Historical Description of Westminster Abbey, Its Monuments and CuriositiesAnonymous
History
Historical Description of Westminster Abbey, Its Monuments and Curiosities
Anonymous
Westminster Abbey
Looking back on your left is a new monument to the memory of Sir THOMAS
FOWELL BUXTON, Bart., born April 1, 1786; died Feb. 19, 1845. Endowed with
a vigorous mind, of dauntless courage and untiring energy, he was early
led by the love of God to devote his powers to the good of man. In
Parliament he laboured for the improvement of prison discipline; for the
amendment of the criminal code, for the suppression of Suttees in India,
for the liberation of the Hottentots in Southern Africa; and, above all,
for the emancipation of eight hundred thousand slaves in the British
dominions. In this last righteous enterprise, after ten years of arduous
conflict, a final victory was given to him and his coadjutors "by the
grace of our God," on the memorable 1st of August, 1834. The energies of
his mind were afterwards concentrated on a great attempt to extinguish the
slave trade in Africa, by the substitution of agriculture and commerce,
and by the civilizing influence of the Gospel. Exhausted in mind and body,
"he fell asleep," reposing in faith on his Redeemer, in the fifty-ninth
year of his age. This monument is erected by his friends and
fellow-labourers at home and abroad, assisted by the grateful
contributions of many thousands of the African race.--_Thrupp, sculptor._
Next against the screen of the choir is a fine old monument, whereon lies
the effigy of a gentleman at full length in a tufted gown; and underneath,
upon the base, was a lady kneeling. By the inscription, these appear to
represent Sir THOMAS HESKETH, Attorney of the Court of Wards of Liveries
in Queen Elizabeth's time; and JULIAN, his wife, who caused this monument
to be erected. He died October 15, 1605.
Dame MARY JAMES.--A very neat monument, being an urn, wreathed, and
crowned with a Viscount's coronet, on a handsome pedestal. By the
inscription, it appears that this lady was the wife of Sir John James, of
the ancient family of the Lords of Hosterick, in Holland, and daughter of
Sir Robert Killigrew, Vice-Chamberlain to Henrietta Maria, Queen of
Charles I. She died Nov. 6, 1677.
HUGH CHAMBERLAIN, M.D., and F.R.S.--The principal figure on this monument
lies, as it were, at ease, upon a sarcophagus, leaning on his right arm,
with his hand upon his cap and his head uncovered. In his left hand he
holds a book, indicating thereby his intense application to study. On each
side are the emblems of physic and longevity; and over his head is Fame
descending with a trumpet in one hand, and in the other a wreath. On the
top are weeping cherubs, and on the pedestal a long inscription in Latin,
setting forth his vast knowledge and industry in his profession, his
humanity in relieving the sick, and his connections and affinities in
social and private life. This gentleman was famous for the improvements he
made in midwifery, the practice of which, since his time, has been studied
by the faculty to great advantage. He died June 17, 1728, aged
sixty-four.--_Scheemakers and Delvaux, sculptors._
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