The monuments in St. Lawrence's Church, Towcester, were recorded by George Baker in his History & Antiquities of the County of Northamptonshire (Bridges 1836) but not all of these have survived.
Those that had survived in 2006 are listed separately.Trotter inscribed his 1802 coloured engraving of various monuments in the church:
“Various MONUMENTS in the Church of TOWCESTER NORTHAMPTONSHIRE taken 1799. These Monuments having nothing remarkable in them are indiscriminately crowded together in one Drawing. That of Mary Hastings is neatly executed in free Stone, that of Willm. Benson in Marble elegantly adorn'd with a variety of ornament, The Rev.d Mr. Lawford in a simple Marble Tablet, and the Slab displaying the Arms and Inscription of George Benson Esqr. is of blue Granite in the pavement under that of Willm. Benson”.
Surname | Forename | Date | Other Information |
BARTLETT | Henry | 1712 | "Henry Bartlett 22 May 1712 aet 70" |
BENSON | | | On the north wall is a large oblong tablet of white marble with a deep border of foliage and flowers; under the entablature are cherubs' heads and flaming torches, and over it, an urn; at the base, within mantling on a chevron between three goats' heads and flaming torches, and over it, an urn; at the base, within mantling on a chevron between three goats? heads erased as many escallop shells: (Ref: Baker)
"Juxta Repositae Jacent Animarum Reliquiae Gulielmi Benson Armigeri, Elizabethae Benson Uxoris suae, Filiiq: Utrisque Unici Georgii Benson, Qui natu Die 4th Martii An. 1682, Primios (Natum sic nolente) desut Vivere Die 12, Jan. An. 1684. Pater natus 18th die Aprilis, An. 1649, Obiit Die 5 Novembris, An. 1691. Uxor Elizabethae Benson Clarissimo Patre Et Viro Venerahili Joharme Wallis S.T.P. Et Matheseos Professore Oxoniae, Nata Die 23 Septembris Anno 1658, Cum Diu fuisset conjugis et Pueri Superstes Vitam summa Integritate Actam Morte Clausit Pientissima Julii 16 An. 1703
Quorum Memorae Sacrum Monumentum Hoc Posuit Anna Blencowe, viri Honorabilis Johannis Blencowe Militis Unius Justicariorum de Banco Conjux, et Elizabethae Benson Sola Soror et Testamenti Executrix" |
BENSON | Elizabeth | 1721 | "Eliz. daughter of Mr Geo. Benson and wife of Alex Smith was Buryed May ye 4th A.D. 1721 Aged near 22 years Though he me slay yet will I trust in him Job. ch.12 ver.15" |
BENSON | George | 1687 | On black marble slab, arms and crest of Benson-north chancel:
"Here lyeth the body of George Benson, Esq. Of this towne Who departed this life April the 30th Anno Dom. 1687 Aged 88 years As also the body of Mary Relict of the said George Who died November the 21st 1693" |
BENSON | Henry | 1711 | "Here lieth y Body of Henry Benson Died Jan ye 9th A.D. 1711 Aged 17" |
BENSON | Mary | 1693 | See entry above |
BENSON | Mary | 1718 | "Here lyes ye Body of Sarah Benson Daughter of George Benson Esq. and Mary his wife she Departed this life September the 24th Anno Domini 1718 Aged 70" |
BROWN | Alexander | 1712 | "Alexander Brown 10 Dec. 1712" |
CLARKE | Eliena | 1830 | "Mrs Eliena Clarke relict of John Clarke , Draper, 13 Feb. 1830 aet 84" |
CLARKE | Elizabeth | 1699 | "Elizabeth his wife 10 Oct 1699" |
CLARKE | Joseph | 1681 | "Mr Joseph Clarke 30 Mar 1681" |
CLARKE | John | 1780 | "In Memory of Mr John Clarke Draper who departed this Life February the 5th 1780 Aged 40 years" |
CUTHBERT | Rebeccah | 1727 | Rebeccah Cuthbert daughter of Will: and Rebec: Hastings which said R: Cuthbert dyed April ye 16 A:D: 1727 aged near 70 years." |
DAVIS | Mary | 1771 | "Here Also lie the Remains of Mrs Mary Davis Relict of the said Mr Willm. Davis who departed this Life July the 8th 1771 Aged 59 years (Baker records 39 years) Thy that sow in Tears shall reap in Joy Psalm 126 ver. 6" |
DAVIS | Thomas | 1770 | "To the Memory of Mr Thomas Davis Son of Mr Willm. & Mrs Mary Davis who died May the 31st 1770 Aged 19 years" |
DAVIS | William | 1765 | "Here Lieth the Body of Mr William Davis Mercer who departed this Life the 8th of May 1765 in the 77 year of his Age Blessed are the Dead whch Die in the Lord" |
DAVIS | William (junior) | 1769 | "To the Memory of Mr William Davis Jun. Who Died Aug. 24th 1769 Aged 20 Remember thy Creator in the Days of thy Youth" |
EBURNE | Josiah | 1781 | "Here Lie deposited the Remains of Mr Josiah Eburne who departed this Life June 19th 1781 Aged 48 years" |
FERMOR | Hiero | 1602 | "On the south wall of the chancel is a monument of alabaster, painted and gilt in the gaudy style so prevalent in the early part of the seventeenth century. In the centre under a double arch are small-sized figures of Jerome Fermor and his wife kneeling with elevated hands before a faldstool or desk: on each side is a Corinthian column with gilt capital, supporting an entablature over which, within a circle is, Ar. A fess S. between three lions' faces O. Beneath the figures:" (Baker)
"The memorial of Hiero Farmore Esq, & Jane his w heads erased G. Fermor, impaling S. a bend between two leopards' faces O. Beneath the figures:" (Baker)
"The memorial of Hiero Farmore Esq, & Jane his wife they lived together in Wedlock 42 years, and he attained to the honour of a Great Grand Uncle and after 74 years left this Life for a better Sepb. 7 A.D. 1602"
On collateral compartments below:
"Hierome thy joyes all shine on high Thy faith & truth did shine before Jane lived thine and will so die All praise thy life Farmore."
"Terra subest pars parta mei, pars indita supra, Terrea pars moritur, caelica pars superest, Sed periit pars parva mei, pars maxima vivit, Vilior ista iacet, sanctior ilia viget." |
FLESHER | Gilbert | 1779 | In the middle aisle of the Chancel lies the vault of Mr & Mrs Flesher:
"October 1779 Aet 49 To the Memory of Gilbert Flesher Late Draper and Woolstapler of this town Whose affection gained him the Love of his Family: Whose Industry acquired him A handsome Fortune: And whose Affability won him The Esteem of a numerous and Respectable Aquaintance. Reader go thou and do likewise. Interred in the Church Yard Sophia Ob. 10th Sept. 1768 Gilbert 23rd July 1770 Charlotte 28th Aug. 1778 Infant children of G. & S. Flesher
Ann Flesher Spinster Died 21st Feb. 1828 Aged 51 Respected, benevolent And attentive to her religious duties and Sarah their daughter, wife of Thomas Perkins who died 1st Nov. 1790 aged 30. Sincere in Affection, Charity and Religion" |
FLESHER | Sarah | 1806 | On north wall of chancel:
"This tablet is inscribed to the Memory of Sarah Flesher, relict of Gilbert Flesher Who departed this life Sept. 14 1806 aged 74. She lived respected and died lamented by her family whom her care protected and by the poor whom her bounty cheer'd she stretched out her hand to the poor; yea she reached forth her hands to the needy. Prov 31.20" |
FREEMAN | Ann | 1767 | "Here likewise are Interr'd the Remains of Mrs Ann Freeman who departed this Life Oct 5th 1767 Aged 20 Many daughters have done vertuously But thou excellest them all Pro.31 v.29" |
GARTON | Joseph | 1855 | On south wall of chantry chapel:
In memory of The Rev'd Joseph Garton, M.A. Honorary Canon of Peterborough and for fourteen years vicar of this parish who departed this life on the 30th day of March, 1855 aged 59 years. This tablet was erected as a testimony of respect and affection by the parishioners of Towcester. |
GIBBS | Ann | 1807 | "Ann Gibbs spinster, daughter of Charles & Ann Gibbs 10 April, 1807 aet 82" |
GOODCHILD | Hannah | 1779 | South aisle:
"In Memory of Mrs Hannah Goodchild who died August 3rd 1779 Aged 74" (Baker records 71) |
GOODCHILD | John | 1731 | "John Goodchild, currier, 10 Aug, 1731 aged 70" |
GOODCHILD | William | 1749 | "Mr William Goodchild 3 Aug 1749 at 56" |
HAND | Thomas | 1700 | "To The Memory of Mr Thomas Hand Late of Towcester Mason who Departed this Life April ye 5th AD 1700 Aged about 42 years Remember now thy Creator In the days of Thy Youth When the Evil Days come" |
HASTINGS | Elizabeth | 1722 | "Near this Monument lyeth the Body of Eliz: daughter of Will: Hastings and Wife of John Goodchild, who died Feb: 6th A.D. 1722 Aged 70 years." |
HASTINGS | John | 1698 | North vestry wall:
"Here Lyeth the body of John Hastings Citizen and Tallow chandler to His Majesty. He was one of the Masters of the Hospital of Bridewell and Captain of the Malistia Who Departed this Life The 16 day of May, 1698 Aged 45 years" |
HASTINGS | Mary | 1686 | On a tablet of white marble between two Corinthian pillars supporting an open pediment, north vestry wall:
"Near this place Lieth the Body of Mary Hastings wife of John Hastings Citisen and Tallow Chandlour of London" Who departed this Life the 28 day of May 1686 and in the 32 year of her age." |
HASTINGS | Rebeccah | 1693 | "And Rebeccah Mother of ye said John who departed this life Octbr 1693 Aged 63 years." |
HASTINGS | Rebecca | 1693 | "Here lyeth the Body of Rebecca Hastings wife of William Hastings who departed October 1693 Aged 63 WH 1713" |
HASTINGS | William | ?? | (Under a pew):
"of William Hastings and late wife of John Goodchild departed this Life Feb 16 Aged 70 years" |
HASTINGS | William | 1713 | "Near to this Monument William, Father of the said John Hastings Was also buryed Octbr ye10: A : D 1713 Aged 84 years" |
HENCHMAN | William | 1728 | On a black stone slab in the south chapel:
"Here lyes interred the Body of Mr William Henchman who departed this life June ye 6th in the year of our Lord 1728 in the 79th year of his age" |
HODGES | Marie | 1759 | On south wall of chantry chapel a black marble tablet in a freestone frame:
"Mariae Hodges Conjugis bene meritae, Quod Claudi potuit Juxta Cineres Annae Sindry Sororis predilectae, Depositum Anima, Propter Vitae Virtutem Singulari Prudentia munitae, Vera Pietate ornatae. In Patris Sinu Requiescit Obiit aeternam in Christo Vitum. Anhelano. Jan 16 Anno 1759, Aetat. Suae 30. Memoriae Hoc Marmor Semper chara, semper honorandee Pie posuit Wickens Hodges" |
HUTCHINS | Philip Frank | 1955 | On north vestry wall:
"In loving memory of their dear son Philip Frank Hutchins M.A. PH. D. (CANTAB) Petrologist to the expeditions to Spitsbergen, undertaken by Cambridge University in 1949 and by Oxford and Cambridge Universities in 1951, who died at Dar-Es-Salaam Tanganyika on All Souls Day 2nd November 1955, Aged 28 years. The restoration of the organ was completed by his parents." |
JONES | Elizabeth | 1690 | "Here Lieth The body of Elizabeth Jones, wife of Thomas Jones of this Towne who died April 27th 1690 in the 68 yeare of her Age" |
KINGSTON | Eleanor | 1737 | Middle chancel:
"Eleanor, wife of Thomas Kingston departed this life January 1737 Aged 52 years" |
KINGSTON | Robert | 1788 | "Here lieth the Body of Robert Kingston, who departed this Life Feb. 12th 1788, Aged 68 His virtues follow and his Vices shun Charles his son died an infant Charlotte Kingston Aged 62" |
KINGSTON | Robert | 1792 | "Robert Kingston son of Robert & Charlotte Kingston buried 10 Oct. 1792 aged 26" |
KINGSTON | Thomas | 1806 | At the north end of the east wall, on a shield Of white marble within a veined border: (Ref: Baker)
"In a Vault underneath Are deposited the remains of Thomas Kingston.
Died 22 July A.D. 1806. Aged 45 years. Of Ann Kingston, His second daughter, Died 24 January, A.D. 1816 Aged 16 years And of Robert Thomas Kingston His only son Died 19 October A.D 1822 Aged 23 years." |
KIRBY | Catherine | ?? | "Catherine Kirby, formerly Catherine Elliott, widow. Daughter of G. & S. Flesher Died 5th June; Aged 63 Unwearied in services of Charity" |
KIRBY | Elizabeth | 1815 | See below |
KIRBY | Jane | 1805 | "Jane, w. of Mr Kirby attorney at law 21 Mar. 1805, aet 48" |
KIRBY | Jane | 1807 | See below |
KIRBY | John | 1824 | On south wall of chantry chapel an oblong tablet of white marble:
"Near this place Lie the remains of John Malsbury Kirby Who died 21 June 1824 Aged 62 years Also Jane wife of John Malsbury Kirby who died 24th March 1805 aged 47 years Sarah, their daughter died 31 August 1803 Aged 16 years, Jane their daughter died 25 April, 1807, aged 18 years. Mary their daughter, died 23, march 1813 aged 16 years. And Elizabeth, Their daughter Who died 21 November, 1815. Aged 22 years ." |
KIRBY | Mary | 1813 | See above |
KIRBY | Sarah | 1803 | See above |
LAWFORD | Mary | 1771 | "Mary Lawford wife of Mr William and Mother of the Rev'd Robinson Lawford died October 20 1771 Aged 70" |
LAWFORD | Phoebe | 1784 | "Mrs Phebe Lawford Wife of the Rev'd Mr Robinson Lawford. Vicar of Easton departed this life June 1st 1784 Aged 36 years" |
LAWFORD | Robinson | 1795 | On a mural tablet of white marble - north wall north aisle:
"To the Memory of the Rev Robinson Lawford Rector of Bradden, Vicar of Easton, and several years Master Of the Grammar School In this town Who departed this life; February 25th 1795 EAtat 61" |
LAWFORD | William | 1784 | "Mr William Lawford A.B. departed this Life April 1784 in 71 year of his age." |
LOVELL | John | ?? | The Lovell vault is near the steps to which the altar is approached. |
MITCHELL | Ann | 1743 | "Here Lyeth the Body of Mrs Ann Mitchell Relict of Mr Edward Mitchell late of Souldern in the County of Oxford who departed this Life the 22nd day of May in the year of our Lord 1743 Aged 72 years" |
MITCHELL | John | 1743 | "Here Lieth the Body of John Mitchell Gent 5th Son of Edwd. Mitchell and Anne his wife who died Aug 14th 1743 Aged 34 years" |
OLDHAM | Jacet | 1741 | South aisle:
"Hic Jacet Gulielmi Oldham Multi Flebilis
Occidit Nov. die 30 1741 Etat. Anno 40"
|
OLDHAM | Will. | 1774 | "Mr Will. Oldham 30 Nov. 1774 aet 40" |
PALMER | M | 1727 | Middle chancel:
"M. Palmer Sepult Jul 23 A.D. 1727 Anno O AE tat 61 In Sepulc. Juxeta hoc Jaxu". |
PERKINS | John Stuart | 1825 | "John Stuart Perkins, 10 Mar. 1825 aged 23 Thomas P. father of the above 25 Dec.1829 aged 65" |
PERKINS | Sarah | 1790 | "And Sarah their Daughter, Wife of Thomas Perkins Who died 1 Nov 1790, aged 30 Sincere in Affection, Charity and Religion" |
PERKINS | Thomas | 1829 | In the north chancel aisle the first flat stone is to the Perkins family, who lived at the Mill. |
PHILIPS | Mary | 1803 | Mary the wife of Edward Philips And daughter of Nicholas White and Margaret his wife who Died 25th April 1803 Aged 26 years." |
RATTNETT | Anna | 1731 | "To the Memory of Mrs Anna late wife of Richard Ratnett in this Town Gent which said Anna departed this Life Oct. ye 11th A.D. 1731 Aged 75 years for me to live is Christ to dye is gain Philip Ch. 1st ver.21" |
RATTNETT | Richard | 1730 | South aisle
"To the Memory of Richard Rattnett of this Town Gent who departed this Life August the 3rd 1730 Aged 66
Blessed are the Dead who die in the Lord" |
RODD | Christian | | See below |
RODD | Elizabeth | | "In Memory of Elizabeth Ann and Francis daughters of John Rodd, Vicar of this Parish and Christian his Wife They died little Children of such is the Kingdom of God Mark ye 10 verse 4 FR ER" |
RODD | Francis | | See above |
SABIN | Charlesi Heath | 1831 | South wall Sponne's chapel on an oblong tablet of white marble, within a veined border:
"Memorie Sacrum Charlesi Heath Sabin Chirurgi (filii Edwardi Sabin) cujus cineres aeque ac cineres patris sui juxta depositi sunt mortem obit die vicesimo quinto septembris 1831 aetate 49 Bene amatus valde defletus"
Item Annae Sabin Ejusdem Charlesi Viduae; Quae mortem obiit Die duodecimo Novembris 1868 annos nata tres et octoginta et sepulta est in coemeterio de Kensall green |
SABIN | Edvardi | 1818 | South wall Sponne's chapel, on a rectangular tablet of White marble, within a veined border:
"Sacrum Memoriae Edvardi Sabin Cujus cineres juxta sunt depositi Obiit Sep Die 28 Anno Dom 1818 AEtat 67" |
SINDRY | Ann | 1755 | On black slab on floor of Chantry Chapel:
"Here Lie Deposited the remains of Ann Sindry Daughter of Paul & Ann Sindry of this Town who after a long and painful Illness Supported with the most Exemplary Patience and Perfect Submission to the Divine Will Resigned this life for a better 11 May 1755, aet 28" |
SINDRY | Ann | 1764 | "Here also lies Interr'd the Body of Mrs Ann Sindry Relict of Mr Paul Sindry who departed this Life the 11th of March 1764 Aged 67" |
SINDRY | Paul | 1761 | "Here Likewise are interr'd the Remains of Mr Paul Sindry who died Oct. 30th 1761 Aged 64 years" |
SMITH | Elizabeth | 1721 | Eliz. daughter of Mr Geo. Benson and wife of Alex Smith was Buryed May ye 4th A.D. 1721 Aged near 22 years Though he me slay yet will I trust in him Job. ch.12 ver.15" |
SPONNE | William | 1449 | On the wall at the foot of the tomb, in a wooden frame:
"In Memory of Mr Wm. Sponne Archdeacon of Norfolke & Rector of Towcester who in the 29th year of King Henry the sixth gave the Talbot in Towcester with y lands belonging to it for y payment of y fifteens for y parish of Towcester & the pavements being made good. Y remainder to be given to y poor at y discretion of y feoffees appointed to manage y same".
On a slab under the arch dividing the south aisle from the chancel and partially covered by Sponne's tomb: "In a vault beneath this stone Lie the remains of the Rev'd William Sponne Archdeacon of Norfolk Whose Monument was removed from this spot In November 1835 To make room for the new pewing of the Church, He died A. D. 1449" |
THOMAS | Sarah | 1790 | Sarah Flesher, wife of Thomas Perkins who died 1st Nov. 1790 aged 30. Sincere in Affection, Charity and Religion" |
TOWNSEND | Sarah | 1771 | "Mrs Sarah Townsend, 11 Nov 1771 aet 92" |
WHITE | Margaret | 1804 | See below |
WHITE | Nicholas | 1798 | On a neat tablet of white marble edged with black - north aisle:
"Near This Tablet lie the remains of Nicholas White (formerly of this parish) who died 15th January 1798 Aged 57 years, Also of Margaret, Relict of Nicholas White, Who died 19th May, 1804, Aged 56 years. Also of Mary the wife of Edward Philips And daughter of Nicholas White and Margaret his wife who Died 25th April 1803 Aged 26 years." |
WICKES | Sarah | 1707 | On the east wall of the south porch is a square marble tablet:
"Near this wall on Y Other Side Is Interred the body of Sarah Relict of Frances Wickes Late of Weston Favell In this County Gent Which said Sarah was born at Towcester A.D. 1621 and buryed A.D. 1707 And Sarah dyed in a good old Age" |