Part 6
A monument is here erected, by the East India Company, as a grateful testimony to the value and eminent services of Captain EDWARD COOKE, Commander of his Majesty's ship Sybille, who on the 1st of March, 1799, after a long and well-contested engagement, captured La Forte, a French frigate of very superior force, in the Bay of Bengal; an event not more splendid in its achievement, than important in its result to the British trade in India. He died in consequence of the severe wounds he received in this memorable action, on the 23rd of May, 1799, aged twenty-seven.--_Bacon, sculptor._
The next is a monument to the memory of Sir GEORGE HOLLES, nephew of Sir Francis Vere, and a Major-General under him. He died May, 1626, aged fifty. This monument was erected by John, Earl of Clare.--_Nicholas Stone, sculptor._
Adjoining is a monument to the memory of Sir GEORGE POCOCK, K.B., Admiral of the Blue, who distinguished himself at the taking of Geriah, and in leading the attack at the reduction of Chandernagore; afterwards, with an inferior force, he defeated the French Fleet under M. D'Ache in three several engagements; returning from his successful career in the East, he was appointed to command the fleet upon the expedition against the Havannah, by his united efforts in the conquest of which, he added fresh laurels to his own brow, and a valuable possession to this kingdom. A life so honourable to himself, and so endeared to his friends and his family, was happily extended to the age of eighty-six, and resigned, in the year 1793, with the same tranquil and serene mind which peculiarly marked and adorned the whole course of it.--_Bacon, sculptor._
A monument to the memory of JOSEPH GASCOIGNE NIGHTINGALE, and his Lady. The lady is represented expiring in the arms of her husband; beneath, slyly creeping from a tomb, the King of Terrors presents his grim visage, pointing his unerring dart to the dying figure, at which sight the husband, suddenly struck with astonishment, horror, and despair, seems to clasp her to his bosom to defend her from the fatal stroke. Inscription:--"Here rest the ashes of Joseph Gascoigne Nightingale, of Mamhead, in the county of Devon, Esq., who died July 20, 1752, aged fifty-six; and of Lady Elizabeth, his wife, daughter and co-heiress of Washington, Earl of Ferrars, who died August 17, 1734, aged twenty-seven. Their only son, Washington Gascoigne Nightingale, Esq., in memory of their virtues, did by his last will, order this monument to be erected."--_Roubiliac._
Next to this is a monument of note, sacred to the memory of SARAH, Duchess of Somerset, relict of John Seymour, Duke of Somerset, daughter of Sir Edward Alston, Knt. On the base of this monument are two charity boys, one on each side, bewailing the death of their benefactress, who is represented in a modern dress, resting upon her arm, under a canopy of state, and looking earnestly up at a group of cherubims issuing from the clouds above her. Underneath is a Latin inscription to this effect:--"Here lies the late illustrious Duchess of Somerset, celebrated for charity and benevolence, who erected a grammar school for boys at Tottenham, in Middlesex, enlarged the income of the Green-coat Hospital at Westminster, largely endowed Brazenose College, in Oxford, and St. John's, in Cambridge, for the education and instruction of youth in good piety and literature. She was likewise an encourager of trade and handicrafts, and had a tender regard to old age, by erecting an almshouse at Froxfield, in Wiltshire, for thirty widows. She was very charitable to the poor of St. Margaret's, Westminster, where she instituted a lecture, and gave many stately ornaments to the Church." She died October 25, 1692.
Against the east wall is a tablet erected to the memory of ANN, wife of James Kirton, of Castle Carey, Somersetshire, Gent. She died September 7, 1603.
Sir HENRY NORRIS, his Lady, and six sons. He was ancestor of the present Earl of Abingdon, and for his valour in the Low Countries, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, was created Lord Norris of Ricot. He died in 1601. His six sons are represented kneeling round the tomb; viz., William, John, and Thomas, on the south side; Henry, Edward, and Maximilian, on the north side. On the south side of the canopy in alto-relievo is represented the march of an army of horse, with an encampment in the back ground, together with the standard of the Belgic States, and a soldier bearing a shield, with the Norris's arms. On the summit is a small statue of Fame.
Up against the wall is a tablet to the learned Dr. YOUNG, M.D. The inscription sets forth that he was eminent in every department of human learning; and that, by abstruse investigation of letters and science, he at length unveiled the obscurity which had rested upon the hieroglyphics of Egypt. Died May 10, 1829, in the fifty-sixth year of his age.--_Chantrey, sculptor._
Next is a full length statue of Mrs. SIDDONS, a celebrated actress, as Lady Macbeth, in the Night Scene. Erected by subscription.--_Thomas Campbell, sculptor._ Contiguous is the statue of her brother JOHN KEMBLE, in the character of Cato, by Flaxman. Born at Prescott, Feb. 1, 1757; died at Lausanne, Feb. 26, 1823.
Here is also a very neat monument to the memory of SUSANNA JANE DAVIDSON, only daughter of William Davidson, of Rotterdam, merchant, whom it pleased the Almighty to visit in the bloom of life with a lingering disease, of which she died at Paris, January 1, 1767, aged twenty.--_Hayward, sculptor._
"MATTHEW BAILLIE, Fellow of the Royal College of London and Edinburgh (born at Lanark, in Scotland), of the Literary Institutions of Oxford and Glasgow, Professor of Anatomy; of great medical skill, of strict integrity, of sincere mind, and liberal simplicity. This bust was put up by his medical associates. Died 9th of Oct., 1823, aged 62."--_Chantrey, sculptor._
A colossal figure of "THOMAS TELFORD, President of the Institution of Civil Engineers, born at Glendinning, in Eskdale, Dumfriesshire, in 1757; died in London, 1834. The orphan son of a shepherd, self educated, he raised himself by his extraordinary talents, and integrity, from the humble condition of an operative mason, and became one of the most eminent Civil Engineers of the age. This marble has been erected near the spot where his remains are deposited, by the friends who revered his virtues; but his noblest monuments are to be found amongst the great public works of this country."--_Baily, sculptor._
Near this is a marble tomb, which encloses the body, and has a tablet over it decorated with a coronet, and curtains festooned, on which is the following inscription:--"To the affectionately-beloved and honoured memory of ANASTATIA, Countess of Kerry, daughter of the late Peter Daly, Esq., of Quansbery, in the county of Galway, in Ireland, who departed this life on the 9th, and was deposited here on the 18th day of April, 1799. FRANCIS THOMAS, Earl of Kerry, died July 4, 1818, aged seventy-eight. His remains, according to his wish, are here deposited in the same tomb with his affectionately-beloved Anastatia, whose loss he long and deservedly deplored."--_Buckham, sculptor._
The next is a neat monument, representing a ship at sea, firing minute guns at the death of THOMAS TOTTY, of Cornist, in the county of Flint, Esq., Rear-Admiral in his Majesty's Navy, who having, on the 17th November, 1801, been appointed Commander-in-Chief on the Leeward Island station, was, soon after his arrival at Martinique, severely attacked by the malignant fever peculiar to that climate, and expired at sea, on the 2nd of June, 1802, in the fifty-seventh year of his age.--_Bacon, jun., sculptor._
On the floor is the stone of Abbot KIRTON, which had several labels in black letter all round the portrait, which stood upon eagles crowned, alluding, perhaps, to his high descent from the ancient and illustrious family of Codilbic. He appears to have been a person of great eminence. He died October 3, 1466.
The next monument is to the Earl and Countess of MOUNTRATH. The figures represent an angel lifting the lady up to a vacant seat by the side of her husband, surrounded with cherubs, &c. The inscription is in Latin, thus translated:--"Sacred to the memory of Algernon, Earl of Mountrath, and Diana, his Countess, who, surviving him, caused this monument to be erected in 1771.
"Thus while on earth, who joy in mutual love, Beyond the grave shall find their joys improve."
--_Wilton, sculptor._
The next is to the memory of RICHARD KEMPENFELT, Esq., Rear-Admiral of the Blue, who was lost in his Majesty's ship Royal George, which overset and sunk at Spithead, on the 29th August, 1782, by which fatal event about nine hundred persons were launched into eternity, and his king and country deprived of the services of a great and meritorious officer, in the sixty-fourth year of his age. This monument was erected pursuant to the will of his brother, Gustavus Adolphus Kempenfelt, Esq., who died at his seat, Lady-place, Hurley, Berkshire, on the 14th of March, 1808, aged eighty-seven, of whose philanthropy and humanity, his liberal subscriptions and bequests to most of the charitable institutions in this country, will be lasting records.--_Bacon, jun., sculptor._
The next consists of a delicate female figure, mourning over two urns, holding a scroll, on which is expressed--"I shall go to them, but they shall not return to me.--2 Sam. xii. 23." BENJAMIN JOHN FORBES, late Lieutenant in his Majesty's seventy-fourth regiment of foot; and RICHARD GORDON FORBES, late Lieutenant in the first regiment of Foot Guards, the eldest sons of Lieutenant-General Gordon Forbes, Colonel of the twenty-ninth regiment of foot, and Margaret, his wife, eldest daughter of the late Benjamin Sullivan, Esq., of Dromenagh, in the county of Cork; both of whom fell in the service of their king and country, deeply regretted by their regiments and the detachments of the army in which they served. The former at the assault of Kistnagherry, in the East Indies, 12th November, 1791, aged nineteen years; the latter near Alkmaar, in North Holland, the 19th of September, 1799, aged twenty years. This monument, no less a tribute of justice to exemplary merit, than a record of the tenderest parental sense of filial piety, is erected and dedicated A.D. 1803.--_Bacon, jun., sculptor._
A third, to the memory of General STUART, having a fine medallion of him; the Latin inscription is to the following purport:--"In memory of a man truly noble, the Honourable Sir CHARLES STUART, Knight of the Bath, fourth son of John, Earl of Bute, who began his military career in America; and was afterwards sent, during the raging of the war with France, Commander-in-Chief against Corsica and Minorca, both which he happily subdued. He was again called forth, agreeably to the wishes of all good men, and already destined, by the favour of his Sovereign, to greater appointments, but died at Richmond, in the year of our Lord 1801, aged forty-seven, leaving the public, as well as his friends, to deplore, and that deeply, the loss of so great a man, on whose extraordinary talents, military conduct, and approved valour, whether dangers were to be averted, or her wrongs avenged, his country could at all times rely with the greatest security and confidence."--_Nollekens, sculptor._
The last in this Chapel is one to the memory of Lieutenant-General WILLIAM ANNE VILLETTES, second son of Arthur Villettes, Esq., his late Majesty's Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Turin, and Helvetic Cantons, who died near Port Antonio, on the 13th July, 1808, aged fifty-four years.
"The sculptur'd marble shall dissolve in dust, And fame, and wealth, and honour pass away Not such the triumphs of the good and just, Not such the glories of eternal day."
W. Cartwright, T. Bowdler, J. Cazenove, have erected this tablet as a tribute of friendship.--_Sir Richard Westmacott, sculptor._
At the north end of this Chapel is an elegant painted window, representing St. Cecilia playing upon an organ, accompanied by three angels, in memory of Mr. VINCENT NOVELLO, by Lavers and Barraud. Born 1781; died 1861.
Opposite to you, on leaving this Chapel, is the monument to the memory of Field-Marshal Lord LIGONIER, which has a striking likeness of his Lordship, in profile, and the medallions of Queen Anne, George I., II., and III., under whom his Lordship served. The inscription is only a recital of his titles and places, his age ninety-two, and his death the 28th of April, 1770. On the scroll held by History, is the following list of battles:--Schellenberg, Blenheim, Ramilies, Oudinarde, Taniere, Malplaquet, Dettingen, Fountenoy, Rocoux, and Laffeldt.--_Moore, sculptor._
NORTH TRANSEPT.
Passing through the gate, immediately on your right is a pedestal of rich grey marble, on which is placed a statue of the late Right Honourable Sir ROBERT PEEL, Bart., represented in the costume of a Roman Orator, in the act of addressing the Commons House of Parliament, where he had so greatly distinguished himself for a period of more than thirty years; and although past the middle age of life, the death of this great statesman may be considered as premature, he having been thrown from his horse while riding up Constitution-hill, which caused his death in a few days afterwards, viz., on the 2nd day of July, 1850.--_Sculptured by Gibson, at Rome._
Sir GILBERT LORT.--This monument is chiefly ornamented with cherubs and family arms, and is inscribed to the memory of Sir Gilbert Lort, of Stockpole, in Pembrokeshire, Bart., by his sister, Dame Elizabeth Campbell, relict of Sir Alexander Campbell, of Calder, in Scotland, Bart. Sir Gilbert died Sept. 19, 1698, in his twenty-eighth year. She died Sept. 28, 1714, in her forty-ninth year.
Above is a small monument, consisting of a bust and naval ornaments, to the memory of JOHN STORR, Esq., of Hilston, in the county of York, Rear-Admiral of the Red Squadron of his Majesty's Fleet. He was born Aug. 18, 1709; died Jan. 10, 1783, and interred near this place.--_Tyler, sculptor._
A small tablet, up high, with an inscription in Latin to the following effect:--"William Vincent, D.D., Dean of this Collegiate Church, caused this tablet to be erected a perpetual monument of his affection. Sacred to the memory of HANNAH, his most beloved wife; the fondest and most prudent mother, handsome without pride, pleasant without levity, a good Christian without superstition; descended from a respectable family of the Wyatts, of Whichwood, in Oxfordshire, daughter of George Wyatt and Hannah Wood. Born August 3, 1735; married August 15, 1771; died Feb. 17, 1807."--_Gayfere, sculptor._
Admiral Sir PETER WARREN.--The back ground is a large flag spreading in natural folds behind the whole monument; before it is a fine figure of Hercules, placing Sir Peter's bust on its pedestal; and on the other side is the figure of Navigation, with a laurel wreath in her hand, gazing on the bust with a look of melancholy, mixed with admiration. Behind her a cornucopia pours out fruit, corn, &c., and by it a cannon, an anchor, and other decorations. The inscription is as follows:--"Sacred to the memory of Sir Peter Warren, Knight of the Bath, Vice-Admiral of the Red Squadron of the British Fleet, and Member of Parliament for the city and liberty of Westminster. He derived his descent from an ancient family in Ireland; his fame and honours from his virtues and abilities. How eminently these were displayed, with what vigilance and spirit they were executed, in the various services wherein he had the honour to command, and the happiness to conquer, will be more properly recorded in the annals of Great Britain. On this tablet, Affection with truth must say, that, deservedly esteemed in private life, and universally renowned for his public conduct, the judicious and gallant officer possessed all the amiable qualities of the friend, the gentleman, and Christian; but the Almighty, whom alone he feared, and whose gracious protection he had often experienced, was pleased to remove him from a life of honour to an eternity of happiness, on the 29th of July, 1752, in the forty-ninth year of his age."--_Roubiliac, sculptor._
GRACE SCOTT.--Affixed to the adjoining pillar is a neat tablet, on which is this inscription:--"Grace, eldest daughter of Sir Thomas Mauleverer, of Alterton Mauleverer, in Yorkshire, Bart., born 1622, married to Colonel Scott, a member of the Honourable House of Commons, 1644, and died February 24, 1645:
"He that will give my _Grace_ but what is hers, Must say her death has not Made only her dear _Scott_, But Virtue, Worth, and Sweetness, widowers."
Above, is a little tablet to the memory of CLEMENT SAUNDERS, Esq., Carver in ordinary to Charles II., James II., and William III., son of Sir W. Saunders, Knight, of the county of Northampton. Died August 10, 1695, aged eighty-four.
Sir JOHN MALCOLM.--His figure is in full uniform, on a pedestal.--"In memory of Major-General Sir John Malcolm, G.C.B., &c., born at Burnfoot of Eske, Dumfriesshire, 1769, died in London, 1833, employed confidentially in those important wars and negociations which established British supremacy in India. By the indefatigable and well directed exertions of those extraordinary mental and physical powers with which Providence had endowed him, he became alike distinguished as a statesman, a warrior, and a man of letters; disinterested, liberal, and hospitable; warm in his affections, and frank in his manners; the admirer and patron of merit. No less zealous during the whole of his arduous and eventful career, for the welfare of the natives of the East, than for the services of his own country, his memory is cherished by grateful millions; his fame lives in the history of nations. This statue has been erected by the friends whom he had acquired by his splendid talents, eminent public services, and private virtues."--_Chantrey, sculptor._
WILLIAM CAVENDISH, Duke of Newcastle.--This monument is a stately piece of architecture. Under a rich canopy of state, lie in a cumbent posture, on a double mat, "the loyal Duke of Newcastle (as the inscription beneath sets forth), and his Duchess, his second wife, by whom he had no issue; her name was Margaret Lucas, youngest sister of Lord Lucas, of Colchester, a noble family; for all the brothers were valiant, and all the sisters virtuous. This Duchess was a wise, witty, and learned lady, which her many books do well testify; she was a most virtuous, loving, and careful wife, and was with her Lord all the time of his banishment and miseries; and when he came home, never parted from him in his solitary retirements."--So far the English inscription. The Latin shows farther, "that he was Knight of the Bath and Baron Ogle in right of his mother; Viscount Mansfield, and Baron Cavendish of Bolsover, Earl of Ogle, Earl, Marquis, and Duke of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Lord Lieutenant of the counties of Nottingham and Northumberland, First Lord of the Bedchamber to King James I., Guardian to Prince Charles, Privy Councillor, and Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter; that for his fidelity to the King, he was made Captain-General of the forces raised for his service in the North, fought many battles, and generally came off victorious; that when the rebels prevailed (being one of the first designed a sacrifice) he left his estate, and endured a long exile. By his first wife, Elizabeth, daughter and heiress to W. Basset, of Staffordshire, Esq., he had two sons and three daughters; Charles, who died without issue, and Henry, heir to his honours; Jane, married to C. Cheyne, of Chesham, Bucks; Elizabeth, to John, Earl of Bridgewater; and Frances, to Oliver, Earl of Bolingbroke. He died December 25, 1676, aged eighty-four."
A statue of EARL CANNING, Viceroy of India, son of George Canning Foley.
On the left is one to the memory of GEORGE CANNING, born April 11, 1770; died August 8, 1827:--"Endowed with a rare combination of talents, an eminent statesman, an accomplished scholar, an orator, surpassed by none, he united the most brilliant and lofty qualities of the mind, with the warmest affections of the heart; raised by his own merit, he successfully filled important offices in the state, and finally became first minister of the Crown. In the full enjoyment of his sovereign's favour, and of the confidence of the people, he was prematurely cut off, when pursuing a wise and large course of policy, which had for its object the prosperity and greatness of his own country, while it comprehended the welfare and commanded the admiration of foreign nations." This monument was erected by his friends and countrymen. The figure is on a pedestal, and represents him speaking in the House of Parliament.--_Chantrey, sculptor._
The next is a magnificent monument to JOHN HOLLES, Duke of Newcastle, whose effigy rests upon a sarcophagus of darkish-coloured marble, having in his right hand a general's staff, and in his left a ducal coronet. On one side of the base stands the statue of Wisdom; on the other of Sincerity. On the angles of the upper compartment sit angels in no very meaning attitude; and on the ascending sides of the pediment sit cherubs, one with an hour glass, alluding to the admeasurement of man's life by grains of sand; the other pointing upwards, where his life shall be no longer measured by duration. On the base of this monument is this inscription:--"John Holles, Duke of Newcastle, Marquis and Earl of Clare, Baron Haughton, of Haughton, and Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, whose body is here deposited under the same roof with many of his noble ancestors and relations of the families of Vere, Cavendish, and Holles, whose eminent virtues he inherited, and was particularly distinguished for his courage, love to his country, and constancy in friendship, which qualities he exerted with great zeal and readiness, whenever the cause of religion, his country, or friends, required. In the reign of Queen Anne he filled with great capacity and honour, the several employments of Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal and Privy Councillor; Lord Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum of Middlesex and Nottingham, and of the county of the town of Nottingham, and of the East and North Ridings of the county of York; Lord Chief Justice in Eyre, north of Trent, and Governor of the town and fort of Kingston-upon-Hull; to all which titles and honours his personal merit gave a lustre, that needed not the addition of the great wealth which he possessed. He was born January 9, 1661-2, and died, July 15, 1711. He married the Lady Margaret, third daughter and heiress of Henry Cavendish, Duke of Newcastle, by whom he left issue only one child, the Lady Henrietta Cavendish Holles Harley, who caused this memorial of him to be here erected in 1723."--_Bird, sculptor._