Historical Description of Westminster Abbey, Its Monuments and CuriositiesAnonymous
History
Historical Description of Westminster Abbey, Its Monuments and Curiosities
Anonymous
Westminster Abbey
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.
South Transept; or, Poets' Corner.
A bust of GEORGE GROTE, Historian of Greece. Born 17th November, 1794;
died 18th June, 1871.
"To the memory of DAVID GARRICK, who died in the year 1779, at the age of
sixty-three.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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