Historical Description of Westminster Abbey Part 15

Sir ROBERT TAYLOR, Knight, who was a famous architect. He died on the 26th of September, 1788, aged seventy years.

WILLIAM CAMDEN, the great recorder of our antiquities, who is represented in a half length, in the dress of his time, with his left hand holding a book, and in his right his gloves, resting on an altar, on the body of which is a Latin inscription, setting forth his "indefatigable industry in ill.u.s.trating the British Antiquities, and his candour, sincerity, and pleasant good-humour in private life." He was son to Samson Camden, citizen of London, and paper-stainer; was born in the Old Bailey, May 2, 1551, and received the first rudiments of his education at Christ Church Hospital. In 1566, he entered himself of Magdalen College, Oxford, but afterwards removed to Pembroke, where he became acquainted with Dr.

Goodman, Dean of Westminster, by whose recommendation, in 1575, he was made second master of Westminster School, and began the glorious work of his Antiquities, encouraged thereto and a.s.sisted by his patron, Dr.

Goodman. In August, 1622, he fell from his chair, at his house, in Chiselhurst, in Kent, and never recovered, but lingered till Nov. 9, 1623, and then died, aged seventy-four. _This monument was repaired and beautified at the charge and expense of the University of Oxford._

In front of Camden's monument lie the remains of JOHN IRELAND, Dean of Westminster, and in the same grave those of his friend, WILLIAM GIFFORD, a distinguished critic, satirist, and dramatic annotator. In private life Mr. Gifford was modest and una.s.suming, and amongst the numerous parties, poetical, political, or religious, none of them ever ventured to recriminate by attacking the moral character of the Editor of the Quarterly Review. He was born at Ashburton, in 1757, and died 1826.

ISAAC CASAUBON.--This monument was erected by the learned Dr. Moreton, Bishop of Durham, to the memory of that profound scholar and critic, whose name is inscribed upon it, and who, though a native of France, and in his younger years Royal Library Keeper of Paris, yet was so dissatisfied with the ceremonial part of the Romish worship, that upon the murder of his great patron, Henry IV., he willingly quitted his native country, and at the earnest entreaty of James I., settled in England, where, for uncommon knowledge, he became the admiration of all men of learning. He died, 1614, in the fifty-sixth year of his age.

The monument to Casaubon is not without interest to the mind of the curious, as upon close inspection may be seen the initials and date of "good old Izaak Walton" (I. W., 1658), Author of "The Complete Angler."

This renowed piscator has somewhere said that he went into Westminster Abbey to visit the tomb of his departed friend, Casaubon, and while there, in contemplation before his monument, he ventured to scratch his own initials and date upon it.

Sir RICHARD c.o.xE, who was taster to Queen Elizabeth and James I., and to the latter, Steward of the Household; a man commended in his epitaph for his religion, humanity, chast.i.ty, temperance, friendship, beneficence, charity, vigilance, and self-denial. He was third son of Thomas c.o.xe, of Beymonds, in Hertfordshire, and died a bachelor, in the sixty-ninth year of his age, December 13, 1623.

A small tablet to the memory of JAMES WYAT, Esq., who was architect of this church, and Surveyor-General of His Majesty's Board of Works.

Departed this life on the 4th day of Sept., 1813.

Above is a monument to Sir JOHN PRINGLE, Bart. The inscription sets forth that he was Physician to the Army, the Princess of Wales, and their Majesties; President of the Royal Society. He was born in Scotland, in April, 1707; and died in London, in January, 1782.

EDWARD WETENHALL, M.D., an eminent Physician, who died August 29, 1733.

His father was Dr. Edward Wetenhall, who was first advanced to the See of Cork, in Ireland, but was afterwards translated from thence to Kilmore and Ross. He died November 12, 1713, aged seventy-eight.

Dr. STEPHEN HALES.--Here are two beautiful figures in relief, Religion and Botany; the latter holds a medallion of this great explorer of nature to public view; Religion is deploring the loss of the divine; and at the feet of Botany, the winds are displayed on a globe, which allude to his invention of the ventilator. The Latin inscription is to the following effect:--"To the memory of Stephen Hales, Doctor of Divinity, Augusta, the mother of that best of Kings, George the Third, has placed this monument, who chose him, when living, to officiate as her chaplain; and after he died, which was on the 4th of January, 1761, in the eighty-fourth year of his age, honoured him with this marble.

"About the tomb of Hales, whose fair design And polish great Augusta caus'd to shine, Religion, h.o.a.ry Faith, and Virtue wait, And shed perpetual tears in mournful state.

But of the preacher, render'd to his clay, The voice of Wisdom still hath this to say-- He was a man to hear affliction's cry, And trace his Maker's works with curious eye.

O Hales! thy praises not the latest age Shall e'er diminish, or shall blot thy page; England, so proud of Newton, shall agree She had a son of equal rank in thee."--_Wilton, sculptor._

THOMAS TRIPLETT, D.D., who was born near Oxford, and educated at Christ Church, where he was esteemed a wit, a good Grecian, and a poet. In 1645, he was made Prebendary of Preston, in the Church of Sarum, and had also a living, which being sequestered in the Rebellion, he fled to Ireland, and taught school in Dublin, where he was when Charles I. was beheaded. Not liking Ireland, he returned to England, and taught school at Hayes, in Middles.e.x, till the Restoration, when he was made Prebendary of Westminster, and of Fenton in the Church of York. He died at a good old age, July 18, 1670, much beloved and lamented.

A bust of Dr. ISAAC BARROW, representing this truly great man, who, as the inscription shows, was Chaplain to Charles II., Head of Trinity College, Cambridge; Geometrical Professor of Gresham College, in London, and of Greek and Mathematics at Cambridge. His works have been said to be the foundation of all the divinity that has been written since his time. He died May 4, 1677, aged 47.

Above this monument the arch is plastered and painted with the figure of a stag, which was done by order of Richard II.; the following motto was on the collar:--

"When Julius Caesar first came in, About my neck he put this ring; Whosoever doth me take, Use me well for Caesar's sake."

It is said he lived three or four hundred years.

WILLIAM OUTRAM, D.D.--The Latin inscription sets forth that he was born in Derbyshire, fellow of Trinity and Christ Church Colleges in Cambridge, Canon of this Abbey, and Archdeacon of Leicester; an accomplished divine, a nervous and accurate writer, an excellent and diligent preacher, first in Lincolnshire, afterwards in London, and lastly at St. Margaret's, Westminster, where he finished his life with great applause, August 23, 1679, aged fifty-four. The inscription on the pedestal shows farther, that after a long and religious life, and forty-two years of widowhood, Jane, his wife, died Oct. 4, 1721.

A fine figure of JOSEPH ADDISON, Esq., on a circular bas.e.m.e.nt, about which are small figures of the nine muses. The Latin inscription is to the following purport:--"Whoever thou art, venerate the memory of Joseph Addison, in whom Christian faith, virtue, and good morals, found a continual patron; whose genius was shown in verse, and every exquisite kind of writing; who gave to posterity the best examples of pure language, and the best rules for living well, which remain, and ever will remain sacred; whose weight of argument was tempered with wit, and accurate judgment with politeness, so that he encouraged the good, and reformed the improvident, tamed the wicked, and in some degree made them in love with virtue. He was born in the year 1672, and his fortune being increased gradually, arrived at length to public honours. Died in the forty-eighth year of his age, the honour and delight of the British nation."--He was buried in front of Lord Halifax's monument, north aisle of Henry the Seventh's Chapel.--_Sir Richard Westmacott, sculptor._

LORD MACAULAY.--The body of this eminent historian is deposited close to the statue of Addison. Born October 25th, 1800; died December 28th, 1859.

Near the statute of Addison are two fine busts, one on each side, of LORD MACAULAY, by Burnard; and THACKERAY, by Marrochetti.

GEORGE FREDERICK HANDEL.--This is the last monument which that eminent statuary, Roubiliac, lived to finish. It is affirmed that he first became conspicious, and afterwards finished the exercise of his art, with a figure of this extraordinary man. The first was erected in the gardens at Vauxhall, therefore well known to the public. The last figure is very elegant, and the face is a strong likeness of its original. The left arm is resting on a group of musical instruments, and the att.i.tude is very expressive of great attention to the harmony of an angel playing on a harp in the clouds, over his head. Before it lies the celebrated Messiah, with that part open, where is the much-admired air,--"_I know that my Redeemer liveth_." Beneath, only this inscription:--"George Frederick Handel, Esq., born Feb. 23, 1684. Died April 14, 1759."

Sacred to the memory of Major-General Sir ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL, Knight of the Bath, M.P., Colonel of the seventy-fourth Regiment of Foot, Hereditary Usher of the White Rod for Scotland, late Governor of Jamaica, Governor of Fort St. George, and Commander-in-Chief of the Forces on the coast of Coromandel, in the East Indies. He died equally regretted and admired for his eminent civil and military services to his country; possessed of distinguished endowments of mind, dignified manners, inflexible integrity, unfeigned benevolence, with every social and amiable virtue. He departed this life March 31, A.D. 1791, aged fifty-two. "Alas, piety! alas, fidelity! like that of old, and warlike courage! when shall you have his equal?"--_Wilton, sculptor._

Here also lies the body of his nephew, Lieutenant-General Sir JAMES CAMPBELL, Bart., G.C.H., and C.SS., F.M., who served during the whole of the last war in many distinguished situations; was Commander of the Forces in the Ionian Islands at the general peace of 1814, and died at London upon the 6th of June, 1819, aged fifty-four.

[Ill.u.s.tration: POET'S CORNER, _p. 103_.]

On a tablet is the following inscription:--"To the memory of MARY HOPE, who died at Brockhall, in the county of Northampton, on the 25th of June, 1767, aged twenty-five, and whose remains lie in the neighbouring church at Norton, this stone, an unavailing tribute of affliction, is by her husband erected and inscribed. She was the only daughter of Eliab Breton, of Forty Hill, Middles.e.x, Esq., and was married to John Hope, of London, Merchant, to whom she left three infant sons, Charles, John, and William.

"Tho' low in earth, her beauteous form decay'd, My faithful wife, my lov'd Maria's laid.

In sad remembrance, the afflicted raise No pompous tomb inscrib'd with venal praise.

To statesmen, warriors, and to kings, belong The trophied sculpture, and the poet's song; And these the proud expiring often claim, Their wealth bequeathing to record their name.

But humble virtue, stealing to the dust, Heeds not our lays, or monumental bust.

To name her virtues ill befits my grief-- What was my bliss can now give no relief; A husband mourns--the rest let friendship tell; Fame, spread her worth! a husband knew it well!"

Sir THOMAS and Lady ROBINSON.--This monument to the memory of the Dowager Baroness Lechmere, eldest daughter of Charles Howard, third Earl of Carlisle, and widow of Nicholas Lord Lechmere, afterwards married Sir Thomas Robinson, of Rookby Park, in the county of York, Baronet, on October 28, 1728, and died April 10, 1739, aged forty-four. Sir Thomas, after enjoying many honourable and lucrative employments in the State, spent the latter part of his life in retirement, dying March 3, 1777, aged seventy-six.--_Walsh, sculptor._

EDWARD ATKYNS and his ancestors. The first was Sir Edward Atkyns, one of the Barons of the Exchequer in the reigns of Charles I. and II., and of such loyalty as to resist the most splendid offers of the Oliverian party.

He died in 1669, aged eighty-two. The second, Sir Robert Atkyns, was created Knight of the Bath at the coronation of Charles II.; was afterwards L.C.B. of the Exchequer under William III., and Speaker of the House of Lords in several Parliaments; a person of eminent learning, as his writings abundantly prove. He died in 1709, aged eighty-eight.--The third, Sir Edward Atkyns, was L.C.B. of the Exchequer at the time of the Revolution; but not approving that measure, he retired from public business to his seat in Norfolk, where his chief employment was healing breaches among his neighbours, which he decided with such exemplary justice, that none refused his reference, nor did the most litigious men appeal from his award. He died in 1698, aged sixty-eight.--The fourth, Sir Robert Atkyns, was versed in the Antiquities of his country, of which his History of Gloucester was a proof. He died in 1711, aged sixty-five years.--The inscription sets forth, that in memory of his ancestors, who have so honourably presided in Westminster Hall, Edward Atkyns, Esq., late of Kettringham, in Norfolk, second son of the last-named Sir Edward, caused this monument to be erected. He died Jan. 20, 1750, aged seventy-nine years.--_Cheere, sculptor._

A medallion and inscription--"To the memory of the Right Honourable JAMES STUART MACKENZIE, Lord Privy Seal of Scotland, a man whose virtues did honour to humanity. He cultivated and encouraged science; and during a long life, was generous without ostentation, secretly charitable, friendly, hospitable, and ever ready to oblige. He was beloved and revered by all: he had many friends, and not one enemy. He died the 6th of April, 1800, in the eighty-second year of his age. He was married to Elizabeth, daughter of John, Duke of Argyle and Greenwich, his uncle."--_Nollekens, sculptor._

JOHN, Duke of ARGYLE and GREENWICH.--On one side of the base is the figure of Minerva, and on the other of Eloquence; done by Roubiliac, particularly expressive. Above is the figure of History, with one hand holding a book, with the other writing on a pyramid the t.i.tles of the hero, whose actions are supposed to be contained in the book, on the cover of which, in letters of gold, are inscribed the date of his Grace's birth, Oct. 10, 1680, and time of his death, Oct. 4, 1743. The princ.i.p.al figure is spirited, even to the verge of life. On the pyramid is this epitaph, said to be written by Paul Whitehead, Esq.:--

"Briton! behold, if patriot worth be dear, A shrine that claims a tributary tear; Silent that tongue admiring senates heard, Nerveless that arm opposing legions fear'd.

Nor less, O Campbell! thine the power to please, And give to grandeur all the grace of ease.

Long from thy life let kindred heroes trace Arts which enn.o.ble still the n.o.blest race; Others may owe their future fame to me, I borrow immortality from thee."

Underneath this, in great letters, is written--"JOHN, DUKE OF ARGYLE AND GR--" at which point the pen of History rests. On the base of the monument is this inscription:--"In memory of an honest man, a constant friend, John, the great Duke of Argyle and Greenwich, a General and Orator, exceeded by none in the age he lived, Sir Henry Fermer, Bart., by his last will, left the sum of 500_l._ towards erecting this monument, and recommended the above inscription."

Over the door of the Chapel of St. Faith, is the monument of OLIVER GOLDSMITH, M.D., representing the portrait of the Doctor in profile. A festoon curtain, olive branches, and books, are the chief ornaments.

Underneath is a Latin inscription, of which the following is the import:--"That he was eminent as a Poet, Philosopher, and Historian; that he scarcely left any species of writing unattempted, and none that he attempted, unimproved; that he was master of the softer pa.s.sions, and could at pleasure command tears, or provoke laughter; but in everything he said or did, good nature was predominant; that he was witty, sublime, spirited, and facetious; in speech pompous; in conversation elegant and graceful; that the love of his a.s.sociates, fidelity of his friends, and the veneration of his readers, _had raised this monument to his memory_.

He was born in Ireland, November 29, 1731, educated at Dublin, and died at London, April 4, 1774, and was buried in the Temple burial ground."--_Nollekens, sculptor._

Near to the door of the Chapel of St. Faith is a black marble slab, which covers the remains of CHARLES d.i.c.kENS, born Feb. 7th, 1812, died June 9th, 1870. And near to him are the remains of Handel, c.u.mberland, Macaulay, Sheridan, Garrick, Samuel Johnson, and Thomas Parr, of the county of Salop, born 1483, who lived in the reign of ten Princes: viz., Edward IV., Edward V., Richard III., Henry VII., Henry VIII., Edward VI., Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, James I., and Charles I. He died Nov. 15th, 1635, at the age of 152.

A monument erected to the memory of JOHN GAY, by the bounty and favour of the Duke and d.u.c.h.ess of Queensberry, who were the great encouragers of his genius. The masks, tragedy, dagger, and instruments of music, which are blended together in a group are emblematical devices, alluding to the various ways of writing in which he excelled: namely, farce, satire, fable, and pastoral. The short epitaph on the front was written by himself. It is censured by some for its levity,--

"Life is a jest, and all things show it: I thought so once, but now I know it."

Underneath are these verses, by Mr. Pope, who lived always in great friendship with Mr. Gay:

"Of manners gentle, of affections mild; In wit a man, simplicity a child; With native humour temp'ring virtuous rage, Form'd to delight at once and lash the age; Above temptation in a low estate, And uncorrupted e'en among the great; A safe companion and an easy friend, Unblamed through life, lamented in thy end; These are thy honours; not that here thy bust Is mix'd with heroes, or with Kings thy dust; But that the worthy and the good shall say, Striking their pensive bosoms--Here lies Gay!"

He died December 4, 1732, aged forty-five.--_Rysbrack, sculptor._

NICHOLAS ROWE, Esq., and his only daughter. On the front of the pedestal is this inscription:--"To the memory of Nicholas Rowe, Esq., who died in 1718, aged forty-five; and of CHARLOTTE, his only daughter, wife of Henry Fane, Esq., who, inheriting her father's spirit, and amiable in her own innocence and beauty, died in the twenty-second year of her age, 1739."

Underneath, upon the front of the altar, is this epitaph:--

"Thy reliques, Rowe! to this sad shrine we trust, And near thy Shakspeare place thy honour'd bust.

Oh! next him skill'd to draw the tender tear, For never heart felt pa.s.sion more sincere; To n.o.bler sentiment to fire the brave, For never Briton more disdained a slave; Peace to thy gentle shade, and endless rest, Blest in thy genius, in thy love, too, blest!