At the back of Cornewall’s, is the monument to the Right Honourable James Craggs, who was made Secretary at War in April, 1717, and one of his Majesty’s Privy Council and Secretary of State, in March, 1718. The statue of this gentleman, large as the life, is finely represented as leaning on an urn, which has upon it in golden characters, an inscription, showing that he was principal Secretary of State, and a man universally beloved, which is there particularly marked, because, as he was of low extraction, being only a shoemaker’s son, it is the more admirable, that in the high station to which his merit had raised him, he should escape envy, and acquire the general esteem. He died February 16, 1720, aged thirty-five. Upon the base of the monument is this epitaph, written by Mr. Pope:—

“Statesman, yet friend to truth, of soul sincere,
In action faithful, and in honour clear!
Who broke no promise, serv’d no private end,
Who gained no title, and who lost no friend.
Ennobled by himself, by all approv’d,
Prais’d, wept, and honour’d, by the muse he lov’d.”

—Signor Guelphi, sculptor.

A statue of William Wordsworth, placed here by the friends and admirers of the late Poet. Mr. Wordsworth was born at Cockermouth, in Cumberland, on April 7, 1770, and died at Rydal Mount, Ambleside, Westmoreland, on April 23, 1850. The statue is much admired; and the meditative attitude in which the Poet is represented, and the quiet and sacred spot in which it is placed, apart from the crowd, and in a peaceful retirement of its own, harmonize with and are expressive of, the tranquil tenour of his life, and the thoughtful, sublime, and philosophic character of his works.

Next to this is a bust of Keble, by T. Woolner. It occupies the middle of the three arcades on the west side of the South Tower, and adjoins the monument of Wordsworth. It has a pedestal of alabaster containing a black marble inscription panel, on either side of which is a green marble pillar, between the carved capitals of which is seated a vesica-shaped panel of alabaster, richly moulded, carved, and studded with gems of blue fluor-spar within ovals of gilt beads. Above this is placed a Calvary cross of alabaster with gemmed and inlaid arms and trefoiled ends. The internal part of the vesica panel is occupied with the white marble bust, life size, placed on an enriched corbel of alabaster, on which corbel are inclined pillars which support a trefoiled and gabled canopy overhanging the bust. The total height of the work is nine feet, and its width three feet.

A small tablet to Henry Wharton, remarkable only by the great name inscribed upon it, who was Rector of Chartham, in Kent; Vicar of the Church of Minster, in the Isle of Thanet; Librarian to Archbishop Sancroft, and one of the most voluminous writers of his years, perhaps, in the world. He died March 3, 1694, aged only thirty-one, and was an universally respected by the Bishops and clergy, that Archbishop Tillotson, and several other Prelates, with a vast body of clergy, the choir and King’s scholars, all in solemn procession, attended his funeral, and joined in the anthems composed on this occasion by the great Purcell.

Above this tablet of Wharton is a gallery, used by the Royal Family to see the procession of the Knights of the Bath: they enter at Poets’ Corner door, and proceed round the West end, and up the North Aisle, into Henry VII.’s Chapel, where the installation takes place.

In an oval frame is a half-length marble portrait of William Congreve, Esq., placed on a pedestal of the finest Egyptian marble, and enriched with emblematical figures alluding to the drama. Underneath is this inscription in English:—“Mr. William Congreve, died January 19, 1728, aged fifty-six, and was buried near this place, to whose most valuable memory this monument is set up by Henrietta, Duchess of Marlborough, as a mark how dearly she remembers the happiness she enjoyed in the sincere friendship of so worthy and honest a man, whose virtue, candour, and wit, gained him the love and esteem of the present age, and whose writings will be the admiration of the future.”—Bird, sculptor.

A bust of John Friend, M.D., on a pedestal of fine white veined marble; and beneath is a long Latin inscription, setting forth his great and distinguished acquirements. He was a physician of the first rank for knowledge and experience; was no less successful in his practice than ingenious in his writings. He was first educated at Westminster School, and afterwards at Christ Church College, Oxford, where his learning soon made him conspicuous. On his leaving the University, and adopting the profession of physic, he was chosen a member of the College of Physicians in London, and soon after a Fellow of the Royal Society. His writings are lasting monuments of his extensive genius. He died July 26, 1728.—Rysbrack, sculptor.

Sir Lumley Robinson, Baronet.—This monument is neatly designed and ornamented; the columns are supported by Death’s heads, and the arms upon the base by a cherub. On the top was a vase, and, rising to the pediments, enrichments of laurel branches, &c. The inscription has nothing remarkable. He was of Kentwall Hall, in Suffolk, and died August 6, 1684, aged thirty-six.—Settie, sculptor.

Thomas Sprat, D.D.—This monument seems to have been designed principally for the sake of the inscriptions, which are in Latin. Underneath are the arms of the deceased, and on the top his arms, with those of the see of Rochester, quarterly, between enrichments of books, &c. The first inscription informs you,—“That Dr. Sprat was the son of a clergyman in Dorsetshire; and that he was educated at Wadham College, Oxford; that he first applied himself to poetry, but quitted that study to pursue the beauties of prose, and polish the English language; that he was early made known to George, Duke of Buckingham, and by him recommended to Charles I., who made him a Prebendary of Westminster, and of Windsor; from which preferments he soon rose to be Dean of Westminster, and Bishop of Rochester; but at length, from his firm integrity to the Church and Monarchy, was brought in danger of his life. He died in 1713, aged seventy-seven.” The second inscription shows—“That the remains of Thomas Sprat, A.M. (son of the Bishop), Archdeacon of Rochester, and Prebendary of the Churches of Rochester, Winchester, and Westminster, lie near those of his father. He died May 10, 1720, aged forty-one.” The third inscription imports—“That John Friend, M.D., to show his respect for those two worthy personages, had caused this monument to be erected jointly to their memories.”—Bird, sculptor.

Dr. Joseph Willcocks.—Two angels holding a scroll, mitre, collegiate cap, &c., bas-relief, exterior view of Westminster Abbey. On each side are two beautiful figures of Faith and Hope. This Rev. Prelate was Chaplain to the British Factory at Lisbon, afterwards Preceptor to the Princess, and Prebendary of this Church; in 1721, consecrated Lord Bishop of Gloucester; in 1721, translated to Rochester, also made Dean of this Church, and of the most Honourable Order of the Bath. He died March 9, 1756, aged eighty-three, and is buried in a vault in the Ecclesiastical Court, with his wife Jane, daughter of John Milner, Esq., Consul at Lisbon. She died March 27, 1725, aged twenty-eight; with Ann, their daughter, who died in her infancy.—Cheere, sculptor.

Above is a curious monument, sacred to the memory of Richard Tyrrell, Esq., who was descended from an ancient family of Ireland, and died Rear-Admiral of the White, 26th June, 1766. Devoted from his youth to the naval service of his country, and being formed under the discipline, and animated by the example of his renowned uncle, Sir Peter Warren, he distinguished himself as an able and experienced officer in many gallant actions, particularly on the 20th of November, 1758, when commanding the Buckingham, of sixty-six guns, and one hundred and seventy-five men, he attacked and defeated three French ships of war; one of them was the Florin, of seventy-four guns, and seven hundred men; but the Buckingham being too much disabled to take possession of her, after she had struck, the enemy, under cover of the night, escaped; during the action he received several wounds, and lost three fingers of his right hand. Dying on his return to England from the Leeward Islands, where he had for three years commanded a squadron of his Majesty’s ships, his body was, by his own desire, committed to the sea, with the proper honours and ceremonies. On a piece of rock—“The sea shall give up her dead, and every one shall be rewarded according to his works.” The figures History, Navigation, and Hibernia, are well cut; they are represented among the rocks, with the sea above their heads, the Admiral himself ascending amidst heavy clouds.—Nathaniel Read, sculptor.

On a pedestal stands the bust of Dr. Zachary Pearce. The features bear a striking resemblance to those of the original. On each side are the ensigns of his prelatical dignities; and underneath is a Latin inscription, of which the following is a translation:—“Sacred to the memory of the most Reverend Zachary Pearce, S.T.P., Bishop of Rochester, Dean of this Church, and of the most Honourable Order of the Bath. The seeds of learning, which were early sown at Westminster School, he cultivated to maturity at Cambridge: how rich the produce, both as a critic and divine, his works, already printed and published, will abundantly show. At length, growing fond of retirement, and earnestly desirous of leisure for elucidating the Scriptures, he resigned the Deanery of Westminster, as he wished to have done that of his Bishoprick, could it have been permitted. Having lived to finish what was the wish of his heart,—his Commentary on the Holy Evangelists and the Acts of the Apostles,—he rested from his labours, June 29, 1774, aged eighty-four.”—Tyler, sculptor.

“In memory of the Very Rev. William Buckland, D.D., F.R.S., Dean of Westminster, and of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, formerly Canon of Christ Church, Oxford, Trustee of the British Museum, First Professor of Geology and Mineralogy in the University of Oxford; founder of the Museum of Geology, which he bequeathed to that University. Endued with superior intellect, he applied the powers of his mind to the honour and glory of God, the advancement of science, and the welfare of mankind. Born March 12, 1784; died August 14, 1856, aged seventy-two. ‘For the Lord giveth wisdom, out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.’—Prov. xi. ver. 6. Erected by his children.”—H. Weekes, A.R.A., sculptor, 1859.

The next is a bust, highly finished, and emblems of sacred offices. The Latin inscription is to the following purport:—“Sacred to the memory of the Reverend John Thomas, LL.D., Bishop of Rochester, Dean of this Collegiate Church, and of the most Honourable Order of the Bath. Having passed through the school at Carlisle with reputation, he proceeded to Oxford, to gather a more abundant harvest of knowledge, where he became both the ornament and patron of genius, good morals, and of polite, as well as of profound learning. With increasing fame everywhere spreading itself, he did honour to dignities by his merit, improved riches by bestowing them, presided over the Church with wisdom, defended it by his authority, regulated it by his example; ever active in duties, and unwearied in attentions, added to the strictest economy; till, after a well-spent life, himself exhausted, but not his patience, by a long and painful illness, he resigned his soul to God, August 20, 1793, aged eighty-one years. His nephew, G.A.T., A.M., to whose lot it fell to perform it, offers this unavailing tribute, as a testimony, though small, of Duty and Affection.”—Bust by Nollekens.

Katharine Bovey.—The principal figures here are Faith, with her book closed, and Wisdom, lamenting the death of her patroness; between which is a lady’s head in an amulet of black marble, curiously veined. Over it is an English inscription, giving a character of the deceased, who died January 21, 1727, in the fifty-seventh year of her age. Mrs. Mary Pope, who lived with her near forty years in perfect friendship, erected this monument to her memory.—Gibbs, sculptor.

Lord Viscount Howe.—The emblematic representation on this monument is a figure of the Genius of the Province of Massachuset’s Bay, in a mournful posture, lamenting the fall of this hero, and the family arms, ornamented with military trophies. Beneath is the following inscription, in large characters:—“The Province of Massachuset’s Bay, in New England, by an order of the Great and General Court, bearing date February 1, 1759, caused this monument to be erected to the memory of George, Lord Viscount Howe, Brigadier-General of his Majesty’s Forces in North America, who was slain, July 6, 1758, on the march of Ticonderoga, in the thirty-fourth year of his age; in testimony of the sense they had of his services and military virtues, and of the affection their officers and soldiers bore to his command.” He lived respected and beloved: the public regretted his loss: to his family it is irreparable.

Beneath is a bust to the memory of John Ireland, D.D.—The Latin inscription sets forth, that he was a native of Ashburton, Devon. Having pursued his studies at Oriel College, in the University of Oxford, he was, in 1802, enrolled amongst the Prebendaries of this Church; and afterwards, in 1816, raised to the Deanery of the same. Deeply sensible of the benefits that were divinely showered upon him in early life, he sought in after years to prove that he was not unmindful of them. Whilst still among the living, he annually gave liberal prizes for the encouragement of youthful studies, both at Oxford and in the Royal School at Westminster. He also, by his last will, bequeathed a munificent pecuniary legacy, partly to endow a Professorship of Theology at Oxford, partly towards the support of needy students of Oriel College, and partly that some assistance might be furnished for rightly educating his townsmen of Ashburton. He died September 2, 1842, aged eighty.—Turnouth, sculptor.

A neat tablet erected to the memory of Dr. Robert Cannon, Dean of Lincoln, and Prebendary of this Church, who died March 28, 1722, aged fifty-nine.

Over the West Cloisters door is a most stately monument to the memory of General George Wade. In the centre is a beautiful marble pillar, enriched with military trophies highly finished. The principal figures represent Fame preventing Time from defacing his military honours. The whole is finely executed, and cannot be too much admired. The General’s head is in a medallion; and the inscription runs thus:—“To the memory of George Wade, Field Marshal of his Majesty’s Forces, Lieutenant-General of the Ordnance, Colonel of his Majesty’s Third Regiment of Dragoon Guards, Governor of Fort William, Fort Augustus, and Fort George, and one of his Majesty’s most Honourable Privy Council. He died March 14, 1748, aged seventy-five.”—Roubiliac, sculptor.

A monument of General Sir James Outram, with the following inscription:—“To the memory of Lieutenant-General Sir James Outram, G.C.B., K.S.I., &c., a soldier of the East India Company, who, during a service of 40 years in war and in council, by deeds of bravery and devotion, by an unselfish life, by benevolence, never weary of well-doing, sustained the honour of the British nation, won the love of his comrades, and promoted the happiness of the people of India. This monument is erected by the Secretary of State for India in Council. Born January 29, 1803; died March 11, 1863. Interred in this Abbey at the public cost, March 25, 1863.” Under the bust is represented in high relief an exquisite sculpture of Lord Clyde and Outram shaking hands, with General Havelock between them and other figures in the background; and on each side two figures of the Scinde and Bihil tribes, lamenting the death of their “great friend.”—Noble, sculp.

Charles Herries, Esq., Colonel of the Light Horse Volunteers of London and Westminster, died April 3, 1819, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. So much was he respected, that the regiment followed him to the grave with filial reverence; and as a lasting tribute of honour to his memory, raised this record at his virtues and their affection. The monument consists of a bust, a strong resemblance; on the base is represented a female, seated on bales, as the city of London, over whom a warrior is holding a shield; by him stands his horse, which he seems ready to mount for defence.—Chantrey, sculptor.

Carola Harsnet.—This tomb has two learned inscriptions upon it, one in Hebrew, the other in Greek; and was erected to the memory of the wife of Sir Samuel Morland, Baronet, who died in child-bed of her second son, Oct. 10, 1674, in the twenty-third year of her age. The inscriptions are thus translated:—“Blessed be the Lord, my wife was precious! Blessed be thy remembrance, oh, virtuous woman!” Thus far the Hebrew. The Greek thus:—“When I think on thy mildness, patience, charity, modesty, and piety, I lament thee, oh, most excellent creature! and I grieve exceedingly; but not like such as have no faith, for I believe and expect the resurrection of those who sleep in Christ.”—Stanton, sculptor.

A beautiful monument to John Smith, Esq. The design is a pyramid and altar, on which sits a lady veiled, mournful, and disconsolate, resting her right arm on a fine bust in relief. On the base is a Latin inscription, setting forth his descent from the Smith’s in Lincolnshire: and issue, viz., two daughters, Ann, the eldest, first married to Henry Parker, Esq., son of Sir Harry Parker, of Warwickshire, and afterwards to Michael, Lord Dunkellin, eldest son of the Earl of Clanrickard; and Mary, the youngest, married to Edward Desboverie, of Langford, in Wilts, Bart. John Smith died July 6, 1718.—Gibbs, sculptor.

Above is a monument erected to the memory of James Fleming, Major-General of his Majesty’s Forces, and Colonel of a Regiment of Foot, who, having served forty-four years a commissioned officer, died March 17, 1750, aged sixty-eight. At the top of a beautiful pyramid of marble, is a medallion of this General, at the base of which are the figures of Minerva and Hercules, employed in binding the emblems of Wisdom, Prudence, and Valour together, as characteristics of the hero. The decorations are military trophies.—Roubiliac, sculptor.

Ann Filding.—This tomb, on which are two very learned inscriptions, one in Hebrew, the other in Ethiopic, is erected to the memory of the second wife of Sir Samuel Morland, Baronet. The Hebrew inscription is to this effect:—“Oh, thou fairest among women! oh! virtuous woman! the hand of the Lord hath done this! the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, and blessed be the name of the Lord.” The Ethiopic inscription is thus translated:—“Come, lament o’er this monument with a beloved husband, for thee; but in certain hope that thou art united with Christ. This lady was truly religious, virtuous, faithful, mild as a dove, and chaste; while she continued in life, she was honoured, and is happy, through mercy, in death.” This is one of Mr. Addison’s modest inscriptions, that has not, perhaps, been three times read in more than threescore years. Under the Ethiopic is this inscription:—“Ann, daughter of George Filding, Esq., and Mary, his wife, the truly loving (and as truly beloved) wife of Samuel Morland, Knight and Baronet, died February 20, 1679/80, Ætatis nineteen.”—Stanton, sculptor.

Diana Temple.—This old-fashioned monument seems to have been designed not for one person, but for all Sir William Temple’s family, as appears by the inscription, written by Sir William himself, in which is mentioned Diana Temple, who died at fourteen; Dorothy Osborn, probably Sir William’s lady, aged sixty-six; William Temple, aged seventy; and Martha Giffard, called Lady Giffard, Sir William’s sister, aged eighty-four.

Sir Charles Harbord, Knight, and Clement Cottrell, Esq.—On the base of this double monument is represented in relief, a dreadful sea-fight; and on the top, in a wreath of laurel, this inscription:—“To preserve and unite the harmony of two faithful friends who lost their lives at sea together, May 28, 1672.” These two young gentlemen, of the most promising expectations, both perished in the Royal James, with the Earl of Sandwich, who commanded in her as Vice-Admiral against the Dutch, in that memorable fight off the coast of Sussex, in Charles the Second’s time. The Royal James being set on fire, Sir Charles Harbord, First Lieutenant, though he might have saved himself by swimming, yet out of pure affection to his worthy Commander, chose to die with him. Young Cottrell was a volunteer; and having returned to his ship unwounded, from being the first man that had boarded a Dutchman of seventy guns, and pulled down the ensigns of her with his own hands, perished also with his friends. This gentleman understood seven languages, though but twenty-two years of age. This moving story is recited at large on the monument, but too long to copy.

Above is the monument of William Hargrave, Esq., Lieutenant-General of his Majesty’s forces, Colonel of the Royal English Fusileers, and Governor of Gibraltar, who having been fifty-seven years a commissioned officer, died 21st January, 1750, aged seventy-nine. The figure of Time is represented to have overcome Death; he is breaking the dart of Death across his knee; the pyramid is destroyed at the sound of the trumpet, the dead rising, and the crown of Death is fallen to the ground.—Designed and executed by Roubiliac.

A fine bust to Sidney, Earl Godolphin, with a rich cravat. In 1661, he was Groom of the Bedchamber to Charles II.; 1679, Commissioner of the Treasury; in 1684, Secretary of State, and the same year created Baron of Rialton, in Cornwall, by James II. After the Revolution he was made First Commissioner of the Treasury, and soon after Lord High Treasurer, which office, as his inscription shows, together with that of Chief Minister, he held during the first nine glorious years of Queen Anne’s reign. He died Sept. 15, 1712, aged sixty-seven.—Bird, sculptor.

Colonel Roger Townshend.—Here is a sarcophagus, supported by two Indians, on the front of which is represented in bas-relief, the fall of this great commander, with his officers attending him in his dying moments. This monument is decorated with military trophies, and beneath is the following inscription.—“This monument was erected by a disconsolate parent, the Lady Vicountess Townshend, to the memory of her fifth son, the Honourable Lieutenant-Colonel Roger Townshend, who was killed by a cannon-ball, July 25, 1759, in the twenty-eighth year of his age, as he was reconnoitring the French lines at Ticonderagoe, in North America. From the parent, the brother, and the friend, his social and amiable manners, his enterprising bravery, and the integrity of his heart, may claim the tribute of affection. Yet, stranger, weep not! for though premature his death, his life was glorious, enrolling him with the names of those immortal Statesmen and Commanders, whose wisdom and intrepidity, in the course of this comprehensive and successful war, have extended the commerce, enlarged the dominion, and upheld the majesty of these kingdoms, beyond the idea of any former age.”—Eckstein, sculptor.

Above is a tablet to Mrs. Bridget Radley, wife of Charles Radley, Esq., Gentleman Usher and Daily Waiter of James II., who erected this monument to her memory. She died November 20, 1769.

A monument to Sir John Chardin, Bart., and is very emblematical, alluding to the travels of this gentleman, by which, as his motto expresses, “he acquired his fame.” The globe, round which a number of geographical instruments are represented, exhibits a view of the different countries through which he travelled; and the motto beneath refers to the dangers he providentially escaped, for which he ascribes to God the glory. A journal of his travels into the Eastern countries he has published—a book in high esteem.—Henry Cheere, sculptor.

Beneath is a monument with this inscription:—“Sacred to the immortal memory of Sir Palmes Fairborne, Knight, Governor of Tangier, in the execution of which command he was mortally wounded by a shot from the Moors then besieging the town, in the forty-sixth year of his age, October 24, 1680.” The following is the epitaph, written by Mr. Dryden:—

“Ye sacred reliques which our marble keep
Here, undisturb’d by wars, in quiet sleep,
Discharge the trust which (when it was below)
Fairborne’s undaunted soul did undergo,
And be the town’s Palladium from the foe!
Alive and dead, these walls he did defend:
Great actions great examples must attend.
The Candian siege his early value knew,
Where Turkish blood did his young hands imbrue;
From thence returning, with deserv’d applause,
Against the Moors his well-flesh’d sword he draws,
The same the courage, and the same the cause.
His youth and age, his life and death combine,
As in some great and regular design,
All of a piece throughout, and all divine.
Still nearer heaven, his virtues shone more bright:
Like rising flames expanding in their height,
The martyr’s glory crowns the soldier’s flight.
More bravely British Gen’ral never fell,
Nor Gen’ral’s death was e’er reveng’d so well,
Which his pleas’d eyes beheld before their close,
Follow’d by thousand victims of his foes.
To his lamented loss, for times to come,
His pious widow consecrates this tomb.”

On a lofty dome is the deceased’s arms, with this motto, “Tutis si Fortis.” Over it a Turk’s head on a dagger, by way of crest, which he won by his valour in fighting against that people in the German war.—Bushnall, sculptor.

Major Andre.—On a moulded panelled base and plinth stands a sarcophagus, on the panel of which is inscribed:—“Sacred to the memory of Major John AndrÉ, who, raised by his merit, at an early period of life, to the rank of Adjutant-General of the British Forces in America, and employed in an important, but hazardous enterprise, fell a sacrifice to his zeal for his King and country, on the 2nd October, 1780, aged twenty-nine, universally beloved and esteemed by the army in which he served, and lamented even by his foes. His gracious Sovereign, King George III., has caused this monument to be erected;” and on the plinth—“The remains of the said Major AndrÉ were deposited on the 28th November, 1821, in a grave near this monument.” This is the third head now placed on General Washington’s figure; several others are new, the originals, being so well executed, were too great a temptation for the curious pilferer to withstand. The projecting figures: one of them (with a flag of truce) is presenting to General Washington a letter, which AndrÉ had addressed to his Excellency the night previous to his execution, worded thus:—“Sir, buoyed above the terror of death, by the consciousness of a life devoted to honourable purposes, and stained with no action which can give me remorse, I trust that the request which I make to your Excellency at this serious period, and which is to soften my last moments, will not be rejected; sympathy towards a soldier will surely induce your Excellency, and a military tribunal, to adapt the mode of my death to the feelings of a man of honour; let me hope, Sir, that if aught in my character impresses you with esteem towards me,—if aught in my misfortunes mark me as the victim of policy and not of resentment,—I shall experience the operations of those feelings in your breast, by being informed I am not to die on a gibbet. I have the honour to be, your Excellency, John AndrÉ, Adjutant of the British Forces in America.”—Van Gelder, sculptor.

Against the organ gallery is the monument to Thomas Thynne, Esq.—The principal figure is represented in a dying posture, and at his feet a cherub weeping. It has this inscription:—“Thomas Thynne, of Longleate, in Co. Wilts, Esq., who was barbarously murdered on Sunday, the 12th February, 1682;” which murder was conspired by Count Koningsmarck, and executed by three assassins, hired for that purpose, who shot him in Pall-Mall, in his own coach. The motive was to obtain the rich heiress of Northumberland in marriage, who, in her infancy, had been betrothed to the Earl of Ogle, but left a widow, and afterwards married to Mr. Thynne.—Quellin, sculptor.

Opposite, is a tablet of fine marble to General Strode, decorated with military trophies, and bearing this inscription:—“Near this place lie the remains of William Strode, Esq., Lieutenant-General of his Majesty’s Forces, and Colonel of the sixty-second Regiment of Foot. He departed this life, January 14, 1776, in the seventy-eighth year of his age, who constantly attended his duty both at home and abroad, during a course of sixty years’ service. He was a strenuous asserter of both civil and religious liberty, as established at the glorious Revolution of William III. Military reader! go thou and do likewise.”—Hayward, sculptor.

Above is a tablet to Captain William Julius, who commanded the Colchester man-of-war, and died Oct. 3, 1698, aged thirty-three.

George Churchill, second son of Sir Winston Churchill, of Dorsetshire, Knight, and brother of John, Duke of Marlborough. He was early trained to military affairs, and served with great honour by sea and land under Charles II., James II., William and Anne. He was Captain in the English fleet, at burning the French at La Hogue in William the Third’s reign; and for his bravery there made one of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. In the succeeding reign he was made Admiral-in-Chief. He died May 8, 1710, aged fifty-eight.

An oval tablet to the memory of Major Richard Creed, enriched with military trophies; and on it there is this inscription:—“To the memory of the honoured Major Richard Creed, who attended William III. in all his wars, everywhere signalizing himself, and never more himself than when he looked an enemy in the face. At the glorious battle of Blenheim, 1704, he commanded one of those squadrons that began the attack; in two several charges he remained unhurt, but in the third, after many wounds received, still valiantly fighting, he was shot through the head. His dead body was brought off by his brother at the hazard of his own life, and buried there. To his memory, his sorrowful mother erects this monument, placing it near another, which her son, when living, used to look upon with pleasure, for the worthy mention it makes of that great man, Edward, Earl of Sandwich, to whom he had the honour to be related, and whose heroic virtue he was ambitious to imitate. He was the eldest son of John Creed, of Oundell, Esq., and Elizabeth, his wife, only daughter of Sir Gilbert Pickering, Bart., of Titmarsh, in Northamptonshire.”

Also a tablet in memory of Lieutenant Richard Creed, of the Bombay Artillery, who was killed in Upper Scinde, on the 20th of February, 1841, whilst fighting at the head of a party of volunteers from his troop, whom he had gallantly led to the assault of the fort Hujjack; thus prematurely closing, in the twelfth year of his services in India, and the twenty-eighth of his age, a career of high credit and brightest promise, throughout which, his ability, prudence, and devotion to duty, secured not less the esteem of his superiors, than his uniform kindness and conciliatory demeanour won the confidence and marked attachment of his humbler companions in arms. This tablet was erected by the officers of his regiment, to whom his generous nature, amiable deportment, and Christian virtues have, in no common degree, endeared his memory.—Thomas, sculptor.

Above, on a plain marble stone, is an English inscription, reciting the military glories of Sir Richard Bingham, who was of the ancient family of the Binghams, of Bingham Melcomb, in Dorsetshire; and served in the reign of Queen Mary, at St. Quintin’s; in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, at Leith, in Scotland; in the Isle of Candy, under the Venetians; at Cabo Chrio, and in the famous battle of Lepanto, against the Turks; in the civil wars of France in the Netherlands, at Smerwick. After this he was made Governor of Connaught, in Ireland, where he overthrew the Irish Scots, expelled the traitor O’Rourke, suppressed the rebellion, and was finally made Marshal of Ireland, and Governor of Leinster. He died at Dublin, January 19, 1598, aged seventy; from whence he was brought, and here interred, by John Bingley, some time his servant.

Above is a monument erected to the memory of Martin Folkes, of Hillington, in the county of Norfolk, Esq., who, under the auspices of Newton, happily employed his talents, industry, and time, in the study of sublime philosophy. He was chosen President of the Royal Society in 1741, and calmly submitted to the common lot of man on the 28th June, 1754, at the age of sixty-three. He is represented sitting, with his hands resting on a book, shut, as if contemplating; above is an urn, covered with drapery, that a boy holds up; there are two more boys, one of whom seems much surprised, from looking through a microscope, while the other, with a pair of compasses, is measuring the globe.—Ashton, sculptor.

Opposite, on your left, is a monument—“Sacred to the memory of General Sir Thomas Trigge, Knight of the most Honourable Order of the Bath, Lieutenant-General of the Ordnance, and Colonel of the forty-fourth Regiment of Foot; who spent a long life in active service, and enjoyed the uniform approbation of his sovereign and of his country to his latest hour. He begun his career as Ensign in the twelfth Regiment; served during the seven years’ war in Germany; was present at the battles of Minden, Fellinghausen, Williamsdahl, and others: he commanded the same regiment during the whole of the memorable defence of Gibraltar, and was afterwards many years Lieutenant-Governor of that fortress. While Commander-in-chief in the West Indies, he captured Surinam, and various islands; and for his services was made K.B. He lived respected and beloved, and departed this life in his seventy-second year, on the 11th January, 1814.”—Bacon, sculptor.

Thomas Owen, Esq.—On this monument is a fine figure of a Judge in his robes, leaning on his right arm, and over him an inscription, showing that he was the son of Richard Owen, by Mary, daughter and heiress of Thomas Otley, of Shropshire, Esq.; that from his youth he had applied himself to the study of the laws, and was first made Serjeant temp. to Queen Elizabeth, and afterwards a Justice of the Common Pleas. He died Dec. 21, 1598.

Pasquale de Paoli.—A bust strongly resembling the deceased, with the following inscription under it:—“To the memory of Pasquale de Paoli, one of the most eminent and most illustrious characters of the age in which he lived. He was born at Rostino, in Corsica, April 5, 1725; was unanimously chosen, at the age of thirty, Supreme Head of that island, and died in this metropolis, February 5, 1807, aged eighty-two years. The early and better part of his life he devoted to the cause of liberty, nobly maintaining it against the usurpation of Genoese and French tyranny. By his many splendid achievements, his useful and benevolent institutions, his patriotic and public zeal, manifested upon every occasion, he amongst the few who have merited so glorious a title, most justly deserves to be hailed the father of his country. Being obliged by the superior force of his enemies, to retire from Corsica, he sought refuge in this land of liberty, and was here most graciously received, amidst the general applause of a magnanimous nation, into the protection of his Majesty, King George III., by whose fostering hand and munificence he not only obtained a safe and honourable asylum, but was enabled, during the remainder of his days to enjoy the society of his friends and faithful followers in affluent and dignified retirement. He expressed to the last moment of his life the most grateful sense of his Majesty’s paternal goodness towards him, praying for the preservation of his sacred person, and the prosperity of his dominions.”—Flaxman, sculptor.

Against the pillar is an oval tablet to James Kendall, Esq., supported by a Death’s head. He was chosen a member of the last Parliament of James II., and served in several Parliaments afterwards in the reign of William III., by whom he was made Governor of Barbadoes, and one of the Commissioners of the Admiralty. He died July 10, 1708, aged sixty. Then turning yourself, you see opposite—

A little monument of white marble, erected to the memory of Dr. Isaac Watts. It is divided by a fascia, over which a bust of that eminent divine is exhibited, supported by Genii, who seem pleased with the office to which they are allotted. Underneath, in a circle, is a fine figure of the Doctor sitting on a stool, in the attitude of deep contemplation, which is finely expressed by an Angel opening to him the wonders of creation, while in one hand he holds a pen, and with the other points to a celestial globe. His name, the dates of his birth and death, are inscribed on the plinth:—“Isaac Watts, D.D., born July 17, 1674. Died November 25, 1748.”—Banks, sculptor.

George Stepney, Esq., descended from the Stepneys of Pendergraft, in Pembrokeshire, but born at Westminster, 1663, elected into the College of St. Peter’s, at Westminster, 1676, and entered of Trinity College, Cambridge, 1682. In 1692 he was sent Envoy to the Elector of Brandenburgh; in 1696 and 1697, to the Electors of Mentz, Triers, Cologne, Palatine, Landgrave of Hesse, and to the Congress of Frankfort, on his return from which he was made Commissioner of Trade; in 1698, was sent a second time Envoy to the Elector of Brandenburgh; in 1699, in the same quality to Poland; in 1701, a second time to the Emperor; and lastly, in 1706, to the States General. All these several embassies he conducted with such integrity, application, and ease, that he generally exceeded the expectations of his sovereigns, William and Anne, by whom he was employed. He died at Chelsea, 1707.

Above is a monument erected to the memory of John Methuen, Esq., who died in the service of his country, in Portugal, July 13, 1706, and was here interred, September 17, 1708.—Rysbrack, sculptor.

Also to that of his son, the Right Hon. Sir Paul Methuen, of Bishop’s Canning, Wilts, one of his Majesty’s most Honourable Privy Council, and Knight of the most Honourable Order of the Bath, who died April 11, 1757, aged eighty-five.

Beneath is a bust—“To the memory of Charles Burney, LL.D., L.D., F.S.A., et R.S., in the Royal Academy, London, Professor of Greek and Latin, Chaplain in Ordinary to his Majesty George III., Prebendary of the Church of Lincoln, Rector of Cliff, and of St. Paul, Deptford, in the county of Kent, eighteen years master of Greenwich School. He died on the 28th Jan. 1818, in his sixty-first year, and was buried at Deptford.” The Latin inscription sets forth, that “he was a man of various and deep learning, of a judgment of critical nicety and elegance of style, polished by unremitting exercise, and in solving difficulties in metrical composition, of exquisite skill. His pupils, from a collection raised amongst themselves, caused this monument to be erected.”—Gahagan, sculptor.

John Wesley, M.A. Born June 17, 1703; died March 2, 1791.

Charles Wesley, M.A. Born December 13, 1708; died March 29, 1788.

“The best of all is, God is with us.”
“I look upon all the world as my parish.”
“God buries His workmen, but carries on His work.”

Thomas Knipe, S.T.P.—This monument was erected by Alice, second wife of this learned man, who, for fifty years, was employed in Westminster School, sixteen whereof as Head Master. He was also a Prebendary of this Cathedral. The long Latin inscription contains nothing more than a laboured recital of a good man’s virtues, and that he died August 8, 1711, aged seventy-three. At his feet is the grave of his affectionate scholar, William King, LL.D., without any inscription. Here hath been lately added an inscription in memory of two brothers, who both died in the service of their country: Captain John Knipe, 90th regiment, at Gibraltar, October 25, 1798, in the twenty-second year of his age; Captain Robert Knipe, 14th Light Dragoons, at Villa Formosa, May 17, 1811, aged thirty-two.

Opposite, on your left, is the monument to Dame Grace Gethin.—This lady, married to Sir Richard Gethin Grot, in Ireland, was famed for exemplary piety, and wrote a book of devotion, which Mr. Congreve complimented with a poem. She died October 11, 1697, aged twenty-one.

Elizabeth and Judith Freke.—A long inscription, setting forth the descent and marriage of these two ladies, whose busts in relief ornament the sides. They were, as the inscription says, the daughters of Ralph Freke, of Hannington, in Wilts, Esq. Elizabeth was married to Percy Freke, of West Belney, in Norfolk, and died April 7, 1714, aged sixty-nine. Judith married Robert Austin, of Tenterden, in Kent, and died May 19, 1716, aged sixty-four. They were both great examples to their sex; the best of daughters, the best of wives, and the best of mothers.

Opposite is a monument to William Wragg, Esq.: in the centre of which is represented the fatal accident that happened to the ship in which he was embarked, when he, with many more, was drowned, September 3, 1777. His son, who accompanied him, was miraculously saved on a package, supported by a black slave, till he was cast on shore, on the coast of Holland.

“Sir Cloudesly Shovell, Knight, Rear-Admiral of Great Britain, and Admiral and Commander-in-Chief of the Fleet, the just rewards of his long and faithful services. He was deservedly beloved of his country, and esteemed, though dreaded, by the enemy, who had often experienced his conduct and courage. Being shipwrecked on the rocks of Scilly, in his voyage from Toulon, October 22, 1707, at night, in the fifty-seventh year of his age, his fate was lamented by all, but especially by the seafaring part of the nation, to whom he was a generous patron, and a worthy example. His body was flung on the shore, and buried with others, on the sand; but being soon after taken up, was placed under this monument, which his Royal Mistress had caused to be erected, to commemorate his steady loyalty and extraordinary virtues.” A recumbent figure of the Admiral lies under a tent; beneath, in bas-relief, is the wreck of the Association.—Bird, sculptor.

Above is a monument to Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bart., under a canopy of state, the curtains whereof are finely gilt, and tied up with gold strings; and on each side of the bust is a weeping cherub, one resting on a medallion of his lady, the other pointing to Sir Godfrey. On the pedestal is a Latin inscription, signifying that Sir Godfrey Kneller, Knt., who lies interred here, was painter to Charles II., James II., William III., Anne, and George II. Born in 1646, died in 1723, aged seventy-seven. He was knighted March 3, 1691, and created a baronet May 24, 1715. Among his most excellent works are the “Beauties of the Court of Charles I.” This monument was designed by Sir Godfrey himself. Bust by Rysbrack. Underneath is his epitaph, written by Mr. Pope:—

“Kneller, by Heaven, and not a master, taught,
Whose art was nature, and whose pictures thought—
When now two ages he had snatched from fate
Whate’er was beauteous, or whate’er was great—
Rests, crowned with princes’ honours, poets’ lays,
Due to his merit and brave thirst of praise:
Living, great Nature fear’d he might outvie
Her works; and dying, fears herself may die.”

Sir John Burland, Knt., LL.D.—One of the Barons of his Majesty’s Court of Exchequer; as a man, valued and beloved; as a judge, honoured and revered. He died suddenly, on the 29th of February, 1776, aged fifty-one years. On a pyramid of black marble is represented his profile in a medallion of statuary marble, decorated with emblems alluding to the qualities for which he was eminent, particularly the caduceus, denoting his eloquence, and the scales, expressive of justice.

On the left is a neat tablet, which contains the following inscription:—“To the memory of William Dalrymple, Midshipman, eldest son of Sir John Dalrymple, Bart., one of the Barons of Exchequer in Scotland, and of Elizabeth Hamilton Macgill, representatives of the Viscounts of Oxford; who, though heir of ample estates, preferred to a life of indolence and pleasure the toilsome and perilous profession of a seaman when his country was in danger. At the age of eighteen, he was killed, off the coast of Virginia, in a desperate engagement, in which Captain Salter, in the Santa Margaretta, took the Amazone, a French ship of superior force, almost in sight of the enemy’s fleet; receiving in the public despatches of his skilful and generous Commander, the honourable testimony that he was a worthy and deserving youth, who, had he lived, would have been an ornament to his profession; and leaving to his once happy parents, in whose fond eyes he appeared to promise whatever could be expected from genius, spirit, and the best gift of God, a kind and melting heart, the endearing remembrance of his virtues. Father of all! grant to the prayers of a father and mother, that their surviving children may inherit the qualities of such a brother, and that there may never be wanting to the British youth, the spirit to pursue that line of public honour which he marked out for himself and for them. Obit 29th July, 1782.”

An oval tablet, thus inscribed:—“Near these steps lies the body of Mrs. Ann Wemyss, daughter of Dr. Lodowick Wemyss, some time Prebendary of this Cathedral, and of Mrs. Jane Bargrave, his wife, who departed this life, December 19, 1698, in her sixty-seventh year.”

Sophia Fairholm.—This lady, her monumental inscription informs us, was born in Scotland, and was mother to the Marquis of Annandale, who, as a mark of his duty and gratitude, caused this monument to be erected to her memory. It is the representation of an ancient sepulchre, over which a stately edifice is raised, ornamented at top with the family arms. She died December 13, 1716, aged forty-nine.

Above are inscriptions to the memory of Rear-Admiral John Harrison, who was Captain of the Namur, under Sir George Pocock, in several successful engagements with the French Fleet, commanded by Monsieur D’AchÉ, in one of which he was wounded. He conducted, under the same British Admiral, the armament against the Havannah, and brought the fleet and treasure safe to England. In consequence of excessive fatigue, soon after his return, he lost the use of one side by a paralytic stroke, and remained helpless twenty-eight years. He was firm in action, prudent in conduct, polished in society, generous and humane in a profession, and upon an element, where human virtue is of the most rigid kind, and human nature is most severely tried; his modesty was equal to his virtues. He died October 15, 1791, aged sixty-nine years. Above and below are expressed, in Latin, the following words:—“God is my port and refuge: God hath shown His wonders in the deep.”

Opposite, on your left, is the monument to Sir Thomas Richardson.—There is an effigy, in brass, of a Judge in his robes, with a collar of SS., representing Sir Thomas Richardson, Knight, “Speaker of the House of Commons in the twenty-first and twenty-second year of James I., Chief Justice of the Common Pleas; and, lastly, by Charles I., made L.C.J. of England. He died in 1634, in his sixty-sixth year.” So far the inscription. This is that Judge Richardson who first issued out an order against the ancient custom of wakes, and caused every minister to read it in his church, which the Bishop of Bath and Wells opposing, complaint was made against the order in the Council-chamber, where Richardson was so severely reprimanded, that he came out in a rage, saying—he had been almost choked with a pair of lawn sleeves.—Huber le Seur, sculptor.

An ancient monument of marble and alabaster, gilt, on which lies a warrior at full length, representing William Thynne, of Botterville, Esq., a polite gentleman, a great traveller, and a brave soldier. In 1546 he was, by Henry VIII., made receiver of the marches, and fought against the Scots at Musselburgh. But his latter days were spent in retirement and devotion in this Church, to which he constantly repaired, morning and evening. His brother was Sir John Thynne, Secretary to the Duke of Somerset, from whom descended that unhappy gentleman whose story we have already related. He died March 14, 1584.

Rev. Dr. Andrew Bell, LL.D., Prebendary of this Church, the eminent founder of the Madras, now the National System of Education, throughout the British dominions. He is represented examining the boys under his system. Died 27th January, 1832.—Behnes, sculptor.

Here you pass through the gate; the monument of Garrick is on your right.