where the gallant Admiral Benbow was born in 1650, whose distinguished
deeds in arms have rendered him an honour to our town and country. This
brave sailor not only stood against the enemy in the memorable action off
Carthagena, in August, 1702, until every hold was gone, but had to
encounter the unparalleled treachery of those under his command. The
operation of amputating his leg, which was shattered by a chain-shot in
the late engagement, added to the deep mental anxiety occasioned by the
base conduct of his captains, brought on a fever which terminated his
career of glory November 4th, in the same year, universally lamented.
His remains received the rites of sepulture in Kingston church, Jamaica.
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In the year 1828, a subscription was commenced in this town for the
purpose of erecting some memorial in St. Mary’s church (the parish in
which he was born) commemorative of this distinguished Salopian, towards
which our no less courageous townsman, Admiral Sir Edward Owen, K.C.B.
with that frankness and honourable feeling so characteristic of the true
British sailor, munificently contributed.