London and Its Environs Described, vol. 1 (of 6): Containing an Account of Whatever is Most Remarkable for Grandeur, Elegance, Curiosity or Use, in the City and in the Country Twenty Miles Round ItAnonymous
History
London and Its Environs Described, vol. 1 (of 6): Containing an Account of Whatever is Most Remarkable for Grandeur, Elegance, Curiosity or Use, in the City and in the Country Twenty Miles Round It
Anonymous
London (England) -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800; London (England) -- Gazetteers -- Early works to 1800
23. On entering the south side, there is next the wall a monument
erected to the memory of Sophia Fairholm, Countess of Anandale. It is
the representation of an ancient sepulchre, over which a stately
edifice is raised, ornamented at the top with the family arms. She
died in the year 1716, aged forty-six; and the monumental inscription
informs us, that it was erected by her son the Marquis of Anandale, as
a mark of his duty and gratitude.
24. The monument of the brave Sir Cloudesly Shovel, who here appears a
very unmeaning figure, with a large stiff wig, reposing himself upon
velvet cushions under a canopy of state; and on the base is
represented in bas relief, the ship Association in which the Admiral
last sailed, striking against a rock, with several others perishing at
the same time, and at the top are two boys blowing trumpets.
This monument has been highly censured by all persons of taste, tho’
it is erected to his memory at great expence, and even by his
Sovereign Queen Anne. The great Mr. Addison has justly exposed it in
the Spectators, and complains at this brave rough English Admiral’s
being here represented by the figure of a beau; and also censures the
inscription, which instead of celebrating the many remarkable actions
he had performed in the service of his country, only informs us of the
manner of his death, from which it was impossible to reap any honour,
tho’ it may excite our pity. The inscription is as follows:
Sir Cloudesly Shovel, Knt. Rear-Admiral of Great Britain, and
Admiral and Commander in chief of the fleet—the just reward of
his long and faithful services. He was deservedly beloved of
his country, and esteemed, tho’ dreaded by the enemy, who had
often experienced his conduct and courage. Being ship-wrecked
on the rocks of Scylly, in his voyage from Toulon, the 22d of
October 1707, at night, in the 57th 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 in 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.
25. The monument of George Stepney, Esq; has his bust under a canopy,
and two naked boys weeping and holding handkerchiefs at their eyes.
This monument, though the materials are very rich, is allowed to be
void of design, and but poorly executed. The Latin inscriptions give
an account of his virtues, his learning and abilities, and the many
negociations in which he was employed at foreign courts. He died at
Chelsea in 1706.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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