SEPULCHRAL MONUMENTS.
IN this church were a number of ancient shrines, monuments, and
monumental inscriptions, raised to the memory of the distinguished dead. But when the Scots stormed the town, they
plundered the churches, and broke down, with axes and hammers, the carved work and effigies that adorned these mournful
but gratifying memorials. Most of what escaped the destructive fury of the stern Presbyterians, were destroyed when the
church was altered and improved in 1783. (fn. 1)
At the east end of the church, and near the communion-place,
is the monument of Francis Burton, merchant, who died in
1682, erected by his daughter, Isabell Matthews. Opposite to this is a memorial of
Mary Furyre. Near the east end of the south aisle is a beautiful monument, with
the following inscription:—
"Sacred to the Memory of Nicholas Ridley
Esqr.
Of Link House in the County of Northumberland.
A Senior Bencher of the Honble Society of Grays Inn,
And one of the Masters in the High Court of Chancery
In Attention to the Duties of his Situation
Sedulous, and Unremitting,
In the Practice of every social, and moral Virtue
Uniform, and Exemplary,
In Friendship steady, and sincere,
In Affection unbounded.
He died at Bath universally lamented Janry 1st
1805, Ætat 55.
Potest Fugacem Sistere Spiritum,
Heu Nulla Virtus."
Adjoining is the monument of Isabel, the wife of William Wrightson, Esq. M. P.
for Newcastle. She died 13th March, 1716. Adjoining is a mural monument, with
the following inscription:—
"Near this Place lie interred the Bodies of Iohn Stephenson, Esq. one of the Aldermen of
this Corporation obiit 7, April 1761, Æt. 76: And of Elizabeth his Wife obiit 25, Jan, 1789,
Æt. 84. This Memorial was erected by one of their children who honoured and respected their
Virtues."
In this aisle, and opposite to where the altar stood, is the beautiful and curious monument of William Hall, Esq. sometime mayor of this town, and Jane his wife,
which was erected in commemoration of them by Sir Alexander Hall, Knight, their
only surviving son. At the top of the monument are the arms of the family, with
an angel on each side of them. "The body of this monument," says Bourne, "has
on each side a pillar of the Corinthian order; between which is the representation of
a desk with open books upon it, and he on the one side of it, and his wife on the
other, with their folded hands upon the books; below this are the effigies of their
children in the same posture; one of which is represented kneeling alone, at one side
of a desk, with an open book upon it; and other five on the other side of it, kneeling
one after another. The former supposed to be designed for their son, the other for
their daughters." Below is the following inscription, which was long tossed about
among the lumber in St. George's Porch; but the Rev. Archdeacon Singleton, at his
first visitation, ordered it to be restored to its proper place; which is now done:—
"Gvlielmvs Hall, Armiger, qvondam maior hvivs villae, et Iana vxor eivs charissima: felici
prole ditati, ivxta hoc movmentvm in Domino reqviescunt. Ille vicesimo octavo die Iulii anno
Domini 1631, aetatis svae 63. Ilia dvodecima die Avgvsti-anno Domini 1613, aetatis 36. In qvorvm memoriam Alexander Hall, Eqves Avratvs, vnicvs eorvm filivs svperstes hoc merito posvit."
The next is an elegant monument, by Bacon, to the memory of Matthew Ridley,
Esq. which is thus described in the Newcastle Courant (September 8, 1787):—
"A figure in statuary marble, as large as life, bearing a resemblance of the features
and person of the late Mr. Ridley (at the period to which the medallion and inscription allude), is represented in a Roman habit, sitting in the cerule chair, the seat of
magistracy, with a serious, but placid countenance, as considering of the general welfare of the people over whom he presided; under the chair are placed the scales and
fasces, as emblems of justice and authority; beneath this is the entablature, containing the inscription.
"The base of the monument is formed by a medallion, on which the town of
Newcastle is represented by a female figure, crowned with turrets, having a shield
by her, bearing the arms of the town; near her is an urn, from which are seen
issuing salmon, the peculiar attribute of the river Tyne, attacked by Rebellion, who,
treading on the crown and sceptre (ensigns of royalty), bears in one hand the torch
of sedition, in the other the sword of destruction: in an attitude of supplication, she
inclines herself towards an armed figure, who protects her with his shield, and with
a sword in his right hand resists the figure of Rebellion. On the shield are represented the arms of the family of Ridley; the helmet is ornamented with a bull,
which is the crest. As a finishing, under the medallion two cornucopias are introduced, representing the general effect of plenty (attendant on the care of active magistrates), connected by a civic crown, the reward amongst the Romans of civil virtue.
The figure is placed against an obelisk of white marble, eight feet high, on the top
of which is a very elegant urn, bearing the family arms emblazoned." Quarterly,
1st and 4th, gules, on a chevron between three hawks, argent, as many pellets, for
Ridley; 2d and 3d, argent, three cocks' heads erased sable, combed and wattled gules,
for White. "And on the foot of it is engraved the motto, 'Constans Fidei.' The
whole is relieved by a ground of dove-coloured marble."
inscription:—
"To the Memory of Matthew Ridley Esqre of
Blagdon and
Heaton, in the County of Northumberland,
Senior Alderman of the Corporation of this Town,
and Governor
of the Company of Merchant-Adventurers.
He four times served the Office of Mayor, in which Station in the Year 1745, he rendered essential Service to his Country; averting, by his Prudence and Activity, the Attack meditated against
this Town by the Enemies of the House of Brunswick; and thereby materially checking the Progress of their Arms. He was unanimously elected by his Fellow Burgesses, to represent them in
five successive Parliaments. And retired from that Situation when the declining State of his Health
rendered him incapable of conscientiously fulfilling the Duties of it.
He lived respected and beloved, He died
unfeignedly lamented April 6th 1778, Aged 66
Years."
The light from the uncovered part of the dome in the roof falls direct upon this
beautiful monument, and produces a fine effect. Adjoining is an admirably executed
cenotaph of the Askew family, who were interred in their family vault in St. John's.
"To the Memory
of Henry Askew, of Redheugh, Esq;
Who Died X, March, MDCCXCVI.
Aged LXVI.
Also of Dorothy Askew, His Wife;
Who Died XVIII. March, MDCCXCII.
Aged LII.
The Protectors of twelve orphan Nephews and Nieces.
In Gratitude
To the Best of Guardians
George Adam Askew, of Pallinsburn-House, Esq;
And Ann Elizabeth Askew, His Wife,
Erected this Monument.
MDCCCI."
In the centre of this beautiful monument is displayed an altar or pedestal, surmounted by an urn, in which are supposed to be deposited the ashes of the deceased,
and on its exterior their profile likenesses are admirably sculptured in basso-relievo.
On the left of the altar is an exquisite female figure, illustrative of Gratitude, in the
act of directing two beautiful children, a male and female, who occupy the front,
bearing wreaths of flowers, to present them to Benevolence, who is represented on
the right of the urn, which she embraces with one arm, and with the other enwreathes
it with the children's offering. Near this figure a pelican is discovered, with her
young deriving nourishment from the parent's "bosom's vital stream." A dove, emblematic of innocence, nestles at the children's feet; and a stork, whose filial tenderness and watchful affection render its introduction peculiarly appropriate, is seen to
the left of Gratitude. The whole is admirably executed, and beautifully illustrative
of the inscription. Henry Webber, London, was the artist.
Above the vestry door is a very neat monument, decorated with the arms of
Blackett and Roddam:—
"Sacred to the Memory
of Sarah Blackett
Who departed this life July XIV
MDCCLXXV
Aged XXXV
This Monument is Erected in Testimony
Of the Tender Remembrance
of an Affectionate Husband
Whose Grief for the loss of an Amiable Wife
Can only find Comfort
In full Assurance
Of that Promised Reward
Which Virtue Inherits
In the Regions of Immortality."
A little west from the vestry door is a monument, containing the following
inscription:—
"M. S. Edvardi Collingwood De Chirton Armigeri Northumbriæ Vicecomitis Et Hujus
Ville Per Multos Annos Proprætoris.—In Memoriam Etiam Conjugis Suæ MariÆ; (Johannis
Roddam De Roddam Et Chirton In Agro Northumb: Armigeri Filliæ Et Cohæredis.) Ille Obiit
Die Maii Nono Decimo A. D. 1783 Ætatis 81. Decessit Illa Die Quarto Decemb: 1766 Æt: 66.
Parentibus Carissimis Hocce Deciderii Ac Pietatis Monumentum Animo Possuit Gratisimo Edvardus Filius Natu Maximus 1790."
On the lower compartment,—
"Memoriæ Sacrvm Edvardi Collingwood De Chirton Et Dissington Armigeri: Qvi, Singvlvs
vbi Satisfecisset Officiis Qvæ Essent Ingenvi, Qvæ Probo Decerent; In Pvblicis Prvdens Transigendis Mvneribvs. Patrimonii Ornandi Ampliandi Felix; Moribvs Comis, Simplex Animo Egregie
Suis Omnibus Carvs, Vitam Nec Inhoneste Nec Invtiliter Actam, Anno Salvtis MDCCCVI, Ætatis
LXXII, Cælebs Explevit."
A little further west, a monument presents the following:—
"In Saint George's Porch are Interred the
Remains of
Matthew Duane, of Lincolns Inn London, Esqr.
Fellow of the Royal and Antiquarian Societies,
And a Trustee of the British Museum.
He was of great Eminence in the Knowledge of the Law, and of the strictest Integrety and Liberality in the practice of it; at the same time the friend and patron of the polite and fine Arts: And
particularly distinguished by his singular skill, Judgment, and Taste, in Choosing and collecting
a most complete series of Syrian, Phœnician, Grecian, Roman, and other Coins, now Deposited in
the Museum of the late William Hunter, M, D. for the Illustration and confirmation of History.
The Virtues of his heart were equal to the endowments of his mind; Justice, Benevolence, and
Charity, Dictated his Sentiments in promoting the Happiness of Mankind.
He Died the Sixth of February MDCCLXXXV.
Aged LXXVIII
In Testamony of her Affection and sincere
Esteem
His Widow erected this Monument to his
Memory.
In the same place are Interred the remains of Dorothy Duane, His Widow, Daughter of Mr.
Thomas Dawson, by Barbara Peareth, His Wife; who Died the XIth of April MDCCXCIX,
Aged LXXVII Years."
Maddison's monument is of marble, which has been painted and gilded since its
first erection. It is affixed to a pillar on the north side of the south aisle. At top
are the images of Faith, Hope, and Charity, with their usual attributes. Below
these are the statues of three persons of each sex, in suppliant attitudes, and on their
knees. The two on each side of the desk in front are evidently meant for Henry
Maddison and Elizabeth his wife, the daughter of Robert Barker. Above their
heads a shield—Maddison impaling Barker. He is represented in the habit of an
alderman of Newcastle. The two figures behind them on the west side represent old
Lionel Maddison, also an alderman of that town, who married a Seymour. Above
them a shield—Maddison impaling Seymour. The figures on the east side seem intended for Sir Lionel Maddison (knighted by king Charles I. whom he entertained
at dinner June 4, 1633), and his wife, who must have been a Hall. Maddison impaling Hall, on a coat of arms above, with the helmet of a knight, with the crest of
Marley, which was granted to him, with liberty to quarter the arms of Marley, by
Le Neve, norroy king at arms, June 5, 1635, the crest of Maddison being a lion's
head erased, as it appeared on an adjacent grave-stone. "I suppose," observes Brand,
"this Sir Lionel to have erected the monument, having modestly left a compartment
without any inscription on that side, which his descendants have never filled up.
Indeed, as he deserted the royal cause, he would therefore be an unpopular character
after the restoration."
"Lionel Maddison, mer. ad. mayor of this town, July 1624."
"Jane Tempest, wife of William Tempest, Esq. second son of Sir Nicholas Tempest, Knt. and Bart. and daughter to Henry Maddison, sometime mayor, departed
29 December, 1616, Ætat. 20."
"Barbara Maddison, daughter of the said Henry Maddison, 1627, aged 17 years.
INSCRIPTION:—
"Here Rests in Christian hope ye Bodies of Lionell Maddison Sone to Rowland Maddison of
Vnthanke in ye Covnty of Durham Esq. & of Iane his Wife Shee Died Ivl: 9. 1611. Hee having
Been Thrice Maior of this Towne Departed Dec. 6. 1624. Aged 94 Yeares. Hee lived to see his
onely sonne Henry Father to a fayre & numerous Issue.
Here Interred Also are the bodys of Henry Maddison & Elizabeth His Wife (Davghter to
Robert Barker of this towne Alderman) Who liued together most comfortably; and louingly in
true wedlock ye Space of 40 yeares He was somtyme Maior of this towne & having liued in good
name and fame 60 Yeares Deceased in the trve Faith of Christ the 14th of Jvly 1634.
Elizabeth His only Wife had Issve by him ten Sonnes Sr. Lionel Maddison Kt. Raphe Robert
William Henry Peter George Timothy and Thomas And Six Davgters. Iane Svsan Elizabeth
Barbara Elenor & Iane all the sonnes at his Death were liuing but Iohn who died in the late Expedition to Cadiz She liued his Widow 19 Yeares and being Aged 79 yeares Dyed the 24 of September 1653."
Underneath the sixteen smaller statues, representing the sixteen children of Henry
and Elizabeth Maddison, is a beautiful series of small shields, pointing out their intermarriages.
On the south side of a pillar at the entrance into the middle aisle of the choir, is
a firm, well-executed monument, by Davis, surmounted by a broken column, indicative of the melancholy fact recorded in the inscription, which is preceded by the following text:—
"Yea, though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil, for thou art
with me.
"In the family vault in this church lie deposited, in blessed assurance of resurrection to immortality, the mortal remains of Elizabeth Greenwell, wife of Robinson R. Greenwell, of Newcastle
upon Tyne, second son of Joshua Greenwell, of Kibbleworth, in the county of Durham, Esq. She
died in childbirth, the mother of a lifeless babe, on the seventh of January, MDCCCXII. aged
XXXIX years."
Further down the aisle is a mural monument, containing the following:—
"Near this Place
lie interred the Remains of
Thomas Dockwray, M. A.
many Years Lecturer of this Church:
Who, after a Life worn out
in learned and religious Employment,
departed to the mercy of God on the 15th of May
1760,
in the 71st Year of his Age,
He had an able Head, and an upright Heart:
As a Preacher
He was instructive, nervous, eloquent:
In private Life
He was adorned with those Virtues which
distinguish
the worthy Man and the good Christian.
His Nephew Thomas Dockwray placed this
Monument
of his Gratitude to the Memory of
The best of Friends."
Against a pillar in the south aisle is a small monument to the memory of Patrick
Crowe, the father of Mitford Crowe, governor of Barbadoes.
A mural monument, on the north wall of the choir, bears the following inscription:—
"In Saint George's Porch Lye interred
The remains of Mrs. Barbara Dawson,
The Widow of Mr. Thomas Dawson;
She died in the Year MDCCXXXVI,
Aged XXXVIII Years;
And of Mrs. Susanah Peareth her Sister
Who Dyed in the Year MDCCLXIX,
Aged LXXI Years.
Both were the Daughters of
Henry Peareth Esqr. by
Elizabeth Jackson his Wife.
This Monument of Filial Duty
And respect for one of the best of
Mothers, and of a sincere regard
For an affectionate Aunt;
Was erected by Dorothy Daughter
of the Said Barbara Dawson,
And Wife of Matthew Duane Esqr.
In the Year MDCCLXXVI."
MONUMENTS IN ST. MARY'S PORCH.
On the east side of this porch is a mural monument, inscribed thus:—
"P.M. Alexandri Davison Equitis Aurati, et Annæ filiæ Radulphi Cocke ejus conjugis charissimæ ex qua filios quinq: Thomam Equitem Auratum, Radvlphvm Davison de Thornley;
Samvelem Davison de Wingate Grange, Josephvm Centurionem cordatum (in hujus oppidi
contra Scotos Rebelles propugnatione strenui ad mortem usque dimicantem heic juxtini tumulatem) Edwardvm mercatorem cælibem defunctum; Filias etiam binas, Barbaren primo Radulpho
Calverley, deinde ThomeÆ Riddell de Fenham in com: northumbriæ equ: aurat: ac Margaretam Henrio Lambton armig: enuptas sucitauit. Qvi quidem Alexander, grassante tune,
conjuratione perfidisima, optimo Regi causæq: regia semper Fidelissimus, gravam rej familiaris
jacturam maximo animo perpessus, tandemq: in hujus Novi Castri oppidi obsidione cum Scotorum Rebellium exercitu irruenti magnanimiter confligens, Novisimum Spiritum (octogenarious fere),
fortiter effudit XI° Die Mensis Novembris Anno ab jncarnatione Domini MDCXLIIII° hoc
posuit Monumentum Thomas primogenitus Eques Auratus."
An adjoining monument has the following inscription:—
"M. S. Egregio Adolescenti Thomas Hamiltono, Animi indole, forma corporis et robore Præ
cæteris insigni, Dni Patricii Hamiltonii A Preston Filio dignissimo A noblissima familia Haddingtonia Orivndo, Centvrioni Svb D. Alexdro Leslaeo exercitvs Scoticani fœderis imperatore, Excellentissimo Dn Alex: Hamiltonvs. Rei Tormentariæ Præfectvs Avvncvlvs Maerens Posvit. Cvm.
Totivs Exercitvs Planety Maximo Obiit Anno Dni. 1640, 29 Octob: Ætatis Suae 20."
A third monument on this wall contains the following information:—
"Near this place is interr'd ye Body of Ioseph Hudleston late Citizen & Fishmonger of London Second Son of Andrew Hudleston of Huttonjohn in ye County of Cumberland Esq. who
departed this life ye 14th of Iune Anno Dom: 1697. He Married Mary Daughter of Iohn
Emerson Merchant Sometime Mayor of this Town & by Her had Issue Ioseph (who dyed in his
Infancy) & Dorothy who Survives."
Before the reading-desk is the stone figure of a man, having the legs crossed,
habited in a hauberk of chain mail and surcoat, with a sword and shield of arms: at
the feet is a lion. On the left side of the effigy is part of a figure with the arms expanded; the right hand being held up to the sword, and the left, which is much
mutilated, stretched towards the shield. This curious monumental figure lay formerly in a niche in the wall under the south window of this porch, but was afterwards removed to the south side of the nave. The late vicar, the Rev. John Smith,
at his own expense, had it cleaned, placed upon a block of stone with suitable
devices, and set in the place which it now occupies.
Bourne conjectured that this effigies was a person belonging to the Scroop family,
and who had been engaged in recovering the Holy Land from the Turks; but Brand
thinks it is the representation of the founder of the chantry. Peter de Mauley, a
noble baron, who bore, according to Guillim, or, a bend sable, was in the 42d of Edward III. joined with the bishop of Durham, and some others, for guarding the East
Marches—also 43 Edward III. and in the 3d of Richard II. with the Earl of Northumberland and others. He died March 19, 6 Richard II. 1382. As Warden of the
East Marches, he would probably reside at Newcastle, where also he might die, and
be buried in this church. However that may be, his arms correspond exactly with
those on the shield of the cross-legged figure in this porch. (fn. 2)
On the west side of this porch is a monument with the following lines:—
"Near this Place
Lieth the Body of Hannah Wife of
Edward Mosley Esqr. Alderman:
she was the Daughter of Henry Campleshon
of the City of York Merchant:
and Died 5th January 1784.
Also
In the same Vault are Deposited the remains of
the said Edward Mosley Esqr.
Alderman of this Corporation:
Who departed this Life
The 12th February 1798 Aged 81:
Universally Respected and Beloved."
A neat mural monument, by Dalziel, is incribed,—
"In Memory of John Hodgson, of Elswick, in the County of Northumberland, Esquire, who
departed this life July 12th, 1820, in the 46th Year of his Age.
'For honourable age is not that which standeth in length of time, nor that is measured by number
of years: But wisdom is the grey hair unto men, and an unspotted life is old age.'—Wisdom of
Solomon, chap. iv. vers. 8th & 9th."
Beneath Mosley's monument is a small marble one, by Goffin,—
"In memory of William Ingham, who was born at Whitby 3rd December 1753, and died 26th
November 1817 in this town, where he had practised as a surgeon for more than forty years; and
of Jane Ingham, his wife, who died 7th March 1825, aged 68 years; and of William, their son,
who died 23rd January 1800, aged 18 years."
The next is a beautiful white marble monument, executed by Flaxman, and
which was erected in 1810 by a subscription amongst the pupils of the late Rev.
Hugh Moises, A. M. It represents Religion, in the form of a female, with her eyes
fixed on heaven, and leaning on a cippus, which is surmounted by an urn: on the
side of the cippus is an admirably executed medallion of the venerable divine. A
tablet beneath bears the following inscription, from the classical pen of the Right
Hon. Sir William Scott, one of his most distinguished pupils:—
"Juxta Requiescit Reverendus Hugo Moises A. M. Collegii Divi Petri apud Cantabrigiensis
olim socius Postea Per Longam Annorum seriem Ludi Literarii in hoc oppido Fundati Praefectus,
Atque ibidem in ecclesia omnium sanctorum Verbi Divini Praelector. Vir erat ingenio eleganti et
exculto, Literis Humanioribus apprime ornatus, et in iis impetiendis indefessus ac felix. In Regendis puerorum animis Leni usus imperio sed constanti Moribus facillimis nec inficetis, Sed ad
vitae et officii sui sanctimoniam Rite compositis. Omnium, quorum studiis dirigendis invigilaverat,
Commodis in omni Genere promovendis Amicissime semper, saepe utiliter, intentus. Religionis
Patriae institutis stabilitae cultor observantissimus. Et in concionibus sacris Explicator Diligens,
Doctus, Disertus. Hoc Monumento Memoriam Nominis Consecrari voluit Permultorum Discipulorum Amor et veneratio Favante et Pecunia collata juvante Novacastrensium municipio Viri de suis
omnibus optime Meriti Grate Memori. Obiit Anno Salutis MDCCCVI, Ætatis suae LXXXV,
Filiis Hugone et Gulielmo superstitibus."
The following translation was made by the late William Burdon, Esq. who had
also been a pupil of this learned and virtuous gentleman:—
"Near this place are interred the remains of the Rev. Hugh Moises, A. M. formerly a Fellow of
Peterhouse, in the university of Cambridge, and afterwards, for many years, master of the Free
Grammar School in this town, and lecturer of All Saints'. He was a man of an elegant and cultivated mind, eminently adorned with polite literature, unwearied and successful in imparting it to
others. In directing the minds of his pupils, he exercised a firm but lenient sway; of easy and
polished address, not inconsistent with the sanctity of his life and office; constantly, most kindly,
and not always unsuccessfully, intent on promoting the interests of those whose studies he superintended. A most diligent observer of the established religion, and in his sermons an assiduous,
learned, and elegant expositor of the divine word. The love and veneration of many of his scholars,
assisted by a subscription of the inhabitants of Newcastle, gratefully mindful of his merits, has
sought to perpetuate, by the erection of this monument, the memory of a man who deserved well of
all mankind. He died in the month of July, 1806, in the 85th year of his age, leaving two sons,
Hugh and William."
A number of tomb-stones were removed from this porch in 1783.
MONUMENTS IN ST. GEORGE'S PORCH.
On entering this porch, a fine new marble monument, containing a representation
of the deceased, executed by Bailey, and which has just been set up, attracts the attention. The inscription is as follows :—
"This Monument
is erected to record the regret of many
professional and other friends
for the untimely death of
Joseph Bainbridge, Esquire,
late of Wellington Place in this Town,
who, after undergoing a severe operation
for an Aneurism in his arm,
Expired on the 15th day of December, 1823,
Aged 53,
and was buried in the church of St. Katherine Coleman
in the city of London.
He was
in his domestic relations kind and affectionate,
in his extensive practice as a Solicitor,
acute and indefatigable,
and in his intercourse with the world,
A benevolent, just, and valuable man.
Adjoining, in the west wall of the porch, is a mural monument, with the following
inscription:—
"In the Body of This Church, are Interr'd the Remains of John Cuthbert Esq. Serjeant at
Law, and Recorder of This Town; who died the 5th of April 1724. In the adjoining Vault are
deposited the Remains of his eldest Son, William Cuthbert Esq. Barrister at Law, and Recorder
of This Town: which Office he fill'd seven Years, and died the 28th of August, 1746, aged 55.
In the same Vault, are also laid the Remains of John Cuthbert, of Witton-Castle in the County
of Durham Esq. eldest Son of the said William Cuthbert; who from the purest principle of filial
Piety, gave orders in his Will for the erection of this Monument: He died at York, the 15th of
December, 1782 Aged 51 Years."
The next is a chaste and elegant monument, executed by Westmacott, inscribed,—
"To the Memory of William Peareth Esqr. of Usworth House In the County of Durham.
A Man of Abilities and Worth, Whose Amiable Qualities endeared Him to his Family and Friends.
He served this Corporation with great Assiduity and Integrety, as Clerk of the Town's Chamber,
and Alderman, near Fifty Years, Always Declining the Office of Mayor. He Married in 1731
Ann Youngest Daughter of Richard Jennens, Esqr. of Warwickshire, By whom he had Issue Fifteen Children. Of these, Two Sons Survived him, William, and Richard Thomas, and Six Daughters. Susanna, Married to Henry Wight Esqr. of Northamptonshire, Elizabeth, Ann, Mary,
Henrietta, and Barbara. He died May the 20th. 1775 Aged 72 Years. His Widow, in Testimony
of her Affection and Gratitude, caused this Monument To be Erected. She died the 25th. February 1801 Aged 87 Years After a Life Distinguished by a constant Exercise of Piety to God and
Active Benevolence to Mankind."
In the north wall of this porch is a monument to the memory of William Smoult,
Esq. a native of Newcastle, who died in 1794, in consequence of having his constitution impaired by a long residence in Bengal. In the east wall is a monument,—
"Sacred to the Memory of William Jennens Peareth, Esquire, only son of William Peareth
Esquire and Susanna his Wife, of Usworth-House, in the County of Durham: Whose earthy Remains Lie Interred in this Porch. He was at the time of his Death, Gentleman-Commoner of
Christ-Church, Oxford; where alike, in his Moral, Religious, and Literary Character; He distinguished himself, and gave early promise of becoming a worthy and useful member of Society. He
was a most dutiful and Affectionate Son: and from Infancy possessed a goodness of Heart, and
Firmness of Character, Rarely to be found in Manhood; with a Liberality of Mind, which had
already begun to exert itself in acts of private Charity and Benevolence. He died at Penzance, in
Cornwall, on the 26th Day of March, 1804, in the 20th Year of his Age; after a long and lingering
Illness, which he bore with exemplary Patience and quiet Resignation to the Will of his Creator;
Leaving to his deeply afflicted Parents, who had fondly looked up to him as the joy and comfort of
their declining Years, the great and only consolation, arising from the Assurance of his having Acted
his part well on Earth; and from the humble hope of being found worthy, when summoned from
this World of Sorrow, to be united to him in the blessed Regions of Eternity."
Near to this place is another memorial,—
"Sacred to the Memory of William Peareth Esqre. Late of Usworth-House in the County of
Durham. He Departed this life August XIth. MDCCCX, Aged LXXVI Years. His Remains
are Deposited near this place. He was Religious from the true principles of the christian faith;
Possessing in an eminent degree all those exalted Qualities That can only be derived from that Hallowed Source. He was of the Strictest honour and Integrity, Benevolent and liberal, without ostentation, His private charities were numerous, Though Known only to his particular Friends, and the
immediate objects of his bounty. His afflicted Widow, who well knew and justly appreciated his
Virtues, Has caused this Monument to be erected, as a tribute of affection and respect, For a Beloved Husband."
Against the pillar on the right hand on entering this porch, is a monument,—
"Sacred to the Memory of Major General John Byne Skerrett, Son of Lieut. Gen. John
Skerrett, of Nantwich in Cheshire; and of Anne his Wife daughter of Henry Byne Esqr. of
Carshalton Surry; He died on the 10th day of March 1814, in the 36th Year of his age, of a wound
received at the head of his Brigade in the Assault of Bergen op Zoom. From the age of 15 Years
to the day of his lamented Death, his life was spent in the service of his King and Country, in every
Quarter of the Globe. During the long and successful struggle of generous Freedom, against tyrannical Oppression; his services in Spain were most Conspicuous, especially in the Defence of Tarif,
and in the Capture of Seville. His Military Career was useful, active, brilliant; His private life
Exemplary. Reader! It is a Mother who survives to raise this Monument to such a Son; her
only Child. Bereft of all earthly felicity she looks forward (in humble hope) to a reunion with the
Object of her affections in that blessed world, where separated friends again shall meet; and where
grief and mourning cannot enter."
Here is a memorial of Catherine Shaftoe, daughter and coheir of Sir Thomas Widdrington, of Cheeseburn Grange; and of her husband, Sir Robert Shaftoe, of Whitworth, co. pal. Durham, recorder of Newcastle in 1660, knighted in 1670, serjeant at
law 1674, resigned the recordership of this town in 1685, and rechosen to that office
on the revolution 1688, died 25th May, 1705, æt. 71.
In this porch is the tomb-stone, with two shields of arms, of "John Midforth,
Marchant Adventurer," who died October 2, 1623. Here are also the burial-places
of "George Errington," merchant, who died in 1674; of "Matthew Newton," merchant, who died in 1668; and of "Matthew Ifferson," alderman, and sometime
mayor, who died in 1697. One stone is inscribed, "Jhu have marcy of John orde
soule. William Robson Cordiner Grand Child to John Orde." Another, "Jhu
have marcy, on, George, Byrde, soule, Marchaunt, Aventurer, somtyme, clarcke of
the towne, Chamber, Also, his, Wyfe, &, Anne, theyr, Doughter;" date 15–7.
There is also an old monument, the arms on which seem to belong to Surtees and Grey;
and of "Timothy Robson," alderman, and twice mayor of this town, who died in
1700, and whose only surviving child, Mary, married John Milbank.
MONUMENTS IN BEWICKE'S PORCH.
The burying-place of the Bewicke family is in the porch on the south of the nave,
formerly St. Margaret's chantry. It was, in 1819, decorated with an elegant monument to the memory of Colonel Bewicke, and which was executed by Mr.
Bailey, A. R. A. It is of white marble. On a pedestal, to which there is an ascent
by steps, is a full length of the colonel, in a sitting posture (a capital likeness), supported by a female, whose hand he grasps. A figure of Hope stands in front, pointing to an angel above, holding a scroll, inscribed, "Blessed are they that mourn,
for they shall be comforted." The upper part of the monument consists of a fine
pointed arch, crowned with a pinnacled pediment. The whole displays great delicacy, and richness of detail. A part of this monument was exhibited in the Royal
Academy, Somerset House, London, in May, 1819. The following critique is copied
from The Examiner Newspaper of that date:—"Mr. Bailey has beautifully executed
a monument to the memory of Col. Bewicke, from a graceful design of the late classical sculptor, Mr. Theed. It is of a female, sunk on the shoulder, and holding the
hand of her husband, who is looking up as if, in a 'silent soft address,' he was invoking a blessing upon the disconsolate mourner. The performance touches the heart
to its centre. It has much of the rhetoric of actual life, when the bitterness of parting in death occurs between friends, the soul's anguish rejects all wonted enjoyments,
the garden of the world appears as a gloomy wilderness, and the days of peace to be
departed." All this praise is justly bestowed; but certainly the angel might, with
great propriety, have been omitted. It is in very bad taste, and injures the effect of
the whole. Every one must regret that this fine monument should be covered and
disfigured with a black veil of soot, imbibed by the moisture to which it is exposed.
INSCRIPTION:—
"Sacred to the memory of Calverly Bewicke, Esqr. of Close House, in the County of Northumberland. He served the office of High Sheriff for that County in 1782; Commanded the Durham Militia for many years as Lieut. Colonel; And at the time of his death, Represented the
Borough of Winchelsea, for which He had been returned in three successive Parliaments. He was
born the 26th of June 1755, and Died the 24th of October 1815. Margaret Bewicke his widow,
Daughter of Robert Spearman Esqr. of Old Acres, in the County of Durham, raised this Monument
as a tribute to his virtues, and a memorial of her affection."
Near this monument is another, inscribed,—
"H. S. E. Vir moribus integer, Fide Christianus, Robertus Bewicke de Close-House in Agro
Northumbriae Eques Auratus; Qui Provinciam publicam, Favore Regio insignitam, et sibi, et Patriae honorifice administravit; Qui Domesticae Officiis vitae tam aequo benignoque animo satisfecit,
ut omibus esset in vita carus, post mortem desideratus, Uxori autem desideratisimus, Quae Marmor
hoc, parvulum quoddam amoris sui Pignus, Pie et maerenter P. C. Filiis duobus, Filiabusque septem Superstitibus, Ob. 3° Die Septembris A. D. 1771. Ætatis 44."
In this porch is also a tomb-stone, on which we read this:—
"Hic Sepulcta Iacet Corpus Guilimi Bewicke, filij Roberti Bewicke Armigeri primogeniti Qui
cum Elizabetha Henrici Maddisoni Armigeri Filia Matrimonia Coniunctus, Binos filios filiasq, tres
ex illa Suscepit: Et Post quam ad tricesimum octavum ætatis suæ annum pervenisset animum suum
22 die Februarii religiose expiravit anno Domini 1636."
The English inscription upon another runs thus:—
"Heere lieth Buried the Bodies of Robert Bewick Marchant Aduenturer & lwise Maior of this
Towne & also high Sheriff of the County of Northumb. & Ellenor his Wife he Depted this life the
15th Day of March. 1641 She depted this life the 1 day of June 1661. Iane Bewicke the Wife of
Thomas Bewicke Esqr. She Depted this life the 9th of August 1682 Thomas Bewicke Esq Depted
this life ye 7th of November 1690. Robert Bewicke, Esqr. Departed this life ye 9th of Ianuary
170¾."
MONUMENTS IN THE NAVE.
Against the pillar on the left on entering the middle door of the choir is a most
beautiful monument, with this inscription:—
"To the Memory of
Sir Matthew White Ridley,
of Blagdon and Heaton, in the County of
Northumberland, Baronet,
who died April the 16th 1813, in the 67th Year
of his age.
He three times filled the office of Chief
Magistrate in the Corporation of
this Town.
He was returned Member for the Borough of
Morpeth in 1768.
On the resignation of his Father in 1774, he
was elected Representative for
Newcastle upon Tyne,
An Honour conferred upon him during eight
successive Parliaments.
In 1812 he declined again soliciting the
suffrages of his fellow Burgesses,
when they afforded him
A testimony of their approbation and regard
the most gratifying to his parental feelings,
By transferring to his son the confidence
they had reposed in him for a period
of Thirty eight years.
In 1798, He was appointed Colonel of the
Loyal Newcastle Associated
Volunteer Infantry,
And had the honour of commanding that
Regiment
During the whole period of its service.
In 1778, He was chosen Governor of the
Company of Merchant Adventurers
of this town,
And received in his Re-election for Thirty
five years the strongest proof of the
uninterrupted esteem of his
Brethren.
In his parliamentary conduct active and
Independent;
The firm supporter of those genuine
principles of liberty which
form the
Basis of the British Constitution.
In private life, he united with the greatest
urbanity of manners those qualities of
The heart and understanding which secure
esteem, and adorn (while they dignify)
the character of man.
To those endeared to him by the nearest ties
he was ever most kind and affectionate,
To his friends warm and sincere, honourable,
amiable and benevolent:
He lived respected and beloved,
He died universally lamented."
This noble monument was executed by Flaxman, and displays, in very high relief,
a full length figure of the deceased, as large as life, dressed in a Roman toga, and
standing in a graceful and dignified attitude. His right hand rests upon an altar or
pedestal, and grasps a roll; at the foot of the pedestal lies a volume, inscribed
"Magna Charta;" behind the figure is seen a curile chair, underneath which are
placed the fasces and scales, in allusion to the senatorial and magisterial functions of
the deceased, whilst a military standard, on the top of which is a lion, is seen leaning
against the pedestal; above the standard hangs a shield charged with the family
arms. The face of the figure is a correct likeness of the deceased; the whole, indeed,
but particularly the drapery, is a most exquisite performance.
On the opposite, or south pillar, is a large cenotaph in honour of the Right Hon.
Lord Collingwood, designed by C. R. Cockerill, architect, London, and executed by
C. R. Rossi, sculptor, R. A. London. It contains a good medallion of his lordship,
and a very long inscription, which it is unnecessary to insert, as a sketch of the life
of this gallant admiral will be given in a subsequent part. This monument is inclosed with iron rails.
On the south side of the nave is a monument,—
"Sacred to the Memory of the Revd. Nathaniel Ellison A. M. Formerly Fellow of Merton
Colledge Oxford. late Vicar of Bolam and Lecturer of St. Andrews Newcastle. He resigned
his Soul into the Hands of his Creator the 1st of August 1798; in the 62d Year of his Age. His
Remains lie interred near this Place. He lived universally beloved and died unfeignedly regretted."
Another monument bears the following inscription:—
"Sacred to the Memory of a sincere Christian, a tender Husband, an affectionate Father, and
Faithfull Friend, the Revd. James Stephen Lushington M. A. (Son of Thomas Godfrey
Lushington of Sitting Bourn, Kent, Esqre.) Who was nineteen Years Vicar of this Town, and
died in it, on the 17th Day of June 1801, Aged 68. From a long and happy Experience of his
engaging Manners and universal Benevolence of Heart, his Widow and Children, as a small, but
inadequate Testimony of their pious Regard, dedicate this Inscription."
Here is also a mural monument in honour of the memory of Major John Werge,
of the 38th regiment of foot, who was killed at the capture of St. Sebastian in Spain,
the 31st of August, 1813. Another, on the opposite side of the nave, is sacred to
the Memory of Mary Wilson, who died May 26, 1813, erected by her daughter, the
wife of Gen. W. Maxwell. Near to this is the memorial of Rear-admiral W. Charlton. Below the arches on the south side two stone coffins are preserved.
In the nave are tomb-stones with the following inscriptions and the arms of the
deceased: (fn. 3) —"............ of John Brandling Marchant Aventurer and som time maior
of this towne & Jane & ...... Wifes & ...... children."—"Pray for. y. soule of......
horsleyie march. aventurer somtime maior of this towne & ...... his wife................"
"heare lieth burued the corpes of Isabell Anderson late Wyf of Henry Andersonn
marchant & Alderman of this towne Who deceased the xiv daye of august an dni
1582 Bewayled of the poore that tasted much her renowined vertue."—"Under this
stone lyeth buried the bodies of Margarett and Jane the Wiffes of Thomas Liddell
Marchant Adventurer Alderman and Sometime Maior of this towne Margt. depted
the xxi of March 1585 and Jane xxi of Juli 1602 With their Children he depted the
19 of August 1619."—"Here under lyeth in arane the corps of Roger Nicholson
Marchant Adventurer & somtyme maior of this towne with Annes his Wife & their
Children depted the xxii of January 159............... which is our...... shall appear then
shall We also appeare...... him in glory Christ is...... "—"Bvlmar...... Apothecarie And
Grocer of this Towne and Anne his Wife She Departed to the Mercie of God the 7
December 161x."—"Here lyeth buried the Boddie of ......... Bowes .................. to
the mercy of God the 8: of December an: 1621. John Bowes, Merchant Adventurer."—"Henry Chapman Marchant Adventurer Alderman & sometymes Maior of
this Towne: 163—."—"Heare lyeth Mr. Robart Eden and Isebell his Wife w: Their
Sovne John Eden and his Wives Mary and Isebell." Mr. Robert Eden was sheriff
of Newcastle, A. D. 1587.—"The Buriall Place of Henry Horsley of Milburne
Grange Esqui & Margaret his Wife he Depted the 16th of Nouem 1657 Etatis Suœ
56."—"Jhu haue marcy of the sowlle of Cuthbert Ellison Marchant Aventurer
sometyme maj of this towne & Isabell & Anne his wyves & y children."—" Ralph
Forster Merchant Aduenturer Depted this life ye 21 of March 1649 Ann his Wife
Depted ye 18th of Octobr1652 their Eldest Son Richard Forster & Mary his Wife
who had Issue to him Ralph & and Richard Hee Depted ye 31 of March 166—
M. W.
I've Kept ye Faith, A good fight fought have I;
My God & Sovereign serv'd here quartered lie;
With Dust Disbanded till the last Trump hence
Rally these Atombs By its Influence,
When With the Loyal Bands receive I may
A Crown of Glory for the General Pay."
Here are also the tomb-stones of William Carr, merchant, died in 1660—Roger
Procter, merchant, died 1664; and on the same stone, Robert Mallaber, merchant,
and sometime sheriff, died 1676—Thomas Partis, tobacconist, died 1669—Richard
Wright, merchant, and sometime sheriff, died 1671—John Emerson, Esq. merchant,
and sometime mayor, died 1673; also his son-in-law, Thomas Ienison, Esq.—Sir W.
Blackett, sometime mayor and M. P.; also John Erasmus Blackett, Esq. who died
1814—The children of W. Blackett, alderman—George Errington, merchant, died
1675—Henry Marley, Esq. and family; he died 1688—Rob. Roddam, alderman,
and sometime mayor; he died 1682—Benimen Ellison, merchant, died 1676; on
the same stone, Francis Johnson, Esq. alderman, died 1810, aged 62 years—Robert
Ellison, governor of the Merchants' Company, died 1677; and on the same stone,—
"The Burial Place of the Revd. J. Ellison, 50 Years Curate of this Parish. He died the 19th
of Jany. 1807, Aged 76 Years. Also Anne his Wife died the 19th of April 1803 Aged 70 Years."
There are also the tomb-stones of Lancelot Hodshon, Esq. died in 1677—Matthew
Jefferson, alderman, and sometime mayor, died 1687—Anthony Isaacson, Esq. father
of Recorder Isaacson, died 1693—Timothy Davison, alderman, &c. died 1696—John
Butler, marchant, died 1695/6—Sir Ralph Ienison, of Elswick, Knight, died 1701—Nicholas Ridley, Esq. twice maior, &c. died 1710—Isaac Cookson, merchant, died
1744—Winfrid Mitford, who died 1760, and her daughter, Jane Bates, wife of Ralph
Bates, of Holywell, who died the same year—William Boutflower—Edward Mosley,
Esq. alderman of Newcastle—Thomas Sanderson, died December 11, 1795—B. Kent,
upholsterer, who died January 27, 1803—Ralph Heron, died 13th April, 1801—Thomas Loraine, Esq. of Kirkharle, a Hebrew scholar, who died October 24, 1649—James Moncaster, died 1739; Isabel, his wife, died 1764; and Frances, their daughter, wife of C. Atkinson, (fn. *) Esq. died 1793. Near the north-east corner of the nave
is a stone, on which are two figures, in bold relief, in a praying attitude, with an
inscription dated 1522. This seems to be the oldest tomb-stone in the church.
Here are also the burial-places of the families of the Andersons, Claverings, Kirklaies, Greys, Hargraves, Pawsons, Whinfields, Bulmans, Hezilriges, Stephensons,
Davidsons, Bayles', Watsons, Crawfords, Shadforths, Matfens, Gibsons, Ogles, Pollards, Wilsons, Debords, and many others, which our limits will not permit us to
particularize.
THE CHURCH-YARD.
The church-yard seems to have been partly open so late as the year 1761, when it
was enclosed, by subscription, with a brick wall, with wooden rails thereon. The
west end of the church, and part of the yard on the north and south sides, were enclosed a few years ago with a stone wall, which supports strong, ornamental iron
railing; and the other parts will soon be protected in the same manner. This buryingplace must formerly have been much more extensive, as quantities of human bones
have been found in digging both on the east and north-east. In lowering the pavement before the south porch in 1811, the workmen discovered a stone coffin very
near the surface. There are not many tomb-stones in this repository of the dead.
Most of them are at the east end and the south side of the church.
One stone bears the following inscription:—
"The burial-place of Matthew Fairbarn, of this town, agent, who departed this life the 4th
day of May, 1818, in the 76th year of his age. Ann, his daughter, died in infancy. George, his
son, died 22d day of June, 1801, aged 12 years. Matthew, his son, died 21st day of June, aged
22 years. Thomas, his son, master of the ship St. Patrick, died at Lima on the 5th of Oct. 1821,
in the 36th year of his age, in consequence of a severe wound he received on the night of the 22d
July preceding, during Lord Cochrane's attack upon Callao, who refused him permission to remove
his ship, being a neutral, outside the Spanish line of bombs previous to the attack, though personally applied to; and, in consequence, Captain F. was placed between two fires.
A poetic epitaph, in the usual style, follows the date of the decease of Susannah, a
native of Sarro Libre in France, wife of John Sanderson. She died November 13,
1815, aged 21. A stone is "erected by a circle of friends to commemorate the memory" of Joseph Longstaff, who died 20th June, 1818, aged 34 years. At the
north-east corner is a table grave-stone, over the vault of "Joseph Barber, Bookseller,
Amen Corner, who died July 4, 1781." This vault now belongs to the successors of
the late Stephen Humble, bookseller. The vault of the Collingwoods of Chirton is
at the east end of the church. The burying-places of the late Joseph Forster, Esq.
and alderman; and Robert Storey, Esq. of Arcot, are on the south side of the Library; near the door of which the late vicar (Smith) was interred. Some stones are
distinguished by "uncouth rhymes;" but none of these perishable memorials are
very old. Indeed, the inscriptions on most tomb-stones are not legible for more than
30 years.
There is a gate and flagged foot-path at the south side of the church-yard, which
conducted to a door, now built up, near the west end of the Library. This churchyard might be kept drier than it is, if the rain from the roof was properly conducted
to the adjoining sewers: on the contrary, it is permitted, as in most ancient buildings,
to fall from open spouts, projecting from the roof.