--_Bacon, sculptor._
To the memory of JONAS HANWAY, Esq., celebrated for his universal feeling for the distressed, having been an active friend to the following charities, viz.,--the Foundling, Magdalen, and Marine Society. The expense was defrayed by voluntary subscriptions. On a sarcophagus, the Society is here represented in bas-relief; viz.,--Britannia, with her emblems of Government, Peace, War, Trade, and Navigation, who, with benign countenance, distributes clothes to poor boys to be trained to sea; over this a medallion of the deceased is fixed on a pyramid, upon the top of which is a lamp, emblematic of perpetual light,--"Sacred to the memory of Jonas Hanway, who departed this life September 5, 1786, aged seventy-four; but whose name liveth, and will ever live, whilst active piety shall distinguish the Christian, integrity and truth shall recommend the British merchant, and universal kindness shall characterize the citizen of the world. The helpless Infant, nurtured through his care; the friendless Prost.i.tute sheltered and reformed; the hopeless Youth rescued from misery and ruin, and trained to serve and to defend his country, uniting in one common strain of grat.i.tude, bear testimony to their benefactor's virtues: this was the friend and father of the poor."--_F. Moore, sculptor._
Sir CLIFTON WINTRINGHAM, Bart., is represented visiting a sick and distressed family; underneath is the figure of his lady, kneeling and bewailing her loss.--"Sacred to the memory of Sir Clifton Wintringham, Bart., M.D., who, no less eminent as a physician, both at home and in the army, than beloved on account of his virtuous life and engaging manners, died lamented by all, January 10, 1794, aged eighty-three. His widow, Ann Wintringham, caused this monument to be erected, as a last testimony of her love for him when living, and of the sincere regret she feels for her loss."--_Banks, sculptor._
A truly admirable bust of the late RICHARD COBDEN. Born June 3, 1804; died April 2, 1865, and was buried at West Lavington, in Suss.e.x.--_Thos.
Woolner, sculptor._
A bust to the memory of Major-General Sir HERBERT BENJAMIN EDWARDS, K.C.B., K.C.S.I., D.C.L., LL.D., who in early life, as a Subaltern of the East Indian Company's Army, by his fertility of resource, and in prompt.i.tude in action, struck the first victorious blow at the Insurrection in the Punjab in 1848. Who in later years, by his courage, sagacity, and mastery over men, ever animated by Christian principle, won an enduring place in the affections of the people to whose welfare he had long devoted himself, and in 1847, at a time of unexampled danger, greatly contributed to the security of the Frontier, and to the salvation of the British Empire in India. Born November 12th, 1819; died December 23rd, 1868.
To the memory of Major-General COOTE MANNINGHAM.--"Sacred to the memory of Major-General Coote Manningham, Colonel of the ninety-fifth, or Rifle Regiment of Infantry, and Equerry to the King; in testimony of a friendship which commenced in early youth, was matured and confirmed by time, remains unchilled by death, and humbly looks for a reunion in eternity. The distinguished soldier to whom friendship erects this inadequate memorial, began his career of military action at the siege of Gibraltar, and concluded it at the victory of Corunna, to which his skill and gallantry conspicuously contributed. He fell an early victim to the vicissitudes of climate, and the severities of war, and died 26th Aug., 1809, aged forty-four. Yet, reader, regard not his fate as premature, since his cup of glory was full, and he was not summoned till his virtue and patriotism had achieved even here a brilliant recompense: for his name is engraved on the annals of his country. In him the man and the Christian tempered the warrior, and England might proudly present him to the world as the model of a British soldier." Erected by Lieutenant-General Thomas Hislop, Commander-in-Chief, &c., at Bombay, in the East Indies, anno 1813.--_Bacon, jun., sculptor._
GEORGE MONTAGUE DUNK, Earl of Halifax.--His Lordship's bust conveys a very striking likeness of the original. It is supported by two emblematical figures, one holding a mirror, supposed to be Truth, with his foot on a mask, trampling on Falsehood; the other, Honour, presenting the ensigns of the Garter. It is also decorated with various other emblems, alluding to the different public posts of honour which his Lordship held at different times. The inscription is as follows:--"Sacred be the monument which is here raised by grat.i.tude and respect, to perpetuate the memory of George Montague Dunk, Earl of Halifax, Knight of the most n.o.ble Order of the Garter, whose allegiance, integrity, and abilities, alike distinguished and exalted him in the reigns of George II. and George III. In the year 1745 (an early period of his life), he raised and commanded a regiment, to defend his King and country against the alarming insurrection in Scotland.
He was soon after appointed first Lord of Trade and Plantations in which department he contributed so largely to the commerce and splendour of America, as to be styled, 'Father of the Colonies.' At one and the same time he filled the united great offices of the First Lord of the Admiralty, Princ.i.p.al Secretary of State, and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
He was afterwards appointed Lord Privy Seal; on the resignation thereof he was recalled to the important duties of Princ.i.p.al Secretary of State, and died (in possession of the Seals) June 8, 1771. His worth in private life was eminent and extensive, and was best testified in the honour and esteem which were borne him living, and the lamentations bestowed upon his ashes.
Among many instances of his liberal spirit, one deserves to be distinctly recorded: during his residence in Ireland, he obtained the grant of an additional 4000_l._ per annum for all subsequent Viceroys, at the same time n.o.bly declining that emolument himself."--_Bacon, sculptor._
Over the north door is a magnificent monument to the memory of Admiral WATSON, where you see, in the centre of a range of palm-trees, an elegant figure of the Admiral in a Roman toga, with a branch of palm in his right hand, receiving the address of a prostrate figure, representing the genius of Calcutta, a place in the East Indies memorable for the imprisonment of the English garrison in a black hole, where most of them perished, and where those that survived were released by the Admiral, and the town retaken from the Nabob, in January, 1757. On the other side is the figure, in chains, of a native of Chandernagore, another place taken by the Admiral the March following. On the front is this inscription:--"To the memory of Charles Watson, Vice-Admiral of the White, Commander-in-Chief of his Majesty's navy forces in the East Indies, who died at Calcutta, August 16, 1757, aged forty-four. The East India Company, as a grateful testimony of the signal advantages which they obtained by his valour and prudent conduct, caused this monument to be erected."--_Scheemakers, sculptor._
Against the wall, on a small tablet, is the bust of Sir WILLIAM SANDERSON, Knt., with an inscription in Latin, showing that he was Gentleman of the Bedchamber to Charles I.; and wrote the lives of Mary Queen of Scots, James, and Charles I.: that he sustained great hardships from the tyranny of the rebels; but that, having bravely surmounted all difficulties, he lived to the age of ninety, and died July 15, 1676.
General GUEST.--On a base and pyramid of most beautiful marble, are the first enrichments and busts that are to be seen in the whole church. The inscription is short, but manly--"Sacred to those virtues that adorn a Christian and a soldier, this marble perpetuates the memory of Lieutenant-General Joshua Guest, who closed a service of sixty years, by faithfully defending Edinburgh Castle against the rebels in 1745."
Admiral Sir JOHN BALCHEN, Knt.--On this fine monument, in relief, is the representation of a ship perishing in a storm. The inscription, which is historical, is here inserted:--"To the memory of Sir John Balchen, Knt., Admiral of the White Squadron of his Majesty's fleet in 1744. Being sent out Commander-in-Chief of the combined fleets of England and Holland, to cruise on the enemy, was, on his return home in his Majesty's ship the Victory, lost in the Channel by a violent storm; from which sad circ.u.mstance of his death we may learn that neither the greatest skill, judgment, or experience, joined to the most firm, unshaken resolution, can resist the fury of the winds and waves; and we are taught by the pa.s.sages of his life, which were filled with great and gallant actions, but ever accompanied with adverse gales of fortune, that the brave, the worthy, and the good man, meets not always his reward in this world. Fifty-eight years of faithful and painful services he had pa.s.sed, when, being just retired to the government of Greenwich Hospital to wear out the remainder of his days, he was once more, and for the last time, called out by his King and country, whose interest he ever preferred to his own, and his unwearied zeal for their service ending only in his death; which weighty misfortune to his afflicted family became heightened by many aggravating circ.u.mstances attending it; yet amidst their grief, had they the mournful consolation to find his gracious and Royal Master mixing his concern with the general lamentations of the public, for the calamitous fate of so zealous, so valiant, and so able a commander; and, as a lasting memorial of the sincere love and esteem borne by his widow to a most affectionate and worthy husband, this honorary monument was erected by her. He was born Feb. 2, 1669, married Susanna, daughter of Colonel Aprice, of Washingly, in the county of Huntingdon. Died Oct. 7, 1744, leaving one son and one daughter, the former of whom, George Balchen, survived him but a short time; for being sent to the West Indies in 1745, Commander of his Majesty's ship the Pembroke, he died at Barbadoes, in December the same year, aged twenty-eight, having walked in the steps, and imitated the virtues and bravery of his good but unfortunate father." When the Victory was lost she had on board near one thousand souls, one hundred of whom were gentlemen volunteers.--_Scheemakers, sculptor._
Bishop of BANGOR.--The figure of Religion is represented in a mournful att.i.tude, leaning on a rock, whereon is writ the inscription, holding in her hand a cross; on the other side is represented an angel pointing to the cross, as a source of consolation whereby we are saved--why weep? the rock implies firmness of faith. A mitre, crozier, &c., are at the bottom.--"Near this place are interred the remains of the Right Rev. John Warren, D.D., Bishop of St. David's in 1779, and translated to the see of Bangor in 1783. These episcopal stations he filled for more than twenty years, with great ability and virtue. His charity, liberality, candour, and benevolence, will long be remembered; his eminent learning and unwearied application rendered him highly serviceable to the laws, as well as the religion of his country, towards which he was most sincerely attached. He was son of Richard Warren, D.D., Rector of Cavendish, and Archdeacon of Suffolk, and brother of Richard Warren, M.D., celebrated for his knowledge and successful practice, and many years Physician in Ordinary to his Majesty. He married Elizabeth Southwell, daughter of Henry Southwell, Esq., of Wisbeach, Cambridgeshire, who, fully sensible of his many distinguished virtues, has offered this grateful tribute to his memory, with the most unfeigned sincerity and respect. He died Jan. 27, 1800, in the seventy-second year of his age."--_Westmacott, jun., sculptor._
Lord AUBREY BEAUCLERK.--This monument is ornamented with arms, trophies, and naval ensigns; and in an oval niche, on a pyramid of dove-coloured marble, is a beautiful bust of this young n.o.bleman. On the pedestal is this historical inscription:--"The Lord Aubrey Beauclerk was the youngest son of Charles, Duke of St. Albans, by Diana, daughter of Aubrey de Vere, Earl of Oxford. He went early to sea, and was made a commander in 1731. In 1740 he was sent upon that memorable expedition to Carthagena, under the command of Admiral Vernon, in his Majesty's ship the Prince Frederick, which, with three others, was ordered to cannonade the Castle Bocachica.
One of these being obliged to quit her station, the Prince Frederick was exposed not only to the fire from the Castle, but to that of Fort St.
Joseph, and to two ships that guarded the mouth of the harbour, which he sustained for many hours that day, and part of the next, with uncommon intrepidity. As he was giving his command upon deck both his legs were shot off; but such was his magnanimity, that he would not suffer his wounds to be dressed till he had communicated his orders to his First Lieutenant, which were--_To fight his ship to the last extremity_. Soon after this he gave some directions about his private affairs, and then resigned his soul, with the dignity of a hero and a Christian. Thus was he taken off in the thirty-first year of his age; an ill.u.s.trious commander of superior fort.i.tude and clemency, amiable in his person, steady in his affection, and equalled by few in the social and domestic virtues of politeness, modesty, candour, and benevolence. He married the widow of Colonel F. Alexander, a daughter of Sir H. Newton, Knt., Envoy-Extraordinary to the Court of Florence and the Republic of Genoa, and Judge to the High Court of Admiralty." His epitaph over the inscription:--
"While Britain boasts her empire o'er the deep, This marble shall compel the brave to weep: As men, as Britons, and as soldiers mourn-- 'Tis dauntless, loyal, virtuous Beauclerk's urn.
Sweet were his manners as his soul was great, And ripe his worth, though immature his fate; Each tender grace that joy and love inspire, Living, he mingled with his martial fire; Dying, he bid Britannia's thunder roar, And Spain still felt him when he breathed no more."
--_Scheemakers, sculptor._
The stained window above commemorates the foundering of H.M.S. _Captain_, on September 7th, 1870, when Capt. Hugh Burgoyne, V.C., Capt. Cowper Coles, C.B., with 49 officers, and 402 men and boys, perished off Cape Finisterre, in the service of their country. The names are inscribed on bra.s.ses in St. Paul's Cathedral. The subjects of the window are--The Sea giving up her Dead; The Pa.s.sage through the Red Sea; The Fleet of Solomon; Building the Ships of Tyre; Jonah delivered from the Whale; Christ Stilling the Tempest; Christ Walking on the Sea; Christ Teaching from the Ship; The Miraculous Draught; and the Shipwreck of St. Paul.
PERCY KIRK, Esq.--On each side of a fine bust of this gentleman is a winged seraph; one having a dagger in his right hand inverted, and in his left a helmet; the other resting on a ball, and holding in his left hand a torch reversed. The inscription says, he was Lieutenant-General of his Majesty's armies; that he died January 1, 1741, aged fifty-seven; and that he was son of Percy Kirk, Esq., a Lieutenant-General in the reign of James II., by the Lady Mary, daughter of George Howard, Earl of Suffolk. Diana Dormer, his niece and sole heiress, died February 22, 1743, aged thirty-two.--_Scheemakers, sculptor._
RICHARD KANE.--On this tomb is a curious bust of this gentleman, of white marble, upon a handsome pedestal, whereon are inscribed the most striking pa.s.sages of his life. He was born at Down, in Ireland, Dec. 20, 1666. In 1689, he first appeared in a military capacity at the memorable siege of Derry; and after the reduction of Ireland followed William III. into Flanders, where he distinguished himself, particularly by his intrepid behaviour at the siege of Namurre, where he was severely wounded. In 1702, he bore a commission in the service of Queen Anne, and a.s.sisted in the expedition to Canada; from whence he again returned to Flanders, and fought under the Duke of Argyle, and afterwards under Lord Carpenter. In 1712 he was made Sub-Governor of Minorca, through which island he caused a road to be made, before thought impracticable. In 1720 he was ordered by George I. to the defence of Gibraltar, where he sustained an eight months'
siege against the Spaniards, when all hope of relief was extinguished; for which gallant service he was, by George II. rewarded with the government of Minorca, where he died, Dec. 19, 1736, and was buried in the Castle of St. Philip.--_Rysbrack, sculp._
Bishop BRADFORD.--The inscription is in Latin, surrounded with the arms and proper ensigns of his several dignities. He was some time Rector of St. Mary-le-Bow, from thence advanced to the See of Carlisle and afterwards translated to that of Rochester, with the Deanery of this Church, and that of the Hon. Order of the Bath annexed. He died May 17, 1731, in the seventy-ninth year of his age.--_Cheere, sculptor._
Dr. BOULTER, Archbishop of Armagh.--The bust of the Archbishop is very natural; his long flowing hair and solemn gracefulness excite a kind of reverential respect in an attentive beholder. The ensigns of his dignity, with which his monument is ornamented, are most exquisitely finished. The inscription is enclosed in a beautiful border, and is as follows:--"Dr.
Hugh Boulter, late Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of all Ireland, a Prelate so eminent for the accomplishment of his mind, the purity of his heart, and the excellency of his life, that it may be thought superfluous to specify his t.i.tles, recount his virtues, or even to erect a monument to his fame. His t.i.tles he not only deserved, but adorned; his virtues are manifest in his good works, which had never dazzled the public eye, if they had not been too bright to be concealed; and as to his fame, whosoever has any sense of merit, any reverence for piety, and pa.s.sion for his country, or any charity for mankind, will a.s.sist in preserving it fair and spotless, and when bra.s.s and marble shall mix with the dust they cover, every succeeding age may have the benefit of his ill.u.s.trious example. He was born January 4, 1671; was consecrated Bishop of Bristol, 1718; translated to the Archbishopric of Armagh, 1723; and from thence to heaven, Sept. 27, 1742."--_S. H. Cheere, sculptor._
North Aisle.
Looking back on your left is a new monument to the memory of Sir THOMAS FOWELL BUXTON, Bart., born April 1, 1786; died Feb. 19, 1845. Endowed with a vigorous mind, of dauntless courage and untiring energy, he was early led by the love of G.o.d to devote his powers to the good of man. In Parliament he laboured for the improvement of prison discipline; for the amendment of the criminal code, for the suppression of Suttees in India, for the liberation of the Hottentots in Southern Africa; and, above all, for the emanc.i.p.ation of eight hundred thousand slaves in the British dominions. In this last righteous enterprise, after ten years of arduous conflict, a final victory was given to him and his coadjutors "by the grace of our G.o.d," on the memorable 1st of August, 1834. The energies of his mind were afterwards concentrated on a great attempt to extinguish the slave trade in Africa, by the subst.i.tution of agriculture and commerce, and by the civilizing influence of the Gospel. Exhausted in mind and body, "he fell asleep," reposing in faith on his Redeemer, in the fifty-ninth year of his age. This monument is erected by his friends and fellow-labourers at home and abroad, a.s.sisted by the grateful contributions of many thousands of the African race.--_Thrupp, sculptor._
Next against the screen of the choir is a fine old monument, whereon lies the effigy of a gentleman at full length in a tufted gown; and underneath, upon the base, was a lady kneeling. By the inscription, these appear to represent Sir THOMAS HESKETH, Attorney of the Court of Wards of Liveries in Queen Elizabeth's time; and JULIAN, his wife, who caused this monument to be erected. He died October 15, 1605.
Dame MARY JAMES.--A very neat monument, being an urn, wreathed, and crowned with a Viscount's coronet, on a handsome pedestal. By the inscription, it appears that this lady was the wife of Sir John James, of the ancient family of the Lords of Hosterick, in Holland, and daughter of Sir Robert Killigrew, Vice-Chamberlain to Henrietta Maria, Queen of Charles I. She died Nov. 6, 1677.
HUGH CHAMBERLAIN, M.D., and F.R.S.--The princ.i.p.al figure on this monument lies, as it were, at ease, upon a sarcophagus, leaning on his right arm, with his hand upon his cap and his head uncovered. In his left hand he holds a book, indicating thereby his intense application to study. On each side are the emblems of physic and longevity; and over his head is Fame descending with a trumpet in one hand, and in the other a wreath. On the top are weeping cherubs, and on the pedestal a long inscription in Latin, setting forth his vast knowledge and industry in his profession, his humanity in relieving the sick, and his connections and affinities in social and private life. This gentleman was famous for the improvements he made in midwifery, the practice of which, since his time, has been studied by the faculty to great advantage. He died June 17, 1728, aged sixty-four.--_Scheemakers and Delvaux, sculptors._
Doctor SAMUEL ARNOLD, late Organist of this Church, died October 22, 1802, aged sixty-two years. This monument was erected by his afflicted widow:--
"Oh, let thy still-loved Son inscribe thy stone, And with a Mother's sorrows mix his own."
A sickle cutting the lyre is represented below. Turning round on your right is--