Monumental Inscriptions in St Mary's Church Hoo
Some Monumental Inscriptions in St Mary's Church Hoo, recorded by D.E. Williams 30th September 2011.
ST. MARY'S CHURCH FROM THE NORTH EAST
St. Mary's church, with it's tall tower, forms a conspicuous feature, on a ridge overlooking the River Thames, on the north, and the River Medway on the south. It lies slightly off the "beaten track", north of the road from High Halstow to Allhallows. Unlike most other parishes on the Hoo Peninsular, it did not expand, and the church keeps company with a small number of charming period buildings in a quiet spot.
However this quiet, somewhat obscure corner of Kent, did play a role in an episode of controversial national history. It was the Rector of St. Mary's, the Rev. Robert Burt, who performed the (illegal) marriage ceremony, between George, Prince of Wales and the Roman Catholic widow, Mrs Fitzherbert in December 1785. Hence the preferment given to the Rev. Burt, as recorded on the cenotaphic monument to him in the chancel.
The church was declared redundant 30 years ago, when it was purchased by the present owners, who have converted into their family home. Their conversion has been carried out with the greatest regard for the fabric of the building, and the monuments in the churchyard, which is very well maintained, are all in situ.
I am very grateful to the family for their hospitality, and for their co-operation and interest.
The inscriptions are all laid out, line for line, as in the original. Where the inscription is eroded, or where it can be reconstructed from the Registers and other sources, it is enclosed in brackets, thus [ ]
D.E. Williams 30th September 2011
1. Body Stone, South of Chancel
IN MEMORY
OF
A[LFRED HOAR]
SON OF
ROBERT & MARY ALLEN
WHO DIED MARCH 18th 1848
AGED [2] YEARS
2. Cruciform Coped Stone, East of Church
South Side
IN AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE OF
FRANK THE BELOVED CHILD OF
ROBERT GEORGE AND CLARISSA ALLEN
WHO DIED 5th APRIL 1867
AGED 1 YEAR AND 10 MONTHS
"[For of] such is the Kingdom of Heaven"
North Side
SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF CLARISSA
THE BELOVED WIFE OF ROBERT GEORGE ALLEN
WHO DIED THE 11th OF JANUARY 1870 AGED 25 YEARS
"HER END WAS PEACE"
Robert George Allen is a son of Robert Allen, Senior. In the 1871 Census, he was with his father at Lowlands Farm
In the 1881 Census, he was living in Islington, where he was a Tramway Official. His second wife is Sophia; they
have three children, all born at Stoke.
3. Small Fallen, Eroded Headstone, Curbs, Once Railed, East of Church
IN MEMORY OF
LILIAN
DEAR DAUGHTER OF
FREDERIC JOSEPH
AND
EMMA SARAH ALLEN
BORN FEBRUARY 4th AND
DIED FEBRUARY 7th 1874
AGED 3 DAYS
[Verses Eroded]
Frederic Allen is brother to the above, in the 1881 Census, he is a Farmer of Fenn House.
4. Ledger on Ground, South of Church
IN
AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE OF
ROBERT ALLEN
FOR 33? YEARS CHURCHWARDEN
OF THIS PARISH WHO DIED AT
HIS RESIDENCE THE MOAT
THE 23rd ? DAY OF JUNE 1875
AGED[63] YEARS
"In the midst of Life we are in Death"
ALSO MARY WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED [ ] DECEMBER 1896
IN HER 87th YEAR
"Blessed are the Dead which Die in the Lord"
Robert Allen, senior, was a Farmer. In the 1871 Census, at Lowlands Farm, 502 Acres, employing 11 men and 5 boys
5. Pedestals and Cross, Large Curbed Plot, East of Church
West Side
IN LOVING
REMEMBRANCE
OF
EDWARD BAKER
WHO DIED 21st NOVEMBER 1914
AGED 71 YEARS
"Grant him O Lord Eternal Rest"
North Side
ALSO OF
JANE BAKER
HIS MOTHER
WHO DIED 17th APRIL 1906
AGED 86 YEARS
South Side
ALSO HIS WIFE
ANN BAKER
WHO DIED 3rd APRIL 1933
AGED 90 YEARS
"May they Rest in Peace"
In the 1901 Census,Edward Baker was a Market Gardener
6. Ledger on Ground, North of Chancel
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
THOMAS BALDOCK
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE 29th MAY 1847
AGED 69 YEARS
ALSO
MARY HIS WIFE
WHO DIED 10th OF FEBRUARY 1868
AGED 88 YEARS
Thomas Baldock was a Farmer. His will is dated 15th November 1831, with Codicil dated 6th April 1842.
He appoints his wife, Mary, son William Baldock and George Cobb of Bredgar, Farmer, Executors and Trustees.
To wife, household furniture, plate, linen, china, glass, goods and effects. After her death, the above to form part of Residue. To wife, and the other Trustees, Farming Implements and utensils, live and dead stock, money, stocks, funds and securities, goods, chattels and residue, Upon Trust. If they think fit they to carry on Farming Business, until his youngest child is 21, and during life of his wife, if she remains his widow and unmarried; with full powers to dispose of business. If it is carried on, they can hire labour and pay their salaries. Wife and children to live in Farm House and premises, during time business continues.
Upon further trust, estate not mentioned above, to be converted into money, and if business ceases, farming stock to be sold, and after death or re-marriage of wife, household goods to be sold, monies invested in Public Funds. Dividends in meantime, to wife if she fulfils above conditions, for maintenance and education of children. If she re-marries, son William can purchase any part of trust estate and effects for reasonable price. After death or re-marriage of wife, trustees to share legacies equally to sons. Details of trust conditions follow.
Thomas Baldock signs with his mark.
Witnesses: Charles Frederick Cobb, Solicitor, 12 ? Copthall Court, Throgmorton Street; E. Edwards, Surgeon, Strood
CODICIL
Appoints son George as joint Executor and Trustee. George and William can singly or jointly purchase all or part of trustee estate.
Witnesses: Thomas Aveling, Farmer and Andrew Webb, Bailiff to Mr. Cobb
PROBATE
Mary Baldock is sworn concerning clause in will. This states that children who have been advanced money, for marriage portion, apprenticeship or advancement in the world, not to have any share in trust estate or premises, unless they bring said sums into hotch pot or account for such sums. He will leave a note if he intends otherwise. Mary swears she has searched for any such note and failed to find one. Mary signs with her mark.
Probate granted 17th November 1856 (N.B. Nine years after death of Thomas Baldock)
7. Eroded Headstone and Body Stone, Close to Above
S[ACRE]D
TO [THE MEMORY OF]
FREDERICK BALDOCK
[WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE]
ON [ ] [SEPT]EMBER 18[58]
[AGED 39 YEARS]
[ALSO]
[ANN OLIVE ? ]
[WIFE OF THE ABOVE]
[WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE]
[ON [ ] SEPTEMBER 1858]
[AGED 34 YEARS]
In the 1851 Census, Frederick Baldock was a Miller at Lower Stoke, employing a Carter
BARNARD see BEAUMONT
8. Fallen Headstone and Two Foot Stones, North of Church, East of Path
[ ]
JOHN BEAUMONT
DIED FEBRUARY 12th 1860
AGED 55 YEARS
OLIVE ANN WIFE OF THE ABOVE
DIED MAY 2nd 1885
AGED 73 YEARS
ALSO JOHN SON OF THE ABOVE
DIED MARCH 7th 1883
AGED 47 YEARS
[Eroded Verses]
ALSO HARRIET BARNARD
DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
DIED DECEMBER 10th 1885
AGED 42 YEARS
ALSO FRANKLIN SMITH
GRANDSON OF THE ABOVE
DIED JANUARY 12th 1902
AGED 8 ½ YEARS
Foot Stone
J B 1860
F E S 1902
In the 1851 Census, John Beaumont is an Agricultural Labourer at Dean Gate, Hoo
His son John died at Turkey Farm, Stoke. Daughter Harriet Barnard died on the Isle of Grain
9. Headstone, Railed Plot, East of Church
IN MEMORY OF
WILLIAM JOHN
THE BELOVED SON OF
WILLIAM & ELIZABETH BEAUMONT
WHO ENTERED INTO REST
11th DECEMBER 1890 AGED 17 YEARS
"Gone but Not Forgotten"
ALSO
NORMAN THORALD BEAUMONT
DIED 17th DECEMBER 1879
AGED 19 YEARS
"Not of those who have no Hope,
Sorrow we for one who's Gone,
But with Steadfast Faith look we,
Where he Stands before the Throne"
"Fought the Fight, the Victory Won,
By Earth's Storms no more Distressed,
Now he's Entered into Rest"
ALSO
DAVID WILLIAM BEAUMONT
DIED 13th SEPTEMBER 1895
AGED 9 MONTHS
"Suffer Little Children to come unto Me"
William Beaumont. At marriage at St. Mary's in 1872, William Beaumont was a Mechanic
BEEMAN see RIBBENS
10. "Book" Type and Curbs, North of Church, West of Path
IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
CHRISTINE MAY
BEET
WHO FELL ASLEEP
AGED 10 YEARS
"Jesus called a
Little Child"ALSO
CHRISTOPHER
BEET
WHO PASSED AWAY
15th SEPT. 1962
25th JUNE 1959 AGED 15 YEARS
"Together
Abiding in Him"
BOWYER see SUDWEEKS
11. C.W.G.C. Headstone, East of Church
T/294588 PRIVATE
H.F. BROWN
ARMY SERVICE CORPS.
8th FEBRUARY 1917 AGE 36
"Grant him O Lord
Eternal Rest"
12. Small headstone, North West Corner
IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
WILLIAM THOMAS
BRICE
DIED 7th OCT. 1950
AGED 69 YEARS
ALSO ALICE HIS WIFE
REUNITED 12th MAY 1958
AGED 62 YEARS
13. Fallen Headstone, Large Curbed Plot
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
GEORGE CACKET
WHO DIED MARCH 21st 1889
AGED 50 YEARS
ALSO
CHARLOTTE
THE BELOVED WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED JANUARY 26th 1898
AGED 58 YEARS
" God moves in a Mysterious Way,
His Wonders to Perform,
He Plants his Footsteps in the Sea,
And Rides upon the Storm"
ALSO
CHARLOTTE EDITH
BELOVED DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED SEPTEMBER 17th 1887
AGED[8] MONTHS
At son's marriage in 1883, George Cacket was a Labourer
14. Headstone and Curbs, South of Church
IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
MY BELOVED HUSBAND
JOHN CHAPMAN
WHO FELL ASLEEP IN JESUS
APRIL 26th 1897 AGED 41 YEARS
"Welcome Happy Morning, Age to Age shall say,
Hell today is Vanquished, Heaven is Won Today"
"Precious in the Sight of the Lord is the
Death of his Saints"
"The Lord gave and the Lord hath Taken Away,
Blessed be the Name of the Lord"
In the 1891 Census, John Chapman was an Agricultural Labourer at High Halstow
15. Fallen, Eroded Headstone, Stone Curbs, Once Railed,( Pye Grave ?), South of Church
SACRED
[Eroded]
ALSO THE ABOVE
WILLIAM CHAPMAN
[WHO DIED] [ ] FEBRUARY 1[886]
AGED [63] YEARS
[ ]
ALSO MARY WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED [ ] march [1892]
aged 76 years
"[ ]en Labour how ? [ ]"
William Chapman died at Clinch Street, High Halstow, his wife died at High Halstow
16. Tablet and Curbs, South of Church
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
WILLIAM CHEESEMAN
WHO FELL ASLEEP NOV. 16th 1953
AGED 64 YEARS
17. Headstone, East of Church
[ ]
EDGAR JOHN CHIPPERFIELD
DROWNED OFF SOUTHEND APRIL 16th 1900
AGED 24 YEARS
"Thy Will be [Done]"
18. Pedestals and Cross, Curbs, East of Church (See Interior)
OF YOUR CHARITY
PRAY FOR THE SOUL
OF
ROSETTA GEORGINA CHARLOTTE
DAUGHTER OF
CAPT. CONSIDINE 13th LIGHT DRAGOONS
SHE DIED JANUARY 17th 1900 AGED 83
19. Headstone and Curbs, Large Plot, East of Church
IN EVER LOVING MEMORY
OF
JOSEPH
THE BELOVED HUSBAND OF ELIZA COOKE
WHO DIED ON SUNDAY 22nd JULY 1923
AGED 66 YEARS
"At Rest"
ALSO ELIZA COOKE
WHO DIED 24th SEPTEMBER 1937
AGED 70 YEARS
"Re-united"
In the 1901 Census ,Joseph Cooke was an Agricultural Labourer at Christmas Lane, High Halstow
20. Pedestals and Fallen Cross, Curbs, Large Plot, East of Church
East Side
IN
MEMORY OF
MARY ANN
WIFE OF
ELIAS COOPER
SHE DIED FEBRUARY 7th 1902
AGED 62 YEARS
"Gone but not Forgotten"
North Side
IN MEMORY OF
ELIZABETH ANN COOPER
WHO DIED DECEMBER 1st 1907
AGED 44 YEARS
"May she be at Rest with the Lord"
South Side
IN MEMORY OF
ELIAS COOPER
WHO DIED APRIL 2nd 1911
AGED 78 YEARS
"Nearer my God to Thee"
In the 1901 Census, Elias Cooper was a Waggoner on a Cliffe farm.
21. Headstone and Body Stone, North of Chancel
IN
MEMORY OF
SARAH WIFE OF
Mr DAVID CURTIS
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
ON THE 23rd DAY OF DECEMBER 1837
AGED 33 YEARS
"A Pale Consumption gave the Fatal Blow,
The Stroke was Certain, though it was but Slow,
Lingering and Wasting Pains did me Sore Oppress,
Death Pityed my Sighs and Kindly gave me Rest"
David Curtis is mentioned in Stephen Ellott's will. His wife died in Whitechapel.
22. Headstone and Curbs, South of Church
IN
LOVING MEMORY OF
ARCHIE JOHN CYSTER
WHO PASSED AWAY MAY 25th 1947
AGED 65 YEARS
"Rest in Peace"
ALSO JESSIE MARY HIS WIFE
WHO PASSED AWAY FEBRUARY 2nd 1958
AGED 71 YEARS
23. Pedestals, Fallen Cross and Curbs, North of Church, East of Path (See Interior)
IN
LOVING MEMORY OF
THE REV.
CHRISTOPHER LE STRANGE DE BURGH
DELABAT
RECTOR OF THIS PARISH 1913 – 1939
WHO PASSED TO HIGHER SERVICE
19th JUNE 1939 AGED 68 YEARS
R.I.P.
24. Ledger on Brick Base, Also Fallen Headstone ,on Large Curbed Plot, East of Church
Ledger
IN
AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE
OF
ELIZABETH
THE BELOVED WIFE OF
ABRAHAM EDMONDS
DIED MAY 2nd 1896
AGED 55
"Farewell my Husband and Children Dear,
I am at Rest you need not Fear,
Weep not for me nor Sorrow take,
But Love my Children for my Sake"
ALSO
ABRAHAM EDMONDS
HUSBAND OF THE ABOVE
DIED JULY 11th 1904
AGED 65 YEARS
"Weep not for us our Children Dear,
Nor yet be over Sad,
The Fewer Years we Lived on Earth,
The Fewer Faults we had"
Headstone
IN AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE
OF
ABRAHAM
SON OF
ABRAHAM & ELIZABETH EDMONDS
WHO DIED MARCH 9th 1880
AGED 20 YEARS
ALSO
EMILY
DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED APRIL 12th 1880
AGED 7 YEARS
[Eroded Verses]
Abraham Edmonds was a Blacksmith; marriage at St. Mary's in 1859.
25. Headstone and Two Body Stones, North of Church, East of Path
STEPHEN and MARY ELLIOTT, DIED 1822 & 1805
IN
MEMORY OF
Mrs MARY ELLIOTT
WIFE OF
Mr STEPHEN ELLIOTT
OF THIS PARISH
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE MARCH [ ] 1805
AGED 57 YEARS
[Eroded Verses]
ALSO OF THE ABOVE
Mr STEPHEN ELLIOTT
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE SEPTEMBER [9th ] 1822
AGED 77 YEARS
Stephen Elliott was a Farmer. His will is dated 25th January 1820.
To grandson John Grist, £100 from real and personal estate, which he leaves to daughter, Sarah, wife of Joseph Grist, Butcher of Stoke. To Mary Evenden daughter of Francis Evenden, late of St. Mary's, £10, to be paid from real and personal estate given to son John Elliott. To Mary wife of Joseph Angell of Stoke, £5.
The Lease of the Farm House, land and premises, where he now lives, rented from the Right Hon. Lord Henniker, to son John. Household furniture, farm utensils,stock, crops,cattle, plate, linen, money and personal property, after payments of debts and £5 to Mary Angell, to son John and daughter, Sarah in equal shares.
Half of freehold house, two cottages, garden and land in St. Mary's; the land in his own occupation, the house occupied by son John and the two cottages occupied by David Curtis. Also freehold land in Hoo and High Halstow and elsewhere in his own occupation to son John. The other half to his daughter, Sarah.
Son John, grandson, John Grist and friend John Vain of St. Mary's, Farmer, are Executors.
John Lockwood of Rochester, Gentleman is to be Supervisor of will; he has power to settle any disputes between the other parties.
Witnesses: H. Lockwood of Rochester, John Johnson of Rochester and Ann Lockwood
PROBATE
Son John renounces Executorship. Probate granted to other two Executors. Value of estate does not exceed £600
26. Curbs, Large Plot, East of Church
South Side
IN LOVING MEMORY OF MARY ANN FENNER DIED MAY 9th 1903 AGED 74 YEARS
North Side
ALSO WILLIAM HER HUSBAND DIED JULY 1st 1910 AGED 79 YEARS "Thy Will be Done"
In the 1881 Census William Fenner is an Agricultural Labourer at Moat Farm.
27. Headstone and Curbs, East of Church
SACRED TO THE MEMORY
OF
ELIZABETH WIDOW OF
AARON FOSTER
OF CATWICK MILLS, YORKSHIRE
WHO DIED 23rd NOVEMBER 1875
AGED 60 YEARS
"For so he Giveth his Beloved Sleep"
In the 1851 Census probably the Miller at Beverley, Yorkshire
28. Cut Down Ledger on Ground, Formerly Inside Church, North of Church, East of Path
ROBERT GUNNING, DIED 1828, FORMERLY INSIDE THE CHURCH
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
ROBERT GUNNING ESQ.
OF ST. MARY'S HALL
IN THIS PARISH
WHO DIED 6th AUGUST 1828
AGED 36 YEARS
Said to have shot himself in the grounds of St. Mary's Hall? If a straight forward suicide, I don't think he would have been buried in consecrated ground, yet alone inside the church? The Times death notice records his "sudden death", the Gentleman's Magazine and Maidstone Journal simply have the standard death notice. The Burial Register entry is also a quite ordinary entry, e.g. there is no mention of a Coroner's Warrant
29. Pedestals, Cross and Curbs, South of Church
IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
JOHN GUY
BORN DECEMBER 21st 1833
DIED SEPTEMBER 5th 1899
"Until the Day Break"
In the 1891 Census a Retired Farmer at Fenn House
30. Granite Curbs, East of Church
North Side
IN LOVING MEMORY OF WILLIAM FRANCIS HAYTER WHO DIED 31st OCTOBER 1939 AGED 62 YEARS
South Side
ALSO HIS WIFE ROWENA HELEN HAYTER WHO DIED 22nd DECEMBER 1951 AGED 69 YEARS
31. Headstone, Very Eroded, North of Church, West of Path
[ HERE LIETH YE]
[ BODY OF ] [MART]H[A ] ? HILLS
[ DAUGHTER OF JOHN HILLS]
[ WHO DEPARTED YS LIFE]
[ [ ]DECEMBER 1699 AGED ]
[ ]
ALSO YE BODY OF[HER SISTER JANE?]
HILLS [ WHO DEPARTED YS LIFE]
[[ ] NOV.1699] AGED
17 YEARS
One can not be certain as to the attribution, but if the age of 17 on the lower inscription has been correctly read, this could be an accurate guess. The lack of Registers at St. Mary's prior to 1695 makes it difficult to confirm the age fitting one of the daughters of John and Sarah Hills. The will of John Hills, dated October 1728, mentions Sarah Hills, widow of John, (his daughter in law?). There is also a will of John Hills, Senior, a Farmer, who died 1700, but neither helps in this case. It is possible that this is the stone of one of the trio of John Hills, and that the age is much higher than 17 ?
32. Pedestals, Fallen Cross and Curbs, East of Church
FRANCIS GOSSIOT HOUGHTON
WHO DIED SEPTEMBER 4th 1897
AGED 40 YEARS
Possibly the Civil Engineer at Erith in the 1891 Census?
33. C.W.G.C. Headstone, East of Church
M.N.
J. KNIBBS
ASST. ENGINEER OFFICER
MV INNISDU
20th SEPTEMBER 1940 AGE 21
"Thoughts drift back
to bygone days
Life moves on, Memory Stays"
MOTHER AND FATHER
34. Headstone, West of Church
(Anchor)
IN MEMORY OF MY DEAR HUSBAND
FRANK LAMPARD
WHO DIED DECEMBER 12th 1899
AGED 48 YEARS
"Rest in the Lord"
In the 1881 Census a Stoker on H.M.S. Albatross, this seems to tie in with the Anchor motif on the headstone. Died at Bell Street.
35. Pedestals, Cross and Curbs, Large Plot, East of Church
IN EVER
LOVING MEMORY
OF
PERCY JOHN MARSH
WHO DIED ON ACTIVE SERVICE
1st FEB. 1919 AGED 22 YEARS
"O God, May he Rest in Peace"
ALSO JAMES MARSH
DIED 21st FEB. 1936 AGED 74
"At Rest"
Curb
IN LOVING MEMORY OF CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH MARSH DIED 14th JAN. 1951 AGED 90 YEARS
36. Red Granite Headstone, North of Church, West of Path
IN MEMORY OF
J.E. "MATT" MATTHEWS
1932 – 1977
ARTIFEX
LAST LEADER OF STROOD
COUNCIL
37. Headstone, North of Church, West of Path
IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
MARY MIDDLETON
WHO DIED JUNE 13th ? 1896
AGED 84 YEARS
ALSO
JOSEPH MIDDLETON
HUSBAND OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED DECEMBER 11th 1862
AGED 71 YEARS
In the 1851 Census, Joseph Middleton was an Agricultural Labourer. Mary died at Fenn.
38. Curbs, East of Church
North Side
IN LOVING MEMORY OF A DEAR HUSBAND AND FATHER JOHN ALBERT MORTLEY
WHO FELL ASLEEP 20th JAN. 1941 AGED 69 YEARS
South Side
ALSO HIS WIFE EMMA
WHO FELL ASLEEP 5th APRIL 1952 AGED 81 YEARS
In the 1901 Census, John Mortley was an Agricultural Labourer of Fenn Road
39. Curbs, East of Church
IN LOVING MEMORY OF DANIEL O'RILEY
WHO DIED NOV. 16th 1938 AGED 77 YEARS "May he Rest in Peace"
40. Pedestals, Fallen Cross and Curbs, East of Church
IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
JAMES PEEK
WHO ENTERED INTO REST
DECEMBER 24th 1899
AGED 80 YEARS
"He said at the last,
"Crown Him Lord of All""
ALSO
SARAH HIS WIFE
WHO JOINED HIM
DECEMBER 27th 1899
AGED 77 YEARS
"The Gates Apart for Me"
In the 1881 Census James Peek was an Agricultural Labourer at Fenn Bridge.
41. C.W.G.C. Headstone, East of Church, (See Interior)
174 GUNNER
W.W.E. PIPER
ROYAL GARRISON ARTILLERY
7th DECEMBER 1914 AGE 19
"Be thou Faithful
Unto Death,
And I will give thee
A Crown of Life"
42. Pedestals, Cross Gone, Stone Curbs, Once Railed, (Chapman Headstone Lying on Grave),
South of Church
IN AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE
OF HENRY SON OF
HENRY & ELIZABETH PYE
BORN MARCH 8th 1854 DIED MARCH 13th ? 1854
ALSO OF ELIZABETH THEIR DAUGHTER
BORN FEBRY. 3Rd 1855 DIED NOV. 5th 1855
Henry Pye, of St. Mary's Hall, is buried in St. Nicholas Cemetery, Rochester, was a pioneering farmer and also a J.P. He drained and limed the land at St. Mary's increasing yields substantially. He was a friend of Thomas Aveling and utilised Aveling's traction engines. There is a portrait of him at Rochester's Guildhall Museum.
43. Headstone and Curbs, East of Church
IN
MEMORY OF
EMMELINE PYE
DAUGHTER OF
HENRY AND
ELIZABETH PYE
OF ST. MARY'S
HALL
JUNE 1859
AUGUST 1954
44. Headstone, Body Stone and Foot Stone, North of Church, West of Path
THOMAS RAYNER, DIED 1791
IN MEMORY OF
THOMAS RAYNER
SON OF THOMAS AND ANN RAYNER
OF THE PARISH OF HOO
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE JANUARY ? [ ] 7th ?
[1791] AGED [21 or 24 ?] YEARS
[Eroded Verses}
(N.B. Not in Register)
45. Double Headstone, North of Church, East of Path (Two Foot Stones Moved Several Yards East)
SACRED
TO
THE MEMORY OF
THOMAS RIBBENS
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
ON THE 31st DAY OF JULY 1838
AGED 65 YEARS
ALSO OF
JANE DAUGHTER OF
ROBERT AND ELIZA
BEEMAN
GRAND DAUGHTER OF
THE ABOVE
WHO DIED ON THE 18th DAY
OF JANUARY 1838
AGED 1 YEAR AND 7 MONTHS
ALSO OF
BENJAMIN BEEMAN
WHO DIED 10th MAY 1862
AGED 6 YEARS
ALSO OF
WILLIAM BEEMAN
WHO DIED 22nd MAY 1862
AGED 23 YEARSSACRED
TO
THE MEMORY OF
PHEBE SIMMONS
FORMERLY WIDOW OF
THOMAS RIBBENS
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
ON THE 24th DAY OF DECEMBER
1854 AGED 77 YEARS
"A Loving Wife & Kind
And Affectionate Mother"
Thomas Ribbens was probably a Farmer. His widow Phebe married James Simmons, a Farmer of 15 acres at Clinch Street, High Halstow, (1851 Census)
46. Ledger on Low Stone Base, East of Church
IN MEMORY OF
CHARLES INGRAM ROBERTS M.A.
RECTOR OF ST. MARY'S
WHO DIED ON THE 17th OF OCTOBER 1886
AGED 53 YEARS
"Precious in the sight of the
Lord is the Death of his Saints"
47. Pedestals, Cross and Curbs, East of Church
IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
EMMA JANE
THE BELOVED WIFE OF
FRANCIS JOHN SALTER
WHO DIED JANY. 29Th 1909
AGED 57 YEARS
"Peace, Perfect Peace"
SHEARMAN see SMITH
48. Double Headstone, One Side Inscribed, (Foot Stone East Wall of Nave), North of Church,
East of Path
SACRED
TO
THE MEMORY OF
JANE WIFE OF
JAMES SIMMONS
OF THIS PARISH
WHO DEPARTED THIS
LIFE ON THE 24th DAY
OF DECEMBER 1836
AGED 64 YEARS
"Whilst in this World, I did Remain,
My Latter Days I wear in Pain,
Until the Lord did think it Best,
To take me to a Place of Rest"
49. Fallen, Broken Headstone, North of Chancel
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
MARY ELIZABETH
SIMMONS
WHO DIED 19th APRIL 1860
AGED 9 MONTHS
ALSO ELEANOR SIMMONS
WHO DIED 21st APRIL 1862
AGED 13 YEARS
DAUGHTERS OF
WILLIAM & JANE SIMMONS
OF THIS PARISH
ALSO ELIZA SIMMONS
DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED 31st AUGUST 1869
AGED 20 YEARS
"Be ye also Ready"
ALSO WILLIAM SIMMONS
WHO DIED 7th FEBRUARY 1880
AGED 64 YEARS
"Death's but the Voice that Jesus send
To Call us to his Arms"
ALSO JANE
WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED 2nd JULY 1891
AGED 76 YEARS
"Gone but not Forgotten"
SIMMONS see RIBBENS
50. Small Headstone, Curbs, Large Plot, North of Church, East of Path
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
EDMUND SMITH
DIED JANUARY 3rd 1917
AGED 73 YEARS
ALSO ELLEN SMITH
WIFE OF THE ABOVE
DIED JUNE 17th 1932
AGED 81 YEARS
"At Rest"
West Curb
ALSO HUBERT WILLIAM SMITH THEIR ELDEST SON DIED 8th OCT. 1957 AGED 75 YEARS
South Curb
HUBERT SMITH DIED 15th APRIL 1967 AGED 72 YEARS "Forever in our Thoughts"
North Curb
ALSO THANETTA MARY SHEARMAN YOUNGEST DAUGHTER AT REST 7th JULY 1968 AGED 78 YEARS
In an 1851Baptism of his child, a Labourer at Combe farm
SMITH see BEAUMONT
51. Headstone, East of Church
IN AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE OF
MARIA
THE BELOVED WIFE OF
GEORGE WILLIAM STANLEY
WHO DIED 3rd FEBRUARY 1872
AGED 48 YEARS
"Go Home Dear Friends and Shed no Tears,
I Must be Here till Christ Appears,
Short were my Days, Long is my Rest,
Christ took me when he thought it Best"
ALSO OF THE ABOVE
GEORGE WILLIAM STANLEY
WHO DIED 22nd APRIL 1914
AGED 85 YEARS
"Till the Day Break"
52. Double Headstone, Two Body Stones, Stone Curbs ,Large Plot, Once Railed, N. West End of Nave
JOSEPH and ELIZABETH SUDWEEKS, DIED 1821 & 1797
Mr
JOSEPH
SUDWEEKS
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
ON THE [ ] DAY OF JULY
IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD
1821 AGED 64 YEARS
[ Eroded Verses]
Mrs
ELIZABETH
SUDWEEKS
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
ON THE 27th ? DAY OF OCT.
IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD
1797 AGED 26 ? YEARS
LEFT ISSUE TWO SONS AND FOUR
DAUGHTERS
SARAH, ELIZABETH
JOSEPH, JOHN, ANN AND JANE
"Farewell Dear Husband and Children
Dear, Adieu
By God's Command, I leave this World
And You
No More on Earth your Faces will I
See
But Hope in Heaven our Souls will
Happy Be"
NEAR THIS PLACE LIES
SARAH WIFE OF HENRY BOWYER
OF MAIDSTONE, AND DAUGHTER OF
JOSEPH AND ELIZABETH
SUDWEEKS
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
THE 19th OF MARCH 1836
AGED 50 YEARS
Joseph Sudweeks was a Farmer. His will is dated 8th May 1809. There are two Codicils dated 8th March 1813 and 20th October 1818.
To Richard Everist of Hoo, Yeoman, one of his Executors, £5. To him and other Executor son Joseph Sudweeks, Upon Trust ,all freehold and leasehold estate to sell immediately, except lease of farm he now dwells in, for best price. Upon Trust that his son Joseph carries on farming business until testator's youngest child living at time of his decease is 21. If son Joseph carries on business to satisfaction of Richard Everist, he can continue to live in house. He can have £20 p.a. out of profits. Any of his siblings under 18 to have board and lodging until 21, except son John. Money from sales of property invested in Public Funds for maintenance and education of children, viz. Sarah his reputed daughter by Elizabeth Reynolds, Elizabeth, Joseph, John, Ann and Jane, and any other children he may have who are under 18 at his death. When his youngest child attains 21, cattle, farming utensils, tackle and effects to be valued, son Joseph to pay Richard Everist sum valued. If he refuses, Trustee can sell the same to share among children or their heirs if any are then dead. Details of such sale follows.
Witnesses: Jno. Prall, Jno. Prall and Thos. Church.
CODICIL A
Share to daughter Elizabeth not to be paid to her now husband, Phillip James, alias Phillip Berry, but solely to her, for her life. After her death the interest goes to the maintenance and bringing up of her children or child, if any living at her death.. The principal shared among them equally when all 21. If there are no children living at her death, then money shared equally between his other children. If son Joseph does not take over business, then lease stock to be sold, either to Joseph or as trustees think fit.
Witnesses: Jno. Prall, Jas. Barnard and Thos. Church.
CODICIL B
Executors to provide a "decent Tombstone and cause it to be placed over my own grave and the grave of my late wife, Elizabeth formerly Elizabeth Reynolds, and pay for the same, not exceeding thirty five pounds"
Sums already advanced to any of his children, which they are indebted to him, at his death, to be deducted from shares bequeathed to them.
Witnesses: Jno. Prall, Richd. Prall and Thos. Church.
Probate 11th October 1821, granted to the Executors
Sudweek's second wife, also Elizabeth has no surviving monument. She left a will in accordance with her first husband's will, (Richard Caryer, Farmer of Frindsbury)
MARRIAGES AT ST. MARY'S
March 1788 Joseph Sudweeks to Elizabeth Reynolds
Witnesses: Stephen and Mary Elliott
August 1803 Joseph Sudweeks to Elizabeth Caryer of Frindsbury
September 1809 Henry Bowyer of Maidstone to Sarah Reynolds
Witnesses: Joseph Sudweeks and William Willard
53. Small Headstone, North of Church, West of and Facing Path
ALEXANDER TOMLIN, DIED 1697
HERE
LYETH THE BODY
OF ALEXANDER
[TOM]LIN SON OF
[THOMA]S T[OM]LIN
[LATE ?] [OF] EAST
[MALLIN]G WHO
[DEPARTED] THIS
LIFE [ ] [JUN]E YE 29th
[169]7 AGED 36
YEA[RS AND] [ ] MONTHS
Alexander Tomlin was a Farmer, from a family of Farmers and Millers of East Malling.
His will is dated 28th June 1697.
It should be noted that there were Thomlyns / Tomelyns at St. Mary's in the late 15th century
To his beloved brother John Tomlin of Burling (sic) , Yeoman 10s.
To brother Nicholas Tomlin of Town Malling, Chandler 10s.
To sister Avis Walter of East Malling 10s.
To beloved kinswoman Ann daughter of Edward Baldock of Aylesford 10s.
To beloved kinsman William Tomlin son of William Tomlin of Boxley £5
To beloved kinsman John Tomlin of Boxley £5
To David Ray of Hoo, Carpenter £5
To each of children of brother Thomas Tomlin, of Wrotham, deceased, 20s.
To be distributed to the poor of St. Mary's on day of his burial, 10s.
All his money, corn, cattle, household goods and movables to beloved brother Francis Tomlin of East Malling, he to pay debts, legacies etc. Francis also Executor
Witnesses: Samuel Collier, marks of-- Alice Hasling and Mary Champe
INVENTORY
Dated 3rd July 1697; assessed by Edward Kilby, Samuel Button and Henry Fletcher
Purse, apparel and ready money
Three score sheep
Two steers, one cow, two , heifers
Two milch cows
Six calves
Fifty six lambs
Three geldings, one stone horse, two mares, two yearling colts
Four hogs, one sow, ten pigs
Fifteen acres of wheat now growing
Two acres of beans
Fifty three acres of barley and oats
The wagon and harness, two dung carts, harrows
other things about the yard
Ten acres of hay that is mow? And some old hay
Half a pack of wool
Debts due to the dec. with ? accounted goods
Same that are dangerous
Things seen and unseen
Total
Endorsed by signature of Francis Tomlin £ s d
6 0 0
20 0 0
14 0 0
7 0 0
4 0 0
10 0 0
21 0 0
7 0 0
20 0 0
4 0 0
75 0 0
11 0 0
10 0 0
3 0 0
30 0 0
9 0 0
5 0 0
256 0 0
53. Headstone and Body Stone, Stone Curbs, Large Plot, Once Railed, North Side of Tower
JOHN and ELIZABETH VAIN, DIED 1829 & 1866
IN MEMORY OF
Mrs ELIZABETH VAIN
WIFE OF Mr JOHN VAIN
OF THIS PARISH WHO DEPARTED
THIS LIFE THE [ ] OF DECEMBER 1829
AGED 51 YEARS
[Eroded Verses]
ALSO JOHN VAIN
WHO DIED APRIL 29th 1866
AGED 97 YEARS & 8 MONTHS
John Vain was a Farmer; there are also farming Vains buried in Hoo churchyard. In the 1841 Census John was "Independent" at Wainscott, and in the 1861 Census, a Former Farmer in Frindsbury. He was born at Allhallows.
54. Pedestals, Cross and Curbs, East of Church
OF YOUR CHARITY
PRAY FOR THE SOUL
OF
ALFRED WILLIAM WHEELER
26 YEARS RECTOR OF THIS PARISH
DIED JULY 16th 1913 AGED 61 YEARS
R.I.P.
55. Headstone and Foot Stone, North of Church, West of Path
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY
OF
PHILLIS ANN WILLOUGHBY
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
THE 18th DAY OF MAY 1847
IN THE 30th YEAR OF HER AGE
ALSO OF
KEZIA WILLOUGHBY
MOTHER OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED THE 28th OF SEPTEMBER 1843
AGED 49 YEARS
ALSO OF
ELIZA WILLOUGHBY
OF THIS PARISH
WHO DIED 2nd MARCH 1887
AGED 60 YEARS
Eliza Willoughby was the daughter of Thomas and Kezia, when she was baptised her father was a Labourer, living in the Poor House. In 1827 they lived in St. Mary's Street; in 1829 and 1833 they were in the Poor House again.
END OF CHURCHYARD
INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH
56. Classical Marble Wall Tablet (North Wall of Chancel)
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
ROBERT BURT L.L.B.
CHAPLAIN TO THE PRINCE OF WALES
RECTOR OF ST. MARY'S HOO
AND VICAR OF TWICKENHAM
MIDDLESEX
DIED OCTOBER 17th 1791
AGED 35
ALSO SARAH WIDOW
OF THE ABOVE ROBERT BURT L.L.B.
DIED NOVEMBER 2nd 1845
AGED 82
ALSO ROBERT GASCOYNE BURT M.A.
SON OF THE ABOVE
RECTOR OF THIS PARISH 59 YEARS
AND OF HIGH HALSTOW 51 YEARS
DIED FEBRUARY 18th 1875 AGED 83
ALSO JOANNA CURD WIDOW OF THE
ABOVE R.G. BURT DIED DECR. 23Rd 1876 AGED 69
THEIR BODIES ARE INTERRED IN THE
FAMILY VAULT AT TWICKENHAM
57. Small Tablet, Formerly in Chancel (West Wall of Porch)
SAMUEL COLLIER
RECTOR
OBIIT
FEB. X MDCCXVIII
The Rev. Samuel Collier left a noncupative will, i.e. spoken. He left everything to his wife, Elizabeth, whom he addressed as Betty; after her death, all to his "kinsman" Francis Collier. An inventory survives, containing household property and farm stock and crops, amounting to a value of £183 13s 0d. The witnesses to the nuncupative will were, Sarah Roots, John Boats, Servants, and Elizabeth Bennitt
58. Brass Plaque (North Wall of Nave, near Door)
ROSETTA GEORGINA CHARLOTTE
CONSIDINE
SERVANT OF GOD
JANUARY 17th 1900
AGED 83 YEARS
"Eternal Rest Grant unto her O Lord,
And Let Light Perpetual Shine upon Her"
59. Stone Tablet (East Wall of Porch)
IN MEMORY OF
CHRISTOPHER DE LABAT
RECTOR OF THIS PARISH 1913-39
DIED 19th JUNE 1939 AGED 68
A MAN, KIND, SCHOLARLY, PIOUS
AND DILIGENT IN HIS DUTIES
THIS TABLET WAS PLACED HERE BY HIS FRIENDS
60. Brass Plaque and Painting of Christ with the Elders in the Temple, Formerly in Vestry
(North Wall of Tower)
CUTHBERT ISIDORE CONSIDINE WHEELER
ONLY CHILD OF THE RECTOR OF THIS PARISH
RECEIVED IN THIS CHURCH LAST COMMUNION
ON THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY 1901
DIED AT ST. EDWARD'S SCHOOL, OXFORD
ON ASH WEDNESDAY FEB. 20th 1901
AGED 14 YEARS
THIS PICTURE IS GIVEN BY THE PARISHIONERS AND OTHER
FRIENDS IN AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE
61. War Memorial, Formerly in Chancel (West Wall of the Porch)
(The Reredos is now on the First Floor)
"Thanks be to
God who giveth
Us the Victory
Through our Lord
Jesus Christ"TO ALMIGHTY GOD FOR VICTORY IN THE WAR
AND IN MEMORY OF THE MEN OF THIS PARISH
WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES 1914 – 19
BERT BARTY SPO HMS VANGUARD
HERMON F. BRANCEN PT NORTHUMBRD. FUSLERS
EARLY BOARD CHAMBERS PT E. SURREY RT.
PERCY JOHN MARSH SPR. RL. ENGINEERS
WILLIAM WALTER EDWD. PIPER GUNR. RGA
CECIL THOMAS TUFF CAPT. RW KENT RT. "Rest Eternal
Grant unto them
O Lord and let
Light perpetual
Shine upon them"
62. Brass Plaque, Formerly in Chancel, (Modern Wall, First Floor, Beside Reredos)
EASTER 1903
THIS ALTAR WAS GIVEN
BY VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTION
AND ESPECIALLY IN MEMORY OF
JOANNA BURT DEC. 23rd 1876
ANNIE TOPLEY JUNE 22nd 1880
ELIZABETH PYE DEC. 4th 1880
JOHN CHAPMAN APR. 26th 1897
FANNY WHEELER MAR. 3rd 1899
ROSETTA CONSIDINE JAN. 17th 1900
CUTHBERT WHEELER FEB. 20th 1901
MARY COOPER FEB. 7th 1902
Index of Names on Gravestone only
NamesALLEN 1, 2, 3, 4
BAKER 5
BALDOCK 6, 7
BARNARD 8
BARTY 61
BEAUMONT 8, 9
BEEMAN 45
BEET 10
BRANCEN 61
BRICE 12
BROWN 11
BURT 56, 62
CACKET 13
CHAMBERS 61
CHAPMAN 14, 15, 62
CHEESEMAN 16CHIPPERFIELD 17
COLLIER 57
CONSIDINE 18, 58, 60, 62
COOKE 19
COOPER 20, 62
CURD 56
CURTIS 21
CYSTER 22
DE BURGH 23
DE LABAT 23, 59
EDMONDS 24
ELLIOTT 25
FENNER 26
FOSTER 27
FRANKLIN 8
GASCOYNE 56
GOSSIOT 32GUNNING ESQ. 28
GUY 29
HAYTER 30
HILLS 31
HOAR 1
HOUGHTON 32
KNIBBS 33
LAMPARD 34
LE STRANGE 23
MARSH 35, 61
MATTHEWS 36
MIDDLETON 37
MORTLEY 38
O'RILEY 39
PEEK 40
PIPER 41, 61
PYE 42, 43, 62RAYNER 44
RIBBENS 45
ROBERTS 46
SALTER 47
SHEARMAN 50
SIMMONS 45, 48, 49
SMITH 8, 50
STANLEY 51
SUDWEEKS 52
THORALD 9
TOMLIN 52
TOPLEY 62
TUFF 61
VAIN 53
WHEELER 54, 60, 62
WILLOUGHBY 55