In Lambeth Churchyard is a Monument, once handsome and elaborately
carved, which was erected in 1662 by the widow of JOHN TRADESCANT
the younger, to the memory of her father-in-law, her husband, and
her son, who were inhabitants of that parish.
The Monument of the TRADESCANTS, which was repaired by public
subscription in 1773, has now again fallen into decay. The
inscription also on the stone that covers ASHMOLE's grave, who was
himself buried in Lambeth Church, is now very nearly effaced. The
restoration of that Church, now nearly finished, seems a fit
occasion for repairing both these Monuments. It is therefore
proposed to raise a fund for the perfect restoration of the Tomb
of the TRADESCANTS, according to its original form, as represented
in two drawings preserved in the Pepysian Library at Cambridge,
and also for renewing Ashmole's epitaph. The cost will not be less
than 100_l._, and assistance is earnestly requested from all who
are anxious to preserve ancient monuments, especially those who
are following the same pursuits as the TRADESCANTS, and who are
daily deriving benefit and delight from the labours and
discoveries of these first of English gardeners and naturalists.
Contributions may be paid to,
Sir William J. Hooker, K. H., &c. &c., Royal Gardens, Kew.
Sir Charles G. Young, Garter
James Forbes Young, Esq., M.D., Lambeth.
Philip Bury Duncan, Esq., Keeper of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford.
The Rev. C. B. Dalton, Rectory, Lambeth.
Or to Messrs. Reeve, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden; Messrs. Van
Voorst, Paternoster Row; Mr. Pamplin, Frith Street, Soho; or to
the Old Bank, Oxford.