Category: The Parish Church Of St. Denys’ (The Minster), Churchyard, Warminster

During 1882 the Warminster Herald newspaper featured a series of articles under the collective title “Rambles In And Around Warminster”, a title which seems rather inappropriate for the subject matter, because the articles, for the most part, record inscriptions on memorials and gravestones in local churches and churchyards.

The name of the writer was not recorded but his or her series began by featuring memorials at St. Denys’, Warminster, and went on to include those for other churches in the town, as well as for some of the village churches and churchyards in the surrounding villages.

Because the articles contain a wealth of information concerning local persons, and the fact that many of the gravestones have since been removed or are now in some cases illegible, it is our pleasure to include them here.

ST DENYS’, WARMINSTER
Part Two – The Churchyard.

In the Churchyard, as upon the walls of the interior of the Church, one is immediately struck with the fact that none of the monumental inscriptions are of any very great age. Few of them are of earlier than the 18th century, and the oldest of all – that is legible – is to the memory of a person who died in 1653.

The old term “God’s Acre,” as applied to churchyards, is referred to by Longfellow in his well-known lines:-

“I love that ancient Saxon phrase which calls
The burial place ‘God’s Acre,’ – It is just;
It consecrates each grave within its walls,
And breathes a benison o’er the sleeping dust.”

It appears that the Warminster churchyard consisted originally of just an acre, though by 1840 it had become 1 acre, 1 rood and 9 perches. At present it consists of 1 acre 3 roods and eight and a half perches. Twenty perches were presented to it a few years ago from the Vicarage property, and about a quarter of an acre was given up by the Marquis of Bath. Seventeen perches were also added in 1878. There are 420 stone and iron grave marks in the churchyard, of which about 30 are iron.

Though situated not far from the railway, the Parish Churchyard is one of the most quiet spots in Warminster. Surrounded almost entirely by fields, removed completely from what little bustle or traffic there is in the town, and hidden, by its depressed level, from the sight of houses and streets, few village churchyards can boast of much greater seclusion. We have already mentioned the ancient yew, which stands near the south-west entrance. The trunk of the tree is so knotted, and so uneven that it is impossible to obtain any accurate idea of its girth. Measured at the narrowest part of its circumference it is 12 feet. The circumference of that portion of the roots that is above ground, is about 35 feet, giving a diameter of 12 feet. Besides this handsome and venerable old tree, several others, of various kinds, and of younger growth, embellish the churchyard. A fine old elm, on the north side of the church presents an imposing appearance in that part of the churchyard. This tree is probably as old as most of the inscriptions in the churchyard. It was struck by lightning, during a very severe storm, upon a Sunday afternoon, about the year 1868, and the trunk was considerably injured. A service was being held in the church at the time, and the terrific crash caused by the occurrence is still well remembered by many of the congregation present.

The most convenient point at which to commence our notice of the stones and their inscriptions will be at the entrance to the churchyard from Ash Walk. Near here is a monument to Thomas Williams, who died February 2nd 1788, aged 55 years. Mr. Williams carried on a large grocery and provision business at, or near, the premises now occupied by Mr. John Smith and Mr. Bull. He was the father of the Rev. William Williams, M.A. (also commemorated upon this stone), who was for 25 years rector of Bishopstrow, and who died in 1819, aged 54. His wife, who survived him forty years, is also buried here. She died in 1859, aged 89.

Near the entrance from Church Street, is a monument to two members of a family that have for the greater part of the present century carried on business in the town as horticulturists. The inscriptions are to George Wheeler, died 1825, aged 29, and to George Wheeler, died 1878, aged 87.

Adjoining is a large altar-shaped tomb, apparently designed as a family monument, but simply inscribed to the memory of three children whose combined ages amount to less than eleven years. Their names were James Nowell (died 1807), John Nowell (died 1817), and Emma Nowell (died 1827). Mr. Nowell, their father, was a builder, who lived in the house now occupied by Mr. Hardick, in High Street. He appears to have found that Warminster was not a builder’s Paradise, and he accordingly removed to a more congenial clime, in or near London. Here he acquired great reputation, and a large business. He was employed to do some important work at Windsor Castle, and in consequence of services which he there rendered, the honour of Knighthood was, we believe, conferred either upon him or one of his family.

Not far off is a coffin-shaped slab, inscribed to the memory of Samuel Pinnell, who died in 1826, aged 73, and his wife, who died in 1836, aged 95. In one more year this old lady would have lived during the reign of six English sovereigns, one of them the longest in English history. The Pinnell family, which was formerly engaged in the cloth trade, has still its direct representatives living in the town. It claims to be the oldest family in Warminster, being older even than the Wansey family, and having settled in the town more than 300 years ago. According to the traditions of the family, it had its origin in Cornwall.

Near by, is a flat stone, to Mary, the first wife of John Daniell (died 1803, aged 56), and Martha, his second wife, who died in 1831, aged 86. John Daniell himself died in the same year, aged 88 years. Also, in 1831, died Jeremiah Daniell, aged 66. His wife Mary died in 1852, aged 61. The stone also commemorates John Daniell, who died in 1861, aged 77, and is a testimony to the healthiness of Warminster, as shown in the longevity of its inhabitants. The Daniells, to whom this stone refers, were farmers or market gardeners, and lived in Warminster Common. It is doubtful whether the family is now represented in the town.

Adjoining is a large tomb in memory of John Saxty, with the rather unpleasant inscription “The Day of Judgement will declare what manner of man he was.” He died 4 June 1788, aged 46 years. Jane, his wife (died 1798, aged 62), is also commemorated. The Saxty family were connected with the clothing trade in Warminster, but most of them removed to Trowbridge, where, within memory, one of them conducted one of the principal hotels of the town.

We are not aware that any traces can be found as to who were George Hunt (died 1745, aged 55) and John Hunt, both of whom are commemorated upon an old stone near the yew tree.

Near the Daniells’ monument is one to Robert Draper Proviss, who died in 1861, aged 73 years, and his wife, who died in 1867, aged 80. Mr. Proviss carried on business in George Street. A branch of his family is still settled in the town.

A large stone, not far from here bears the name of a family still residing in Warminster. The stone is inscribed in memory of Charlotte, the wife of William Manley, who died in 1807, aged 34; also of William Manley, who died in 1821, aged 46, “deservingly regretted by his children and disconsolate widow, Susannah (his second wife), who erected this tomb as tribute of her affection to commemorate his memory.” At the end of the monument is the rather equivocal inscription, “Also four of their children died in their infancy by William and Charlotte Manley.”

Near here, two old stones, almost illegible, are inscribed with the almost forgotten name of Marbattell, once a family of some importance in the neighbourhood. They held a small “Manor” of their own, which included “Bate’s Farm.” Robert John Marbattell, who died 1727, and Joseph Marbattell (died 1765) are the names upon the stones.

A large altar-shaped tomb, near here, commemorates Thomas Harris, who died 15 March 1782, aged 68; Mary, his widow, died 25 May 1798, aged 72; Thomas Harris, died 1816, aged 53; Mary, his widow, died 1843, aged 61; Thomas Kirk Harris, died 1844, aged 5; William Alfred Harris, died 1844, aged 13; Sarah Whittock Harris, died 1851, aged 40; Thomas Harris, died 1870, aged 69. Mr. Thomas Harris, we believe, lived in George Street. The family is still represented in the town.

Near the path leading to the south-west door is a stone inscribed to the names of three maiden ladies, formerly well known and respected in Warminster, who are still remembered by many for their kindness of heart, their constant attendance at the Parish Church, and their many good qualities. Their names, as recorded upon this stone, were Susanna Randall (died 1832), Frances Randall (died 1815), and Hannah Randall (died 1855).

Adjoining is the monument of Benjamin Everett, who died in 1865, at Ditchling, Sussex. Mr. Everett lived for many years at Warminster, in Portway, at the house now occupied by Mr. Hinton. He carried on business in the town as a wool merchant. His body was removed from Sussex in order to be buried here.

Adjoining is a stone, surrounded by a neat railing, and inscribed in memory of John Flux, died 1823, aged 42; Mary Flux, died December 1826, aged 90; Sarah Flux, died 1863, aged 74; Bessie Flux, died 1864, aged 2 years and 5 months; and an infant child, died 1878, aged 13 months.

Under the old yew tree is an altar-shaped monument, with an inscription upon one of the side panels to the memory of Richard Bramble, gent., who died 1757, aged 28 years, and his wife Lydia, who died 1749, aged 23 years. The brevity of this inscription is somewhat remarkable. We know that the Bramble family flourished for some years in the town, but of this unfortunate young couple there is no trustworthy record. Their history must have been a melancholy one. A widower at 21, Richard Bramble appears to have survived his young wife only seven years. Upon the flat moss-grown slab of this tomb is the name of John Ferris, presumably a relation of Richard Bramble.

Near here is an old headstone surmounted by the rather singular effigy of a two headed cherub, and inscribed as follows:-

“To the memory of William Payne who departed this life September ye 23rd 1800, aged 67 years. Also of Susana Payne, who departed this life Nov. ye 21st 1764, aged 37 years.

“Worn out with sorrow, Pain and grief,
Kind Death at last have brought relief;
The grave is now our place of rest
Till we are called to join the blest.”

It is a rather singular fact that in the first line the word Pain is the only word with a capital letter. Whether the sculptor had any sinister motive in writing the word in this way it is impossible for us, with our limited information as to the individuals in question, to say. Besides the inscription already quoted, the following are also commemorated on this tombstone:- Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Payne, died 1813, aged 49; Ann, sister of Thomas Payne, died 1828, aged 74; and Thomas Payne, died 1835, aged 71. This family is one that has been for many years settled at Warminster Common.

Near the South West entrance to the Church is a somewhat quaint old headstone to the memory of John Sly, who died 6th Nov. 1819.

“Ye living men, the grave survey,
Where ye must quickly dwell
Hear how the awful summons sounds,
In every funeral knell.”

Mr. Sly resided at Bugley and lived and died unmarried. He has several nephews living in George Street and elsewhere in the town.

A flat stone near here is inscribed to the memory of James Prince, who died in 1840, aged 75; and his daughter, who died in 1833, aged 31. Mr. Prince, we believe, was a mason living in Warminster, and was possessed of property in Pound Street and elsewhere. The house now occupied by Mr. White in George Street, was inhabited by members of his family.

Not far from this spot is a stone inscribed to the memory of Stephen Warren, who died in 1778, aged 54. The Warren family is still represented in Warminster either directly or by intermarriage. Upon this stone is a somewhat peculiar version or rather inversion of the old quatrain about “Affliction sore” &c. The following is the inscription:-

“Affliction sore long time I bore,
Physicians was in vain;
But God was pleas’d that death should cease,
And ease me of my pain.”

An old tomb near here is inscribed upon the side panels “Here lyeth ye body of John Silverthorne, who died February the 28th, 1701, aged 57, and also Margaret, ye wife of John Silverthorne, who died 1699.” On the slab which covers this tomb is an inscription to the memory of Mary Ann, Elizabeth, and Hester, daughters of Benett and Alice Smith. Upon the panels on the south side is the name of Hester, the wife of Bennett (sic) Smith (died 1776, aged 37). Who the Silverthornes were, and who Mr. Benett Smith may have been we have no means of knowing, but no doubt the two families were related.

Near the walls of the south side of the Church a large assortment of old stones, and fragments of stones, of all sizes and shapes, are collected together. Amongst these, near the south west porch, is a curious old slab, which, apparently, has been a headstone, and is inscribed in uncouth capital letters as follows:-

“HERE LYE YE BODY OF ANN YE WIFE OF JOHN PONTEN, WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE YE 21ST OF FEBRUARY 1688 AGED 87. WHILST SHE LIVED SHE FEARED GOD, WHILST SHE LIVED SHE DVN MUCH GOOD, WHILST SHE LIVED SHE WERE LOVED OF ANY, AND WHEN SHE DIED SHE WERE MIST BY MANY.”

Near the Harris monument is an altar-shaped tomb with an inscription on the panels to the memory of John Smith, his wife and other members of his family. His wife died in 1776, aged 39. It is not very surprising to find that we have no authentic record as to who Mr. John Smith was.

Near here is a stone to the memory of Edmund Meare (died 1725), whose family was connected with the clothing trade in Warminster and Frome.

No satisfactory information can be obtained as to who were Ebenezar Butler, and his daughter Rachel Thompson, whose monument is situated near here. Ebenezar Butler died in 1774.

Adjoining is the altar tomb of Pittman Warren, who died in 1788, aged 68, and other members of his family, to Thomas Warren, who died in 1832, aged 69. We believe that there are direct representatives of this family in Bristol.

Near this spot is commemorated Annie, the wife of Thomas Bedford, who died in 1795, aged 31. The name of Bedford is one of long standing in the town.

Near the path to the south east door of the Church is a large altar-shaped tomb of which the slab is inscribed as follows:-

“To the memory of William Bleeck, who departed this life May 16th 1773, aged 71 years. Also William, son of William Bleeck, who departed this life Jan. 18th 1776, aged 27 years. Also Ann Bleeck who departed this life April 19th 1707, aged 70 (?) years. Also John, son of William and Ann Bleeck, who departed this life Nov. 17th 1778, aged 17 years.”

On the side of this tomb is inscribed:-

“To the memory of Eliza Bleeck, daughter of the late John and Sarah Bleeck, who died Nov. 13th 1867, aged 63 years.”

On the opposite side of this path is a very old and moss-grown stone, lying horizontally, and imbedded deeply in the turf. The following almost illegible inscription may be deciphered upon the south side:-

“Here lyeth the body of Robert Bleeck, who died Nov. Anno Dom. 1700, aged 70.”

Upon the other side:-

“In memory of John Bleeck, who died Sept. 20th 1816, in the 74th year of his age. And also Sarah Bleeck, his wife who died Dec. 18th 1846, in the 73rd year of her age.”

Near here, surrounded by a handsome railing, is the tomb of the Brodribb family whose name for many years has been well known in Warminster. The inscriptions extend from Ann Brodribb, the wife of Uriah Brodribb (died 28th Sept. 1818, aged 48), to John Boulter Brodribb, who died at Reading in 1871, aged 31, and Francis Brodribb, who died in 1881, aged 46.

In front of the south east door lies a large flat stone which has evidently been most elaborately inscribed and adorned, but which has been worn into a state of almost illegibility. At the lower corners of the stone are some curious figures of angels inscribed upon the stone after the manner of writing masters of the last century. The secret of this almost obsolete art was to represent everything with flourishes, and as far as possible without removing the pen from the paper. In this way the angels of the stone in question are drawn upon it with a series of curves, and the result is, as might be expected, very hideous. The inscription as far as it can now be read is to the memory of Annie Adlam, who died 1708, aged seven years. The following lines are subjoined:-

“As tender flowers are cut down,
And pass away ere they are grown;
So God was pleas’d to take my breath,
And lay my body low in death,
Whereas my sovle to heaven did fly
To rest with God eternallie.”

The name of Adlam is now, and always has been, one of the commonest names in Warminster and the neighbourhood. It is, we believe, peculiar to this part of the country.

Returning to the south east entrance to the Churchyard we find upon the east side of the pathway a large tomb to the memory of Thomas Lampard, who died in 1819, aged 54. The Lampards were principally farmers and a branch of their family is still resident in Boreham.

A flat stone near here bears the name of Ann Cockey, daughter of Edward Cockey. She died in 1794. The Cockeys for several generations carried on business in Warminster as iron founders, &c., but most of them migrated to Frome. William Cockey, of Frome, between 1732 and 1739 cast three bells for the Warminster belfry.

Near the south east door stands the oldest legible stone in the Churchyard. It is a headstone and besides being somewhat mutilated, has sunk deeply into the earth owing, as Dr. Darwin would tell us, to the officiousness of worms. It is indeed necessary to dig away a small portion of the soil in order to read the date. The inscription is as follows:-

“Here lyeth ye body of Nicholas Butcher, brother to John Butcher, who deceased the first day of March 1653.”

It is not very clear whether John, or Nicholas, or both deceased upon the date mentioned, but we may presume that Nicholas is the person intended. He deserved perhaps a rather more imposing stone than this, for year after year from 1644 to 1648 we learn that he was regularly elected Churchwarden and though upon every occasion but one or two, he “would not be sworn, in regard the tymes were soe troublesome,” there can be no doubt, seeing that he was always re-elected, that he must have discharged the duties of the office to the satisfaction of the Parish.

Near the east wall of the Churchyard is a slab to the memory of Roger Townsend, Professor of music, of Warminster, whose descendant Roger, an auctioneer in the town, is recorded, inside the Church, to have left £3 a year, on condition that an Anthem by his grandfather should be sung annually in the Church. The slab in question states that Roger Townsend died in 1730, aged 39, and has the following:-

“Our Maker’s praise his soft melodious tongue,
By Nature led, by Heaven directed, sung.
Harmonious soul! Thou always didst aspire
To imitate, now join the Heavenly Choir.
By hearing angels sing their notes, improve,*
And raise devotion to seraphic love.
God’s goodness view, enjoy, adore, proclaim,
And everlastingly extol his name.”

*Mr. Daniell in his History Of Warminster punctuates this line, “By hearing angels sing, their notes improve.” It can hardly be supposed that the unknown poet meant to imply that Roger Townsend was to give singing lessons to the angelic choir. The stone itself has no punctuation, but it is possible that the line should have been written as printed above:-

“By hearing angels sing their notes, improve.”

More probably, however, the sculptor has blundered, and the line should have been given:-

“By hearing angels sing, thy notes improve.”

Near here is a mutilated monument of which the date is lost, to one Rembrey Smith.

A flat stone adjoining, to the memory of Christopher Cockey (died 1823) and his wife (died 1831) commemorate probably the last members of this family resident in the town.

No information can be obtained as to the very old tomb, near here, which commemorates, in almost undecipherable letters, “Thomas Greenfield, of Marlborough, died at Mere, 1700.” There were Greenfields in Warminster during the 17th century, and this individual was probably a native of the town.

Near here is a stone standing to the memory of James Lawrence, who died in 1790, aged 74. Mr. Lawrence carried on business in the town, as a hatter, at the premises now occupied by Messrs. Carson and Toone.

Adjoining is a stone inscribed to the memory of Elizabeth, wife of John Pharam, who died in 1810, aged 63. The Pharams were a Boreham family.

Another rather unusual name, now extinct in Warminster, is commemorated upon a stone erected near this spot to the memory of Elizabeth, the wife of Richard Maish, who died 1st September 1810, aged 72.

Adjoining is a stone to Robert Butt (died 1764, aged 61), and his wife Rebekah, who died the same year, aged 60.

Near here is a stone to the memory of Jeremiah Foreman, son of Richard and Hester Foreman. He died in 1790, aged 27. Also of Richard Foreman (died 1805, aged 65), who perhaps was a member of the choir, for we read:-

“In singing I did praise my God,
Therein took great delight.
But suddenly He cut me down
Out of my brethren’s sight.
But at the Judgement day I hope
I shall again them see,
And with them Hallelug’s sing
To God eternally.”

Some of the Foreman family removed to Salisbury, and there is a tradition that one of them became Mayor of that city. No such name, however, appears in any list of Salisbury mayors. Many families now resident in Warminster are related by marriage to the Foremans, and we believe that the Richard Foreman of this stone has a grandson living in Portway.

Near here is an old broken stone to the memory of Elizabeth, wife of Edward Holton (died 1749, aged 51). A cross near here, commemorates another member of this rather numerous Warminster family – viz., Richard Holton, who died 1864, aged 33.

Mr. Frederick Hill (died 1868, aged 64), who is commemorated near here, was a farmer living near Bugley.

Adjoining is a modern stone, with a cross sculptured upon it, and inscribed to the memory of Mr. William Trapp, who died in 1863, aged 62. Mr. Trapp had a large business as a stone-mason in the Boreham Road.

Near here is a large tomb to the memory of “the amiable and beloved wife” of Samuel Everett, of Salisbury, died 1822, aged 41. Also of Samuel Everett, of Salisbury, who died 1818, aged 80. Even with this tomb is another, inscribed Nathaniel Everett, who died at Bull Mills, 1816, aged 50, and also to three of his children, the last of whom was named Noah Chivers Everett, and died in 1810, aged 10 months. The Everetts were gentlemen of wealth and interest in Warminster, and also in Salisbury.

Near here, a headstone, of which half is destroyed, commemorates Clare Marven, who died in 1802, aged 65. The following lines may probably claim the distinction of being the very worst in the churchyard:-

“Now God hath taken me away,
My body lie mould’ring in the tomb.
Many years in this vain world to-day,
I wrought with trouble and with pain,
Now it Please God to give me ease,
From trouble and from pain.”

Near here is another broken headstone, inscribed with the names of Sarah Daniell, wife of Thomas Daniell, died 1802, aged 47; Sarah Carter, her daughter, died 1810, aged 33; Thos. Daniell, died 1822, aged 71; James Daniell, died 1870, aged 81; Mary Ann Miles, died 1873, aged 77. The Daniell family was a very numerous one, and consisted of several branches. Those members of it mentioned upon this stone were principally farmers, and lived at Folly Farm.

Near here are the monuments of the Wilton family, consisting of two old tombs, and a modern cross. The oldest of the tombs is inscribed upon the north panels to the memory of William Wilton, who died 1689, and Elizabeth, his wife, died 1690; also of Jerrard Wilton, who died 1716, and Mary, his wife, died 1718. The south panels bear the names of Edward Wilton, died 1750, aged 73, and his sister Mary. The slab of the monument is inscribed to the memory of James Wilton, died 1797, aged 76; Sarah Ann Wilton, his mother, died September 15, 1777; and five children, who died in their infancy. The second tomb commemorates James Wilton, died 1728, aged 48; Elizabeth, his wife, died 1747; Jerrard, their son, died 1749, aged 32; also James, their son, died 1780, aged 68; William Wilton, died 1794, aged 65; Elizabeth and Sarah, daughters of J. and E. Wilton; William Wilton, died 1828, aged 57; and Elizabeth, died 1824, aged 49. We have already alluded to the antiquity of this family in Warminster. It is not now represented in the town, but several members of it are resident in Salisbury. The handsome cross to the memory of Mr. James Wilton, of Salisbury, who died in 1870, and his wife, Elizabeth, who died in 1871, testifies to the regard which the family still possess for the home of their ancestors. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wilton died at Salisbury, but were brought to Warminster for their interment. Mr. James Wilton presented the cover of the Font to the Church, and it bears this inscription:- “Deo et Ecclesiae – This cover is presented by James Wilton, of Salisbury, to the Church of St. Deny’s, Warminster, being his native parish – Eastertide, 1861.

Near here are commemorated, by a headstone, William Ryall, died 1829, aged 35, and Benjamin Ryall, died 1833, aged 69. “Beneath this stone, he’s silent in the dust, A husband dear, who in the Lord did trust; Till the last trump shall sound and bid him rise To meet his blessed Jesus in the sides.” The Ryalls, we believe, were market gardeners, and lived in Prince Croft Lane.

Near here lies Sarah, the wife of Richard Bramble, who died 1772, aged 44; also two other members of the Bramble family.

Adjoining is a broken stone to the memory of James Roles, who died 1813, aged 37. The following ambitious piece of blank verse contains what Mrs. Malaprop would have described as a “nice derangement of epitaphs”:-

“Lean not on earth, ’twill pierce thee to the heart, A broken reed at best, but oft a spear. On its sharp point Peace bleeds and Hope expires!”

Near here is a stone to the memory of Mrs. Roger Townsend, who died in 1781, aged 31. She is commemorated in the Church upon the monument to her father-in-law, Roger Townsend, “Professor of Music,” who died, it will be remembered in 1730. In looking at the old parish records of baptisms, deaths, and marriages, extending for about 300 years, it will be noticed that the name of Townsend is, from a very early date, of more frequent occurrence than almost any other name.

Near the path, almost covered with grass, and nearly illegible, is a flat stone, inscribed with the name of Thomas Braden.

Near here is the altar-shaped tomb of the Holtons, a family to whom we have already referred. Edward Holton (d.1821, aged 42) and his daughter (died at Bruton, 1878, aged 56), are commemorated upon this stone.

Adjoining is another tomb, to the memory of Betty Townsend, died 1799, aged 46; and Annie Evans, died 1805, aged 68.

The next tomb is one described to the memory of a number of members of the Davis family, including Wm. Davis (d.1797, aged 73); Mary, his wife (d.1767, aged 56); William, his son (died 1770, aged 17); Mary, his daughter (died 1787, aged 27); and George Davis (d.1801, aged 41).

Adjoining is another old tomb, that of the Hinton family, whose name appears for several centuries in the history of Warminster. The inscription is as follows:-

“In memory of Mary Hinton, wife of Edward Hinton, senior, who died September 17, 1794, aged 63 years. Thomas Hinton, son of Edward and Catherine Hinton, who died August 24, 1790, aged 4 years. Also Elizabeth, daughter of Edward and Catherine Hinton, who died June 19, 1793. Also Joseph Hinton, son of the above Edward Hinton, who died February, 1795. Also Martha, daughter of the above Edward and Catherine Hinton, who died Oct. ye 3d., 1799, aged 3 years. Also Jane Hinton, aged 9 months.”

Near here is a headstone to the memory of James Down, who died 1809, aged 70, and Pitman Down, died 1818, aged 81. The Downs at one time kept the Bell Inn, Warminster Common.

A broken stone not far from here commemorates Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Hooper, who died in 1789. Joseph Hooper lived in Portway.

James Wigmore, commemorated not far from here, was a brother-in-law to Mr. Yockney, printer of Warminster.

Near here is a curious inscription in memory of Andrew Smith (died 1787, aged 55); Ann, his wife, died April 18th 1805, aged 78; Joseph Smith, died 1823, aged 81; Mary, his wife, died 1826, aged 76; John, third son of the above, died 1813, aged 63; Andrew, eldest son of Joseph and Mary Smith, “for over 30 years the faithful pastor of the Baptist Church of Rye, Sussex, died 1859, aged 81.” The average age of these six is 72. The Smiths were for many years clerks of the Parish Church, and one of the family was the artist, whose very uninteresting portrait of David occupies such a prominent position upon the organ gallery. Later generations left the Church of England, and as will be seen Joseph Smith became a Baptist Minister. He died at Warminster, where he owned property in the High Street, still in the possession of his representatives.

Near is a stone inscribed in memory of Joseph Kirk, died 1823, aged 72; Elizabeth, wife of William Kirk, died 1861, aged 76; William Kirk, her husband, died 1867, aged 89; Elizabeth Kirk, d. 1813, aged 4 years; Joseph, son of William and Elizabeth, died 1844, aged 25; Emily, their daughter died 1846, aged 20; William George Bracher, d.1875, aged 67. The Kirks carried on a large business as carriers at the premises near St. Laurence’s Church, now occupied by Mr. Turner. The last generation consisted almost entirely of daughters, and many families of the town can claim relationship to the Kirks through marriage.

A large stone near here is inscribed to the memory of William Higgs, died June 11th, 1815 (a week before the Battle of Waterloo); and Rebecca Higgs his wife who died 1848, aged 73. Mr. Higgs was a builder of Warminster.

John Gilbert, commemorated near here upon a flat stone partially covered with grass, died in 1700.

Thomas Plant, who died in 1840, aged 60, and Sarah his wife, died 1816, are commemorated by an inscription upon an adjoining stone. Mr. Plant had a large business as a painter &c.

The next stone is to the memory of Hannah Clements, who died in 1868, aged only 20. She had been married to a Mr. Clements of Codford, but her body was brought thence to Warminster for interment. Her father, Thomas Foreman, who died the next year, aged 86, is commemorated upon the same stone.

Near here is a stone broken in three pieces. It bears an inscription in memory of William Baiss, timber merchant, who died in 1842, aged 49. His widow, whom he might reasonably have expected to survive, died the same year aged 80. Mr. Baiss carried on his business at the corner of George Street, at the premises now occupied by Mr. Strong.

Adjoining is a stone to the memory of James Webley, saddler of Warminster, who died in 1859, and his wife who died in 1879.

A headstone near is inscribed to the memory of John, son of John and Sarah Pring who died, aged 6, in 1806. Mr. John Pring, or, as he was more generally known, Dr. Pring, was a druggist of some standing in the town, and lived in the Market Place in the premises now used by Mr. Marshman as corn and seed stores.

An old stone not far from here has a quite illegible inscription to the memory of a Mr. Starr, formerly the proprietor of a large boarding school in Back Street [Emwell Street], who died about the third decade of the present century.

A stone near here has the following inscription:-

“To the memory of Sarah Elizabeth Buckler, who died March 25th 1824, aged 47 years, relict of John Buckler junior, of this town who died in London, and was buried in Bunhill Fields, Feb. 18th 1811, Julia Peach, their daughter, the wife of Henry Morgan, entered into rest Jan. 12th 1859, aged 34 years. She heard a voice from heaven whispering love and loved again. Henry Morgan entered into rest Aug. 29, 1869, aged 68.”

Mr. Buckler, who died in 1824, was a wool stapler of Warminster, and lived in the house at the corner of Ash Walk and Silver Street, now occupied by Mrs. Crispin. The singular and the somewhat incomprehensible inscription given above in italic, was, we believe, a mystery to everyone excepting Mr. Morgan himself. He was brother to the late Mr. William Morgan of Warminster, and died of heart disease. One of his daughters, the only one surviving in England, was married to a clergyman of Bath.

A stone adjoining commemorates Mary Vardy (died 1809); Joshua Lambert Vardy (died 1831, aged 60); Ann, his widow (died 1834, aged 68); and Martha Vardy, of Nowton, Bury St. Edmund’s (died 1859, aged 75). The Vardys were printers of Warminster and carried on business in the Market Place. Mr. Joshua Vardy was a Nonconformist, and was one of the missionaries in the ship Duff, when it was captured by the French in 1799. After settling in Warminster he became connected with the Common Close Chapel, and was a zealous lay preacher. He was brother to Martha Vardy. Mrs. Joshua Vardy lived, after her husband’s death, in Church Street. Sarah Elizabeth Buckler, commemorated on the adjoining stone, was a Miss Vardy. There are still members of the family in the town.

In this part of the Churchyard are a number of modern stones, most of them dating within the last few years. To these it will be desirable, on several accounts, to make no reference, unless in certain cases where general public interest attaches to them.

A handsome stone in this portion of the ground is inscribed:- “In grateful memory of Frances, the wife of George Vicary; died April 3rd 1853, aged 65. George Vicary died Jan. 21st 1862, aged 68 years.” Mrs. Vicary was a sister of Mr. Matthew Davies, of Warminster.

Not far from here is a coffin-shaped stone to the memory of Emma Stephenson, relict of Henry and George Stephenson (died March 17, 1863, aged 74). Also in memory of Henry Stephenson (died 1814, aged 32); and George Stephenson (died 1837, aged 48). The Stephensons were watch makers, and carried on business where Mr. George Knight’s premises are now situated. Mrs. Emma Stephenson married her deceased husband’s brother.

A headstone near here commemorates Edward Tucker (died 1826, aged 27); James Tucker (died 1833, aged 80); Jane, his wife (died 1839, aged 79); Joseph Tucker (died 1831, aged 61). The Tuckers were in business in the town as coopers, and lived in Portway. Mr. Edward Tucker was killed by an accident at Worcester.

A nearly illegible headstone quite near here commemorates Thomas Pain (died 1753, aged 42); and Hannah Pain (died 1785, aged 56).

Another old stone commemorates William Ingram (died 1797, aged 89); and his wife (died 1766, aged 63).

A flat stone near here bears the name of a Boreham family, and is inscribed to Mary, wife of John Painter (died 1781, aged 56); and John Painter (died 1790, aged 67). Also Mary Royle (died 1807, aged 23).

An adjoining headstone is to the memory of Sarah Randel, widow of William Randel (died 1803, aged 60), and other members of the same family. A stone near to this bears the name of William Randel (died 1785, aged 64). Branches of the family are still resident in the town.

Near here is a tomb to members of the Price family, including James Price (died 1808, aged 24); his father who died in the following year aged 59; Margaret Price (died 1835, aged 82); Benjamin Price (died 1836, aged 53); and Sarah Roberts, daughter of James and Margaret, died 1861, aged 85. Descendants of this family through marriage still hold good positions in Warminster, and Mr. Price of Bugley, whose 95th birthday was announced a short time ago, still remains as a direct representative of the family.

Near here is a headstone to the memory of Simon Mines who died 1808, aged 43, and who kept the Boot Inn at Warminster Common, now a private dwelling house. Mr. Mines was probably a native of Corsley, where the family seem to have been principally settled. His son-in-law Thomas Johns (died 1827, aged 33) is commemorated upon the same stone.

A headstone not far from here bears the names of Charlotte Cornish (died 1815, aged 60); and her husband Joshua Cornish (died 1832, aged 82); also on a stone adjoining are the names of Thomas Cornish (died 1773, aged 20) and Martha, his wife (died 1792, aged 70). The family is still numerously represented in the town.

Near here is a headstone inscribed to the memory of James Down (died 1807, aged 70); and a coffin-shaped stone with the name William Down (died 1835, aged 52), his wife Elizabeth (died 1835, aged 48), William Pitman Down (died 1854, aged 38); and Eliza Down (died 1864, aged 54). Some of the Downs were hatters, and others kept various inns in the town. William Down was landlord of the London Inn, which stood where the Athenaeum now stands, and which was originally termed the Search Hoop. Originally the mansion of the Kyngestons is supposed to have stood upon the site of these buildings.

A headstone near here commemorates Samuel Tyte, who died in 1832, aged 68; his second wife who died in 1839; his daughter Elizabeth who died in 1852; and Mary Stones, his sister, who died in 1854, aged 82. Mr. Tyte was a clock and watchmaker, and his premises occupied the site of the present Corn Exchange.

A headstone near here commemorates James Down, who died early in the present century, and Mary Pothecary, his relict, who married Mr. Isaac Pothecary, a cheese factor, of Nether Weston. She died in 1856.

James Giles, whose name appears on an adjoining stone, died in 1835, aged 62. He was generally known as “Sergeant Giles.”

Near here is a stone to the memory of Thomas Down (died 1832, aged 83); Martha Down Oakford, his grand-daughter (died 1831, aged 22); her sister Anna Oakford (died 1837, aged 26); William John Thomas Down, son of Thomas (died 1840, aged 57). The Oakfords were brewers carrying on business in the Common Close. Their malthouses were purchased about the year 1837, and the present schoolrooms of the Common Close Chapel were built on their site.

Not far from here is a monument to Mr. John Wilkins, corn-merchant, who died in 1865, aged 80. Mr. Wilkins had a numerous family, still represented in the town. It is said that upon one occasion, some years before his death, he had a Christmas party at his residence, at which nineteen of his children sat down to table with him.

A coffin-shaped stone records the name of Stephen Fox, died 1735, and Elizabeth his wife, who died 18th December 1745, aged 67 years. In 1686 Sir Stephen Fox, of London, sold the manor of Warminster (which he had purchased two years before off Sir E. Hungerford) to Viscount Weymouth. Whether the Stephen Fox commemorated on this stone had any connection with Sir Stephen Fox it is impossible to say, as we have no means of ascertaining any particulars of the existence of any of the family in Warminster.

Near the church, on the north side, is a very old stone, one of the oldest in the churchyard, to some person whose name is lost, but who died in 1704, aged 76.

Upon the wall of this side of the church is a circular tablet, inscribed as follows:-

“Sacred to the memory of three sisters and three brothers, daughters and sons of the late Charles and Elizabeth Aldridge, and interred as below:
Sarah, born 1756, died 1832, aged 76.
Elizabeth, born 1758, died 1837, aged 79.
Mary, born 1762, died 1855, aged 93.
Charles, born 1764, died 1843, aged 79.
Richard, born 1769, died 1839, aged 70.
Thomas, born 1771, died 1842, aged 71.
This memorial is erected by their affectionate niece, Margaret Elizabeth Oliver.”

This tablet, suitably encircled with sculptured ivy, is certainly a remarkable example of longevity in the members of one family. It is not every town that can point to a record of six brothers and sisters, all of whom exceeded the allotted age of three score and ten. The average age of the six was 78. Mrs. Oliver, by whom the tablet was erected, was the daughter of the Rev. Millington Massey Jackson, who married a Miss Aldridge, and who was Vicar of Warminster from 1773 to 1808.

A very old and almost illegible stone near here has an inscription to the memory of Charles Aldridge, died 1763, aged 78, and Elizabeth, his wife, died 1750; also of the wife of Richard Aldridge, died 1763, aged 32, and her daughter, who died 1778, aged 70.

Near here is a very old and curious coffin-shaped stone inscribed in very uncouth lettering, now almost illegible:-

“Here lyeth the body of John Buckler the elder, who departed this life April the 29th, 1780. Here lyeth the bodys of Will and Mary, son and daughter of Will and Rachell Down. Wm. died Feb. ye 11, 1727, aged 2 years and 10 mths., Mary dy’d Jany ye 7th, 1722, aged 10 years.”

On the north side:-

“Here lyeth the body of Edward Buckler, who departed this life Jan. the 26., 1709, aged 55 years. Here lyeth the body of Elizabeth Buckler, the wife of Ed. Buckler, who died March the 21 day, 1722, aged 63 years.”

The ramifications of the Buckler pedigree are so extensive that it is quite impossible to come to any satisfactory conclusion as to who these members of the family are. An Edward Buckler, of Warminster, was chaplain to Oliver Cromwell, and it seems not unlikely that he was the father of the Edward Buckler mentioned upon this stone.

An old headstone near here commemorates Mary Exford (died 1709, aged 52). The Exfords were a well-to-do family, living at Boreham.

An old altar tomb, adjoining, contains inscriptions to a number of members of the King family, including Matthew King, died 1733, aged 58; his wife Eleanor, died 1757, aged 72; Matthew King died 1809, aged 69. The King family were lime burners in the town, and carried on operations at the kilns [at Arn Hill] now owned by Mr. Butcher.

Near here is an old stone to the memory of Thomas Ponton; also one inscribed with the names of John Ponton (died 1758, aged 54), and two children of the same family. Mr. Thomas Ponton named his three sons, Moses, Aaron, and Jonah, and one of them still survives.

An altar tomb near here commemorates Elizabeth, the wife of John Sly. She died in 1868, aged 37.

Adjoining is a headstone inscribed to the memory of Ann Curtis (died 1781, aged 67); and Henry Curtis (died 1876, aged 60). Referring probably to Ann Curtis, the following lines are subjoined:-

“Long was the time I lived on earth;
There was lamenting for my death;
And then the Lord did ease my pain,
And in the grave my body’s lain.”

Mr. Curtis, who died in 1876, was a baker in West Street, but the family were for several generations small farmers or market gardeners, and lived in Pound Street.

Not far from this stone is the Wansey monument, inscribed as follows:-

“In the Faith of a blessed Resurrection, lie here deposited the bodies of Hester Wansey, died 1740, aged 79; Henry, died 1740, aged 22; Eliz. Ball, died 1750, aged 68; George, Henry, and Sarah, infants. Also Esther Wansey, died 1794, aged 81; William, son of Henry and Elizabeth, died 1780, aged 63; George Wansey, died 1707, aged 57; Henry, son of George, died 1761, aged 71; Hester, died 1761, aged 47; George, died 1762, aged 44; and John, died 1776, aged 33. “

We have already referred to this old and numerous family of warriors, clothiers, landowners, antiquarians, glovers, and philanthropists.

William Hughes (died 1832, aged 70), is commemorated upon a tomb near here, as are other members of the same family, one which was well known and respected in the town. Mr. Hughes lived at the house where Mr. Still now carries on a school.

Not far off is a headstone to the memory of Nicholas Kellond, who died in 1854, aged 34, and is buried in Paddington Churchyard. He married a Miss Curtis, who survived him 13 years, and who is also commemorated upon this stone.

A stone near here bears the name of Charles Sly, died 1831, aged 65; William Sly, died 1849, aged 38; Ann, his wife, died 1864, aged 66; and Mary, his daughter, died 1830, aged 16 months.

In the neighbourhood of this stone is an old and almost undecipherable inscription upon a flat slab. It appears to commemorate Roger Baskett, Captain of Marines, who died in 1796, aged 80; and Thomas Martin, B.A., “Master of the Free Grammar School in this town,” who died 1771, aged 56. Mr. Martin seems to have been the third master of the school, “built and endowed by Thomas, Lord Viscount Weymouth, to the glory of God, and the advancement of Religion and Learning,” in 1707. He displayed his learning, and, as will be thought in the present day, wasted his time, by translating Prior’s Alma into Latin verse. Upon the title page of this work he described himself as “Thomas Martin, for twenty years a clergyman, the master of the Warminster school, and curate of Kingston Deverill.” There is no record to show who Capt. Baskett was.

Near this stone is an altar tomb to the memory of Thomas Warren (ob. 1767), his son Thomas (ob. 1802), and George Warren, son of Pitman Warren (ob. 1834).

An altar tomb near the N.W. end of the Church contains the following inscription:-

“Emily Bleeck, died May 21, 1847, aged 27 years, and Mary Anne Bleeck, died Sept. 19th 1863, aged 59; daughters of John and Sarah Bleeck. Gertrude Phelps Bleeck, the affectionate wife of Charles Bleeck, died on Christmas Day 1846, aged 36. Charles Bleeck, born Oct. 18th 1805, died Feb. 4th 1878. Gertrude Seagram Bleeck, died April 7th 1847, aged 1 year 4 months; Harriet Gertrude Bleeck, died July 3rd 1868, aged 22 years; the daughters of Charles and Gertrude Phelps Bleeck.”

Mr. Charles Bleeck is, as we have mentioned, also commemorated by a brass inside the Church.

On a flat stone adjoining is an inscription to various members of the Lough family from Jean, the wife of William Lough (died 1727) to William Lough (died 1756).

Near here is a handsome monument of the Morgan family. It is inscribed as follows:-

“Under the shadow of the Almighty rest the remains of Henry, Jessie, and John Pearce Morgan, children of William and Jane Morgan. Henry died June 21, 1841, aged 1 year 8 months; Jessie, died December 12th, 1857, aged nine years; John Pearce, died April 9th, 1860, aged 19. Here also lie the remains of their sister Mary Alice Morgan, who entered into life at Ventnor, I.W., May 10th, 1877, aged 30 years. In memory of Mary, second daughter of John and Elizabeth Morgan, died July 19th, 1814, aged 16; also of Elizabeth, their eldest daughter, who died Oct. 28th, 1820, aged 24. In loving memory of William Morgan, who died May 7th, 1873, aged 75. In memory of John Pearce, who died June 10th, 1809, aged 84. John Morgan, died 1818, aged 60, and Elizabeth, his wife, daughter of the above John Pearce, died Oct. 9th 1846, aged 86 years.”

The late Mr. William Morgan, brewer of Warminster, was grandson to John Pearce, who deserves a high place amongst the worthies of the town. Mr. Pearce was the first person to commence Sunday evening services in Warminster. His residence was in North Row, and there week by week, on Sunday and Thursday nights, for nearly sixty years, he and a few friends conducted brief services. He was a member of the Church of England, but for some time he attended Common Close Chapel, in consequence, it is supposed, of his sympathy with the Rev. R. Hart, the curate-in-charge of Warminster, who, on account of what were imagined to be Wesleyan views, was obliged to leave the Established Church. Mr. Pearce was respected by all classes and creeds throughout the town. In his day it was natural with parents to conclude all good advice to their children, by impressing upon them that they should walk in the steps of Mr. John Pearce. Such was the effect of this reiterated admonition upon the youthful mind of one of Mr. Pearce’s descendants, that he was one day discovered diligently plodding along the pavement, at a respectful distance behind his aged relative, endeavouring, to the best of his ability, literally “to follow in the steps of Mr. John Pearce.”

An altar stone, at some little distance, commemorates John Barnes, died 1791, aged 57; Jeremiah Pearce, died 1803, aged 34; and John Pearce senior, died 1806, aged 40. These Pearces were not in any way related to the Mr. Pearce just mentioned. Jeremiah Pearce was for a long period the sexton of the parish, and after his death the office remained in the hands of his widow and sons for about 40 years.

A stone near here is inscribed with the names of the following members of the Excell family:- Ann Welles Excell, died 1827; Sarah Julia, died 1833; Augustus Rogers, died 1838; Arthur Albert, died 1845; Sarah Victoria, died 1850. The Excells were drapers in the Market Place, where Mr. James Low’s auction offices are now situated. Several of the family are now living in India. The name of Mr. James Carver (died 1846) also appears upon this stone.

Adjoining is a large altar monument to the Davis family, inscribed as follows:-

“To the memory of Martha Davis, wife of Thomas Davis, of Portway House, who died June 28th 1831, aged 56. Also of Thomas Davis, who died December 10th 1839, aged 62. To the memory of Charles Broughton Hodding Davis, third son of Thomas and Martha Davis, of Portway House, who died Jan. 14th 1830, aged 14. Also of Thos. Davis, late of West End, eldest son of Thos. and Martha Davis, who died July 2nd 1875, aged 66.”

We have already alluded to Mr. Davis’s memorial within the church. We may here quote the the quaint and characteristic language of good old William Daniell, in his Warminster Common:-

“A more kind, virtuous, and humane man than Mr. Davis never breathed the vital air. Truly was he found a faithful and wise steward; high and low, rich and poor, loved him; full well do I know him to have been a father to the fatherless, a husband to the widow; and when the eye saw him it blessed him. Oh what language can describe the terrible shock felt throughout the county on that melancholy day when the death of Mr. T.D., of Horningsham, was so unexpectedly announced!”

Even with this tomb is that of the Robertsons, inscribed to the memory of Harriet Robertson (died 1840, aged 16), Louisa Robertson (died 1841), their mother, Harriet Eleanor (died 1861, aged 64), and her husband, Robert Robertson, of Sterford House, Corsley, who died in 1868, aged 83, and who, for 20 years, was agent to the Marquis of Bath.

Near here is an altar tomb to the memory of several members of the Reeves family, formerly residing at Woodcock. William Reeves, who died in 1826, aged 54, his wife, who died in 1842, aged 65, and Thomas Reeves, who died in 1832, aged 54, are commemorated.

Near here are four stones inscribed in memory of various members of the Cruse family, to which reference has already been made.

Mr. John Houghton (died 1845, aged 77), commemorated near here by an altar tomb, was the tenant of Boreham Farm.

Mr. Frederick West, whose grave is situated here, and who died in 1856, aged 56, was formerly of Sutton Mill.

A flat stone adjoining bears the names of Wm. Davis, died 1805, aged 43; John Davis, died 1857, aged 75; and other members of the same family.

Not far from here, enclosed by a substantial railing, is a very handsome white marble monument, inscribed as follows:-

“To the memory of William Adlam O’Halloran, Esq., who, after a long continued residence on his estates of Warminster and Essex Valley, in the island of Jamaica, departed this life at St. Mary Church, near Torquay, in 1846, aged 42. Also of Ellen Harper, his relict, daughter of William Adlam, Esq., of Warminster, Jamaica. She died in London in 1867, aged 50. William Augustus, son of the above, died in British Africa, August 1871.”

Mr. O’Halloran’s name was originally Adlam, and he was one of the Warminster family of that name. The stained East window in the Church was placed there in his memory.

A large altar stone near here is inscribed in memory of John Lush, who died 20 April 1845, aged 58; also of his wife, who died in 1857, aged 71. Also of John Lampard Lush, who died 1874, aged 65, and Edward Lush, who died 1856, aged 42. Mr. John Lush lived at Parsonage Farm, near Warminster, and Mr. John Lampard Lush was a chemist carrying on business in the Market Place.

A headstone not far from here commemorates James Fryer, who died in 1848, aged 42, and who was a draper in the town.

An old stone adjoining is inscribed with the names of Ralph Barker (who died in 1798, aged 62), and John Ballard (who died in 1803). Mr. Barker was a plumber, and his name appears amongst the records of Common Close Chapel, in 1777, as one of the trustees. Mr. Ballard, who was probably son-in-law to Mr. Barker, lived where Mr. Wm. Hardick now resides.

Mr. James Davis, who died in 1842, aged 74, and who is commemorated by a headstone near here, was a saddler in the Market Place, his shop being situated near the Herald Office, at premises occupied by Messrs. Hurrell.

Not far off is a stone in memory of John Sheppard, who died in 1796, aged 83, and his daughter, Sarah Sheppard, who died in 1779, aged 13. The following lines are subjoined:-

“My parents dear do not lament for me,
My life you did desire, but it was God’s decree
That I should go and Him eternally adore,
Where’s blessing, joy, and love for ever more.”

Mr. Sheppard, we believe, formerly lived at the corner house, No.20 George Street.

Near here is a headstone inscribed to the memory of Richard Ponton, died 1775, aged 68; Richard Ponton, died 1834, aged 87; Sarah Ponton, died 1844, aged 85; Richard Ponton, died 1782, aged 75; and Lizzie Pearce, died 1819, aged 46.

A headstone here commemorates Wm. Pool, who died in 1802, aged 37:

“My life was nothing else but Pain,
While on earth I did remain.
At last the Lord he thought it best
To take me to a place of rest.”

Also Ann, his wife, who died 1844, aged 81. The Pools very appropriately kept the Swan, a hostelry which has now been transformed into the house and shop occupied by Mr. Rawlings, chemist, in the Market Place. Mrs. Pool carried on the business of the Swan Inn for many years after her husband’s decease. An anecdote is told of her, which, whether true or not, would seem to indicate that she was a remarkably careful business woman. It is said that a sixpence belonging to her having by some means been broken in two pieces, she sent it to the brazier to be mended. He accomplished the work so neatly that the sixpence was, without difficulty, passed; but the satisfaction of her customer was much much lessened when she received from him a bill of seven pence for mending the coin. Mrs. Pool died in North Row.

We have already alluded to several remarkable instances of longevity recorded in the churchyard. It is indeed impossible to pass many inscriptions without noticing that, in spite of old-fashioned sewerage, a polluted river, and defective water supply, it has been found possible to live to a very god old age in Warminster. Near the monument just mentioned, is one with the following inscription, certainly the most remarkable instance of longevity in the churchyard:-

“In memory of Mrs. Judith Hendy, who died March 28th, 1736, aged 95; Mr. Nat. Butler, who died in 1775, aged 75; Mrs. Nat. Butler, who died 1806, aged 78; Mrs. Kirkpatrick, who died May 5th, 1810, aged 88; Miss Mary Butler, who died Oct. 11th, 1810, aged 86.”

Mrs. Hendy was one of the Adlam family and was Mrs. N. Butler’s mother. Mr. N. Butler, who was a clothier, was one of the earliest members of the Common Close Chapel. Mrs. Kirkpatrick and Miss Mary Butler were, we believe, his sisters. The united ages of the six makes the total exactly 500, giving an average of nearly 83. Mrs. Judith Hendy was born in the reign of Charles I, and lived during the Commonwealth, and the reigns of Charles II, James II, William and Mary, William III, Anne, George I, George II, and George III.

Adjoining is the family vault of “the Bennetts of Smallbrook,” with an inscription stating that from 1555 to 1757 the interments were within the church. The Bennett family owned the Smallbrook estate from 1566 for over three centuries. The following members of the family are commemorated upon this tomb:-

Eliza, second daughter of Francis Bennett, of Smallbrook, died 1873, aged 78; Caroline, wife of John Bennett, of Codford, third daughter of Francis Bennett, of Smallbrook, died 1830, aged 34; John Warren, who married a Miss Bennett, and who died in 1870, aged 79; and Louisa, his wife, who died in 1880, aged 87. Mrs. Warren founded the Almshouses in Portway.

Another tomb near here bears the names of Henry Ferris, died 1783, aged 56; his wife, and several of his children, including his daughter, Elizabeth Markes, who died in 1797, aged 41; also William Markes, died 1814, aged 63; Fanny Strode, died 1847, aged 65; George Strode, died 1859, aged 67; and Elizabeth Strode, died 1824, aged 21. Mr. Henry Ferris was a churchwarden in 1768.

A flat stone near here commemorates Isaac Debnam, who died in 1788, aged 48, whilst a headstone bears the name of another Isaac Debnam (probably father to the first), who died in 1764, aged 50. The second Isaac Debnam was a Unitarian, and had a blacksmith’s shop near the Organ Inn, in High Street. A few old inhabitants can remember hearing him always spoken of by the disrespectful name of “Old Scrubber Deadman.” The daughter of the elder Isaac Debnam married Thos. Dowding, and died in 1801.

Upon an adjoining flat stone is an inscription to the memory of Mr. James Brooks, who died in 1774, aged 34; Mary Brooks, his wife; and George Brooks, his son, who died in 1810, aged 43. One of this family formerly kept the Angel Hotel, situated in High Street, where Mr. John Hall now lives.

Not far off is an old altar-shaped tomb to the memory of John Butt (died 1808, aged 78); Ann Butt, his wife (died 1795, aged 50); John Butt (died 1821, aged 58); and Edward Butt (died 1850, aged 63). Also near here a headstone to the memory of Thos. S. Butt (died 1772), Ann Butt (died 1773), and Ann Butt (died 1779). The Butt family represented upon these stones were principally bakers living in George Street, adjoining premises now occupied by Mr. R. Sly.

Close by is buried Walter Scammell, of Bradford, “a faithful servant to R. Butt.” He died in 1785, aged 23.

Here is the monument to the late Mr. James Hayes, who died in 1850.

The altar tomb adjoining commemorates several members of the Osbourne family, connected by marriage with the Hayes, including James Osbourne (died 1812); Thos. Osbourne Parnell (died 1842); and Mary Poore (died 1872). Adjoining is a stone to the memory of William Osborne (died 1862, aged 76).

An altar tomb near here bears the name of John Morgan White, whose father, the late Stephen White, of Warminster (died 1861), is commemorated upon a stone adjoining.

A square altar tomb, not far from here, bears the names of Frances Mary Ann, widow of William Montresor, Esq. (died 1850, aged 54), and Mary, the wife of Capt. Montresor, R.N., C.B., (died 1859, aged 78). Capt. Montresor lived at Vine Cottage, Boreham Road. He was a stranger to the town, and left it shortly after Mrs. Montresor’s death.

The striking monument near here, consisting of a large white marble cross, inclined upon an anchor, is erected to the memory of Robert Tayler, who died in 1856, aged 56 years. He was a churchwarden of the parish, and formerly carried on business as a draper in the Market Place.

Near here is a monument to the memory of the wife of F. Young, Esq., R.N. (died 1865, aged 55), and also of Mr.Young himself. He died in 1872, aged 58.

Near the north-west corner of the churchyard is a stone with the inscription:-

“In memory of John Sims, P.P.G.M., who died 22nd Oct. 1865, aged 47 years. This stone was erected by the Loyal Ark Lodge of Oddfellows, M.U., as a tribute of esteem and respect for four years’ faithful services as Secretary of that society.”

Not far from here is a stone surmounted by a cross and inscribed:-

“To the memory of Emma Harriet Francis, who died Oct. 5th 1863, aged 18 years. ‘The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.’ The love and regard borne her by the children and teachers of the schools in which she was a pupil teacher, have moved them to place this stone to her memory.”

Also in this part of the Churchyard is a stone inscribed:-

“Here rest the bodies of Thomas and Sarah Stevens. The wife led the way to eternity June 6th, 1850. The husband gladly followed March 3rd, 1851. The God of patience gave them grace to bear a change from plenty to poverty. In their poverty the God of the poor made them exceeding rich. Their minister and loving friends, rich and poor, place this memorial to disciples of Him who went about doing good.”

Mr. Stevens was a farmer at Corton, but meeting with reverses, he was employed in the distribution of tracts, &c., by the Vicar of Warminster, Canon Fane, by whom this inscription was written.

One of the school children of the parish is commemorated near here as follows:-

“To the memory of Sarah Ann Wyatt, an orphan, died 1850, aged 11 years. This stone is erected by her minister and teacher.”

An altar tomb near here bears the names of Repentance House, relict of Jarvis House, died 1835, aged 75; Jarvis House, died 1820, aged 75; Richard House, died 1837, aged 53; Thomas House, died 1820, aged 23; James House, died 1828, aged 41; John House, died 1829, aged 38; and Sarah Warren, daughter of Jarvis and Repentance House, died 1848, aged 61. The House family occupied Bugley Farm for many years. They were related to the Stone family, now principally removed to Bristol.

A headstone near here commemorates Mr. Hugh Holman, who died in 1864, aged 88. He was father-in-law to Mr. Young, R.N., just mentioned, and lived at No.9 Silver Street.

An altar tomb near here commemorates John Slatter, who died in 1850, aged 65; and Martha Slatter, his wife, who died in 1847, aged 44. Mr. Slatter was at one time in the Navy, but having retired he settled down in Warminster, where his tact and ability secured for him a position similar to that of Magistrate’s Clerk. For some years he was a Nonconformist, but during the latter part of his life he returned to the Church of England.

Enclosed within a railing is a monument to the memory of John Walter Bannister (died 1812); Robert Bannister (died at Malta, 1838, aged 21); Henry Bannister (died 1845, aged 26); his father John Bannister (died 1858, aged 80); John Caswell Bannister (died in Ireland, 1858, aged 37); Susanna Bannister, wife of John Bannister (died 1871, aged 85); and Mary J.E. Bannister (died 1871). Mr. and Mrs. John Bannister are also commemorated within the Church by a monument erected to them by their daughter.

Passing to the north west side of the Churchyard, we find under the tree near the path, several stones to various members of the Brown family, including John Brown (died 1773), Stephen Brown (1797), Robert Brown (1765), and William Brown (1770). There have been a good many Browns living at various times in Warminster. One family occupied Parsonage Farm for some while; some were ironmongers in the town, and others kept the Shearman’s Arms in Portway. It is to the latter branch of the family, we believe, that these inscriptions refer.

Edward Yockney, who died in 1860, and is buried near here, was the son of Mr. Yockney, printer of Warminster. Robert Adbrooke, his son-in-law, and Catherine, his wife, are also commemorated upon an adjoining stone.

In this part of the Churchyard are several monuments to members of the Langley family, including William Langley (died 1807); Phoebe, his wife (died 1821); William Langley (died 1834); Ann Langley (died 1815); Nicholas Langley (died 1834); Martha Langley (died 1845); and Thomas Harris Langley (died 1872). Mr. William Langley, senior, was a farmer, residing where the Post Office now stands, and we have already mentioned his monument in the Church. His four sons were the “quatuor fratres” who in 1850, presented the altar rails to the Church.

A headstone here is inscribed to the memory of Harriot, wife of Bernard Perron, and daughter of J. and A. Gough. She died in 1799, aged 25. The Goughs were formerly millers at Norton Bavant.

A headstone adjoining commemorates Rear Admiral Urban, who retired from the Navy, and settled down in Warminster. He died in 1837, aged 67.

Not far from here is an inscription to the memory of the Rev. C. Arnold, M.A., Oriel College, Oxford, for many years Vicar of Nasing and Roydon, Essex, who died in 1843, aged 59. Mr. Arnold was the son of the Rev. C.M. Arnold who was master of the Free Grammar School, Warminster.

Near here is buried Sarah, the beloved wife of George M. White. She was sister to the late Mr. Morgan of the Warminster Brewery, and died in 1856, aged 53.

William Webb (died 1776), and his son-in-law John Moore (died 1796), were formerly watchmakers in the town.

Near the path is the large square altar tomb of the Dalbys. The monument was originally erected to Anne, the wife of Capt. Thomas Dalby (died 1833) and Capt. Dalby (died 1844, aged 86); but it is also inscribed to the memory of his son, the Rev. William Dalby (died 1861, aged 69), Vicar of Warminster from 1825 to 1841, and of Compton Bassett from 1841 to 1861. Also of Harriet Byard Dalby, his wife, who died in 1840, aged 41; Louisa Ann Nelson Dalby, his sister, died in 1833, aged 29; and Louisa Churton Dalby, his daughter, who died at Compton Bassett, in 1851, aged 13. Mr. Dalby was a native of Frome. He was the first vicar to hold public Church of England Services at Warminster Common. William Daniell in his Warminster Common bears testimony to his services, writing of him as follows:-

“And further be it known that all that was done by him was pure christian charity; there was no earthly compensation ever desired or awarded for this important labour of love. My prayer is and shall be ‘The Lord grant that he may find mercy for it in that day.’ Truly it may be said he was no hireling here; verily he never ate the bread of idleness at Warminster Common.”

Near here is a flat stone, broken and overgrown with grass, inscribed to the memory of Eliz. Pressley, the wife of Thomas Pressley, who died in 1791.

Near the west door of the Church are several stones with old inscriptions, most of which are illegible. One of these now much mutilated is to the memory of Jane Love (d.1779), of whom we are told that:-

“She was a virtuous prudent wife,
That had no envy nor yet strife.
Like a lamb she liv’d, and so she dyed,
Life was desir’d but God deny’d.”

Upon a square tablet upon the wall of the church near here is the following:-

“Georgius Carey, hujus oppidi medicus, qui obivit Sept. ye 25, anno aetatis 81.”

The singular expression “Qui obivit Sept. ye 25,” is an example of the licence assumed by Latin epitaph writers. Another instance of the same mixture of English and Latin is afforded by the monument near this spot, of another medical man, contemporary with George Carey. This stone is inscribed:-

“To the memory of Edmund Sylvester, Phicisian: he was of ye ancient family of the Sylvesters of Burton, in Com. Oxon. Denatus April ye 10, Anno Domini, 1715 aetat. 49.”

The Sylvester family is still represented in Warminster by the Coroner for the County, who is descended from the above Dr. Edmund Sylvester.

Returning to the churchyard, we notice an old coffin shaped slab inscribed in large capitals, “DANIELL,” with these words following:-

“For the trumpet shall sound; the dead in Christ shall rise first, the living in Christ shall be changed, and shall be caught up together with them, to meet the Lord in Heaven. – And so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

The tomb is to the memory of William Daniell, who has already been alluded to, on more than one occasion, as the author of a book entitled Warminster Common. Mr. Daniell has been called the apostle of the Common, and he delighted to apply himself to the words “The Common people heard him gladly.” He was born in 1784, and appears in early life to have been a member of the Church of England, for he states in his book that he received his first public religious instruction under the ministry of the Rev. R. Herbert, Curate of the Parish Church, and “heard him preach at least a thousand times.” But whilst still a young man, he became a Nonconformist, or as he always called himself “a Methodist.” About the year 1815, he began to devote himself to bettering the condition of the inhabitants of Warminster Common, who for many years had been very neglected and degraded. Being appointed assistant overseer or paymaster of the poor, he had many opportunities of calling upon the people of the Common, and upon such occasions he managed by word of mouth and by the distribution of books and tracts to do an immense amount of good. Principally by his exertions a Chapel was built at the Common in 1827 about four years before the opening of Christ Church. Here he laboured in spite of much opposition, until within a few years of his death. He lived and died unmarried at a house situated at the junction of Portway and Common Close. He was a great believer in Medical Electricity and he narrates in his little book a number of wonderful cures from which we select the following:-

“Case No.26, a poor boy aged fourteen: toothache and swelled face for a fortnight, so dreadfully bad that he alarmed the neighbourhood in the night with his shrieks. – Sparks, ten minutes; the swelling subsided whilst under the operation, and the toothache was instantly cured! – Memorandum. Two cases of scalded legs by boiling tea-kettles were immediately electrified. Positive sparks; cured in ten minutes!”

Mr. Daniell was in the habit of giving tramps and other objectionable visitors at his door, more or less severe shocks, by electrifying the door handle. He was always a very popular man with the poor, and his fearlessness, conscientiousness, and ready wit earned for him admiration from all classes. Upon one occasion when Mr. Fane, Vicar of the Parish, good-humouredly asked him for a copy of Warminster Common which contained some rather severe strictures upon his (the Vicar’s) views and conduct, Mr. Daniell replied “I will give you a copy on condition that you promise that you will see that every member of your family reads it.” The vicar accepted the condition, and, it is said, fulfilled it literally. Mr. Daniell died in 1860, aged 76. The inscription upon this monument was placed there according to his instructions and it was no doubt written by him. His father, mother and brothers are buried here. The Rev. J.J. Daniell, author of the very interesting and carefully compiled History Of Warminster, was nephew to Mr. Daniell.

Near by is an old headstone to the memory of James Price who died in 1765, aged 68, and who, we believe, was related to the Daniell family.

Mr. Eli Eacott, who is buried near here, and who died in 1839 aged 52, was master of the workhouse.

Adjoining is the railed-in monument of the Cockrell family, inscribed as follows:-

“In memory of Catherine, wife of William Cockrell, who died in 1766, aged 43 years. Ann his second wife died 1788, aged 52 years. William Cockrell died 1793, aged 68 years. John, son of William and Ann Cockrell, died 1838, aged 71 years. Phoebe, his wife died 1838, aged 58 years. Phoebe, third daughter of John and Phoebe, died 1826, aged 15. Henry John, their eldest son, died at Sierra Leone, 1831, aged 30. Jane, their youngest daughter, died 1833, aged 19. Stephen Hunt Cockrell, son of John and Phoebe Cockrell, died 1850, aged 36. Alfred Cockrell, died 1855, aged 52. Mary Cockrell died 1878, aged 71.”

Mr. Cockrell formerly had an important grocery establishment where the Magnet Cocoa House is now situated. His widow resided for many years at 27 Silver Street, and was much respected.

Near a stone to the Langley family in this part of the Churchyard is one to David Feltham, who died in 1856, aged 65 years. He was related to the Langleys and though possessed of private means was for many years a professor of music in the town, and organist to the Parish Church.

Near here stands one of the most interesting and one of the most curious of all the stones that stand in the churchyard. It bears the following inscription:-

“Sacred to the memory of William Webb, of Roddenbury Hill, who departed this life Dec. 28th, 1812, aged 55 years. Alas! how changed, how gloomy the catastrophe – He whose hands ministered unto my necessities, sunk beneath the vile hands of Ruffians. Yet now enjoys Peace and Tranquility undisturbed. – Such prognostics, which are sure as Oracles, ought to receive a deep and lasting Efficacy on the human mind. Farewell vain world, I enjoy the state of immortality – thro’ the mediation of my Redeemer, for – He taught us how to live, and O! too high A price for Knowledge, taught us how to die.”

Mr. Webb, to whose memory this very singular and involved epitaph is inscribed, was a farmer of Roddenbury Hill, and was murdered there in his own house in the winter of 1812. He was an unmarried man, possessed of considerable property, and it appears that he lived at his farm with only one servant. Upon the evening of the 28th of December, two men, named George Ruddick, aged 20, and George Carpenter, aged 21, called at the farm, and asked for work. Snow being on the ground, Mr. Webb, of course, was unable to give them any employment but he sent his servant to draw them some cider. Whilst the servant was absent, one of the men blew out Mr. Webb’s brains, and then, after having, as they thought, put all witnesses out of the way, by throwing the servant into a well, the murderers proceeded to ransack the house. They decamped with a quantity of bank notes but they did not proceed far. The servant managed in some way to escape from the well, and give information of the event. There were, of course, no police in those days to track the offenders, but Mr. Chinnock, of Frome, a sworn constable, was soon upon the scent, and captured them through them tendering some of Mr. Webb’s bank notes. They were tried in 1813, at the Salisbury Assizes, and were hanged, near the Lime Kiln, upon the hill [Arn Hill] overlooking the churchyard where their victim was buried. Dr. Rowlandson, Vicar of Warminster, preached to them, before their execution, in St. Laurence’s Church, and there also they partook of the sacrament. The gallows remained upon the scene of the execution for many years, but the bodies of the murderers were taken to the Salisbury Infirmary, where it is said that the skeleton of one of them is still making what expiation it can for its owner’s crime, by assisting, as far as possible, the researches of science, and the alleviation of disease.

Near by is another headstone to members of the Webb family, including Jacob Webb, d.1788, and Joseph Webb, d.1753.

Near here is buried William Walter who died in 1808, aged 48; Robert Walter who died 1815, aged 24, and William Walter, who died 1826. The Walters were bakers carrying on business in East Street where Mr. Trollop now resides.

Edward Giles, who died in 1843, and his wife (d.1854), are commemorated near here by a stone erected by their children. Mr. Giles was a brewer in the town.

The broken head stone here is to the memory of Jehu Wansey, Gent., who died in 1789 aged 73. He was named after, and was probably a direct descendant of the Jehu Wansey who took an active part in the Civil War of the 17th century, and who is supposed to have been a son of Major Wansey.

A coffin shaped stone near here is inscribed to the memory of Hannah Rawlins, who died in 1803, aged 73, and a headstone above bears the name of John Rawlins, d.1786, aged 30. Mr. John Rawlins lived in George Street, but several other members of the same family are buried here, including some from Pertwood Farm. The tenant of this farm held infidel opinions and refused to have his dead buried. He kept them, with the coffins standing upright, in a barn upon his premises, and it was necessary for the Vicar to put the law in force to compel him to have them buried.

A headstone not far from here commemorates Betty Mifflin (d.1791) and Mary Mifflin (d.1828), the first and second wives of John Mifflin who died in 1815 aged 58. He was a baker in the High Street where Mr. Flint’s bake office now stands.

Near the Church is a coffin shaped stone to the memory of William Henry Bezer, d.1856, Mary Bezer, d.1843, and William Bezer, d.1854. This family formerly kept the Crown Inn in High Street, situated where the County Court Office now stands.

The two old flat stones near here without inscription of any kind, belong to the Hickman family, formerly builders in Warminster.

Two old headstones, and a large handsome white marble cross stand near here to the memory of the Elling family. The first headstone is inscribed to Ann, the wife of John Elling (d.1786, aged 80), Joseph their son (d.1801), Elizabeth, wife of John (d.1809), and John Elling (d.1810). Also Elizabeth, daughter of John and Elizabeth (d.1812), and six of their children who died in infancy. Also Elizabeth, daughter of John and Susanna Elling (d.1822). The second headstone is inscribed to the memory of Elizabeth Elling (d.1812), and her daughter, an infant. Also of Martha Elling, who died 1842, aged 80. The following is inscribed on the cross:-

“In loving memory of John Elling, who died 1874, aged 83. At rest. Also of Ann Susanna, who died 1840 aged 40. Also of her daughter Elizabeth, who died 1822 aged 5 years.”

Near the path stands one of the oldest stones in the churchyard, with the following inscription:-

“Here lieth the body of John Simes, ye Elder, who deceased ye 24 of November, 1690, aged 61 years. – Here lyeth ye body of John Fitts, who died 1732, aged 67:- Death in a very good old age, Endeth his weary Pilgrimage; ‘Tis unto him an end of pain, An entrance unto life again.”

Near the entrance from Church Street is a stone to the memory of Sergt. Geo. Green, 29th Regt., who died 1876, aged 30; also of his father John Green, who died in 1849, aged 29; and Laura Wise who died 1863, aged 7.

Here we come to the termination of our survey of the Churchyard, but before bringing the notice to a conclusion we must mention the following to whom stones are erect, but of whom there is nothing to be said of great public interest:- Susanna Barber (1849), James Bethell (1797), T. Boulter (1849), Giles Brown (1782), R. Burtt (1781), W. Butt (1790), D.C. Capel (1808), T. Carter (1819), W. Collins (1869), P. Davies (1783), J. Dudden (1794), John, James and Mary Edwards (1777-95-91), Elizabeth Elliott (1723), Mary and James Ford (1791-78), J. Goodenough (1743), E., R., & R. Hillier (1733-42-62), E. James (1785), Mary Jarman (1794), G. Kellow (1849), E. Larkham (1756), E. Loup (1783), B. & T. Maish (1805-6), J. Painter (1751), W. Ponton (1782), T.C. Powell (1825), W. Reeves (two, 1777 & 1812), James Rumsey (1848), James Rutley (1845), Sanger (1735), Jacob Smith (1792), Jos. Stroud (1755), W. Taplin (1793), Hesther and Betty Tidford (1728), C. & W. Turner (1837-16), and W. Veale (1746).

Before leaving the subject altogether it would not be fair on the part of the writer to omit to mention the readiness and civility with which much of the information contained in the article was supplied by Mr. Willcox, who for thirty years has been the sexton of the Church, and who may be literally said to know every stone in the Churchyard.