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._
Admiral VERNON.--On a pedestal is a bust of that gallant Admiral, with a
fine figure of Fame crowning him with laurels. This monument is elegantly
ornamented with naval trophies. Beneath is the following
inscription:--"Sacred to the memory of Edward Vernon, Admiral of the White
Squadron of the British Fleet. He was the second son of James Vernon, who
was Secretary of State to King William III., and whose abilities and
integrity were equally conspicuous. In his youth, he served under the
Admirals Shovell and Rook. By their example he learned to conquer; by his
own merit he rose to command. In the war with Spain of 1739, he took the
fort of Porto Bello with six ships--a force which was thought unequal to
the attempt. For this he received the thanks of both houses of Parliament.
He subdued Chagre, and at Carthagena conquered as far as naval force could
carry victory. After these services he retired, without place or title,
from the exercise of public, to the enjoyment of private virtue. The
testimony of a good conscience was his reward--the love and esteem of all
good men his glory. In battle, though calm, he was active, and though
intrepid, prudent; successful, yet not ostentatious, ascribing the glory
to God; in the senate, he was disinterested, vigilant, and steady. On the
30th day of October, 1757, he died as he had lived, the friend of man, the
lover of his country, and the father of the poor, aged seventy-three. As a
memorial of his own gratitude, and the virtues of his benefactor, this
monument was erected by his nephew, Francis, Lord Orwell, in
1763."--_Rysbrack, sculptor._
Sir CHARLES WAGER.--On this elegant monument, the principal figure is that
of Fame, holding a portrait of the deceased in relief, which is supported
by an infant Hercules. The enrichments are naval trophies, instruments of
war, navigation, &c., and on the base, in relief, is the representation of
the destroying and taking the Spanish galleons in 1708:--"To the memory of
Sir Charles Wager, Knight, Admiral of the White, First Commissioner of the
Admiralty, and Privy Councillor: a man of great natural talents, who bore
the highest commands, and passed through the greatest employments, with
credit to himself, and honour to his country. He was in his private life
humane, temperate, just, and bountiful: in public station, valiant,
prudent, wise, and honest; easy of access to all; plain and unaffected in
his manner, steady and resolute in his conduct; so remarkably happy in his
presence of mind, that no danger ever discomposed him. Esteemed and
favoured by his King, beloved and honoured by his country, he died May 24,
1743, aged seventy-seven."--_Scheemakers, sculptor._
Lord PALMERSTON.--A magnificent statue, representing the distinguished
statesman in the robes of a Knight of the Garter.--Erected by authority of
Parliament to Viscount Palmerston, in testimony of the public admiration
and attachment and heavy loss which the country sustained by his
death.--_R. Jackson._
The Right Hon. WILLIAM PITT, First Earl of Chatham. He is represented as
speaking in the Houses of Parliament. At his feet are figures of Prudence
and Fortitude; below is a figure of Britannia, with the trident supported
by Earth and Ocean. On the base is the following inscription:--"Erected by
the King and Parliament as a testimony to the virtues and ability of
William Pitt, Earl of Chatham, during whose administration, in the reigns
of Geo. II. and III., Divine Providence exalted Great Britain to a height
of prosperity and glory unknown to any former age. Born November 15, 1708.
Died May 11, 1778."--_Bacon, sculptor._
Lord ROBERT MANNERS, aged 24; Captain WILLIAM BAYNE, aged 50; Captain
WILLIAM BLAIR, aged 41. Upon a rostral column decorated with the hulks of
three seventy-four gun ships, Genius has hung three medallions, containing
the portraits of the Captains. Neptune is sitting upon a sea-horse,
pointing them out as examples for posterity to emulate, and worthy of
being recorded in the annals of their country, to Britannia, whose
majestic figure, accompanied with a resemblance of a lion, supporting a
shield of the arms of Great Britain, is standing on the opposite side
beholding them with a fixed countenance, expressive of sorrow; while Fame
is standing upon the top of the column, with a wreath of laurel to crown
Lord Robert Manners, Captains Bayne and Blair, who were mortally wounded
in the course of the naval engagements under the command of Admiral Sir
George Brydges Rodney, on the 9th and 12th of April, 1782. In memory of
their services, the King and Parliament of Great Britain caused this
monument to be erected. The basement is adorned with different naval
implements, the whole highly executed by Mr. Nollekens.
In front of this monument is a highly polished slab under which lie the
remains of LORD PALMERSTON. Died Oct. 18, 1865, aged 81. And LADY
PALMERSTON. Died Sept. 11, 1869.
Near this spot lie the remains of the Marquis of Londonderry, Pitt,
Wilberforce, Canning, Fox, and Grattan.
The next monument consists of a fine statue, full life size: in one hand
is placed a scroll, on which is inscribed, "Peace of Paris, 1814;" the
other supporting the Robes of the Garter. The pedestal bears the following
inscription:--"This statue is erected to the memory of Robert, second
Marquis of Londonderry and Viscount Castlereagh, K.G. Born A.D. 1769; died
Aug. 12th, 1822. History will record the success and splendour of his
public career during a period of unexampled difficulty in the annals of
Europe, in which he successively filled the highest offices under the
Crown; and Ireland will never forget the statesman of the Legislative
Union. This tribute to the best of brothers and friends is placed in
Westminster Abbey by Charles William Vane, third Marquis of
Londonderry."--_J. Evan Thomas, sculptor._
Lord MANSFIELD'S monument:--
"Here MURRAY, long enough his country's pride,
Is now no more than Tully or than Hyde."
Foretold by Pope, and fulfilled in the year 1793, when WILLIAM, Earl of
Mansfield, died full of years and of honours: of honours he declined many;
those which he accepted were the following:--He was appointed
Solicitor-General, 1742; Attorney-General, 1754; Lord Chief Justice and
Baron Mansfield, 1756; Earl of Mansfield, 1776. From the love which he
bore to the place of his early education, he desired to be buried in this
Cathedral (privately), and would have forbidden that instance of human
vanity, the erecting a monument to his memory; but a sum, which, with the
interest, has amounted to £2,500, was left for that purpose by A. Bailey,
Esq., of Lyon's Inn, which, at least well-meant, mark of esteem he had no
previous knowledge or suspicion of, and had no power to prevent being
executed. He was the fourth son of David, fifth Viscount Stormont, and
married the Lady Elizabeth Finch, daughter to Daniel, Earl of Nottingham,
by whom he had no issue; born at Scone, 2nd March, 1704; died at Kenwood,
20th March, 1793. The Earl is represented sitting on a seat of judgment;
on his right hand Justice holds the statera, or balance, equally poised;
on his left hand Wisdom opens the book of Law. Between the statues of
Wisdom and Justice is a trophy composed of the Earl's family arms,
surmounted by the coronet, the mantle of honour, the fasces, or rods of
justice, and curtana, or sword of mercy. On the back of the chair is the
Earl's motto--_Uni Æquus Virtuti_--"Equal to Virtue only," enclosed in a
crown of laurel: under it is a figure of Death, as represented by the
ancients--a beautiful youth leaning on an extinguished torch: on each side
of the figure of Death is a funeral altar, finished by a fir apple. This
monument is the first that was placed between pillars, so as to walk round
it.--_Flaxman, sculptor._
The beautiful north window was put up in the year 1722, and represents our
Saviour, the twelve Apostles, and four Evangelists; the latter with their
emblems, lie down, two on each side.
It is much to be desired that they who wish to record in Westminster Abbey
their estimation of the character or public services of their relatives or
friends, would adopt this manner of perpetuating their memory, as
combining with their special object the further enrichment of the noblest
Cathedral or Collegiate Church in England, and so contributing to the
completion of the general design, by representing that "the Holy Church
throughout all the world doth acknowledge God." A commencement in this
direction has been made in the seven memorial windows in the North
Transept, of which a special description is subjoined.
The object of the painted glass in the seven Lancet Windows in the North
Transept and West Aisle of the same is briefly stated in the inscriptions
on the floor immediately beneath the windows.
"To the glory of God, and in memory of Major-General Sir HENRY W. BARNARD,
K.C.B.; Lieutenant-Colonel CHARLES JOHN WOODFORD, Rifle Brigade; Captain
WILLIAM FREDERICK THYNNE, Rifle Brigade; Captain WILLIAM ROBERT MOORSOM,
thirteenth Light Infantry, D.A.Q.M. General; LOVICK EMILIUS COOPER,
Ensign, Rifle Brigade; WILLIAM GEORGE HAWTREY BANKES, Cornet, seventh
Hussars; who died in the service of the Queen and their country in India,
in 1857 and 1858, the six lancet windows of this Transept were enriched
with stained glass by their relatives or comrades of Sir James Outram's
division, 1860."