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Towcester Town Hall

Gravestone Inscriptions at St. Lawrence's Church, Towcester

Name Inscription
Adams "Simon Adams of Towcester son of Simon Adams and Ann his wife born November 1724 died the 18 Nov[embe]r 1801 aged 77."
Adkins "In the memory of Mary Adkins who departed this life 16th 1776."
Adkins "In memory of Mary Adkins wife of the late Tho[ma]s Adkins of Wood Burcote for 30 years the faithful housekeeper to Mr Rob[er]t Cockrill of this place who died 3rd Jan 1848 aged 63 years. The highlands shall be .... everlasting remembrance."
Buried on January 7th 1848.
Bignell "In affectionate remembrance of Thomas Bignell who departed this life Aug. 16th 1835 aged 42 years. Also of Mary relict of the above who departed this life Jan 20th 1865 aged 73 years. And Ellen their daughter who died Feb. 14th 1865 aged 43. Likewise of Elizabeth Walker sister of the above Mary Bignell who died Feb. 3rd 1832 aged 38 years. May they rest in peace."
Bignell "In memory of Mary Bignell relict of William Bignell who died Sept. 18th 1855 in the 86th year of her age"
Bignell "In the memory of William Bignell who died Feb. 2nd 1841, aged 77 years."
Bird "In memory of Harriet Bird of Wokingham, Berks. Deceased October 9th 1854"
Bloxham "In memory of Edward Bloxham of Stony Stratford in the County of Bucks .... July 1 1791 aged 76 / In memory of Mary Bloxham of this town, spinster. Who died on the 12th June 1791 in the 81st year of her age"
Brierton "In loving memory of Patrick Joseph Brierton. Died 8th June 1979 aged 42 years."
Brown "Sacred to the memory of Richard Brown late of this town ironmonger who departed this life October 30th 1864 aged 61 years. Also of Ann widow of David Taylor and sister of the above who died February 20th 1883 aged 85 years. Cast me not off in the time of old age, foresake me not when my strength faileth."
Brown "Sacred to the memory of Thomas son of Benjamin and Ann Brown who died 25th Aug. 1845 aged 54 years."
The Northampton Mercury of 23rd August 1845 reported "Died after a long and painful illness, Mr. Thomas Brown, Farmer of Towcester Aged 61"
Brown "In memory of William and Ann, son and daughter of William and Elizabeth Brown. William died Nov[embe]r 4th 1841 aged 9 years Ann died june .. infant ... died ... Him Lord ...with sorrow or... Now he is gone to his long home not to return again."
Brown "In memory of Catherine wife of Rich[ar]d Brown who died Dec 1.. 1796 aged 42."
Brown "In memory of Rebecca daughter of Anthony Brown who died April 6th 1778 aged 16. Peace."
The only Rebecca listed in the Parish Register for 1778 was Rebecca Eagles, buried on the 9th April. She was born Wilcox and married Anthony Brown in 1752. They may have had a daughter Rebecca, but none are recorded in the Towcester Parish records.
Brown "Sacred to the memory of Benjamin Brown, husband of Maria Brown, who died Feb. 18th 1847 aged 46 years."
Brown "In memory of John Brown who departed this life, June 11th 177.. aged 57. Also 3 sons who died in their infancy."
John Browns were buried here in 1755, 1763, 1795, 1846 and 1855. The deceased was a child for the deaths of 1846 and 1795 and for one of the deaths for 1763.
Brown "In affectionate remembrance of William Anthony Brown who departed this life January 21st 1868 aged 60 years. Also of Elizabeth wife of the above who departed this life February 27th 1874 aged 63 years."
Brown "Sacred. Frances wife of Benjamin Brown who departed this life May 1st 1839 aged 32 years. Also of their children who died in infancy. ........... "
Campion "Sacred to the memory of Rob[er]t Campion who departed this life 17th May 1825 aged 62".
The Parish Record records his burial on May 6th which is inconsistent with his death on 17th May.
Corbey "Sarah wife of Benjamin [Corbey] died 27 .... 1832 aged 33 years. Sarah Ann Corbey died 11 ... 1830 aged 1 year 11 months. Sarah Eliza [Corbey] died December 1832 aged 9 months. Benjamin Corbey died October 21st 1872 aged 72 years."
Cryer "Erected in affectionate remembrance of Willliam Cryer of Towcester who departed this mortal life April 9th 1858 aged 63."
Davis " In memory of Richard Davis who departed this life April 6th 1853 aged 66 years. So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm XC 12. Also of Elizabeth Davis relict of the above who died March 3rd 1856 aged 65 years. Weep not for me. I weep no more, Thy cause of weepings gone, with sins & sorrows, doubts and fear, I have for ever done. Also Martha Horwood daughter of the above died April 28 1883 aged 60."
Dawkes " To the memory of Hannah relict Rich[ard] Dawkes, who died Nov. 9th 1790 aged 81"
Dennis "In loving memory of George Victor Dennis. 29 March 1966. And his daughter Elisabeth Major 1942-1986."
Drayson "Thomas Drayso[n] of Pattishall Hou[se] was called from his earthly ....... to immortality in Christian ho[pe] July 9th 1872 age 78 / To the memory of Will: Drayson who departed this life March 4th 1810 aged 47 years./ To the memory of Eliz[abe]th Drayson (wife of Will[ia]m Drayson) who died 16th Oct[o]b[e]r 1823 aged 64 years / Beneath this tomb rest aslo the earthly remains of Elizabeth Sindry Drayson of Pattishall House with whom she resided in affection more than three score years and ten. She died 25th Jan[uar]y 1877 aged 81 years. In their deaths they were not divided."
Duffin "In memory of Susannah wife of John Duffin .......... 1805. John Duffin their son died 13th March 1787 aged ... years. Also of Esther who died in infancy.".
PR: Susannah, wife of John Duffin, was buried on 20th October 1805. John Duffin, son of John and Susanna, was buried on 24th February 1798. Esther Duffin, daughter of John and Susanna, was buried on 8th October 1787
Enston "To the memory of John Enston ................ aged 35 years also Elizabeth Enston ...... 18....... 60 years."
Fletcher "Sacred to the memory of Kitty Fletcher who departed this life Sept 5 1854 aged 75 years. Prepare to meet th.."
PR: she died from cholera.
Franklin "Sacred to the memory of Mr John Gallard Franklin the affectionate husband of Maria Franklin and oldest son of John and Ann Franklin who departed this life May 23rd 1850 in the 43rd year of his age and also in loving memory of Joseph Gallard Franklin third son of the above John and Ann Franklin who departed this life June 19th 1881 in the 69th year of his age and of Elizabeth his wife departed this life June 20th 1907 in the 82nd year of her age."
Franklin "Sacred to the memory of Mr John Franklin husband of Ann Franklin who departed this life July 12th 1856 aged 71 years. Blessed are the .... which ..in the Lord ... Also of M.. Ann Franklin wife of the above who departed this life December 16th 1860 aged 75 years. Her end was peace."
Gallard "To the endeared memory of Sarah Cooper the beloved wife of Richard Gallard who put on immortality May 30th 1862 Aged 80 years. .... / ..... Richard Gallard ....".
Nee Sarah Cooper Tite.
Garner "In affectionate memory of Sarah Garner who died April 24th 1874 aged 68 years."
Garner "Erected to the memory of William Garner ....... who died Nov 26th 1810 aged 78 years. Also of Elizabeth wife of the above who died March 5th 1811 aged 78 years ....."
There is some doubt over the dates. Maybe 1816 for him and 1814 for her.
George "Willie George died August 1 1870 aged 7 months."
Burial Register lists him as Willie George Thomason, buried on 4th August 1870 age 7 months.
Gibbs "In loving memory of Thomas Arthur Gibbs. A dearly loved husband and father 1908-1980"
Gregory "In loving memory of Herbert Charles Gregory. Died 5th march 1984 aged 78 years."
Gurney "In memory of George Gurney son of John & Hannah Gurney who departed this life on the 1st day of January 1831, aged 17 years."
Dates could not be confirmed in the Burial Register.
H "Here lieth the body of H.... ....... A.D.1711 in the 31st year of his age."
Haddon " To the memory of Mrs Eliz[abeth] Haddon relict of Mr John Haddon who departed this life October 27th 1783, aged 61years"
Harwood "In memory of Mrs Margaret Harwood daughter of John & Elizabeth Jenkinson who died August 8th 1822 aged 34 years"
Hawkins "Sacred to the memory of the Rev. W[illia]m Hawkins husband of Mary Hawkins who died Sep 3 1854 aged 62 years. Also of Mary the beloved wife of the above who died Nov 6 1864 aged 65 years."
Horwood " In memory of Richard Davis who departed this life April 6th 1853 aged 66 years. So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm XC 12. Also of Elizabeth Davis relict of the above who died March 3rd 1856 aged 65 years. Weep not for me. I weep no more, Thy cause of weepings gone, with sins & sorrows, doubts and fear, I have for ever done. Also Martha Horwood daughter of the above died April 28 1883 aged 60."
Howkins "In loving memory of Dorothy Frances Howkins. A dearly loved n\mother and grandmother. Died 21st Dec 1986. Aged 71 years."
Jeffery "In memory of John Jeffery who died July 20th 1840 aged 56 years. Also of Elizabeth Gay Jeffery wife of the above who died May 14th 1853 aged 65 years. Also of Sarah daughter of the above who died April 23rd 1817 aged 15.".
The Burial Register records Elizabeth Gay Jeffery's death at the age of 63. There was also a Sarah Jeffrey was died age 9 weeks and was buried on 26th April 1827.
Jenkinson "In memory of M. John Jenkinson who departed this life March 26 1815 aged 56 years / In memory of Mary daughter of John & Elizabeth Jenkinson who died 4th June 1789 in the 3rd year of her age."
There was a Margaret Jenkinson, daughter of John & Elizabeth baptised in 1787 and buried on 7th January 1788.
Jenkinson "In memory of Elizabeth Jenkinson relict of John Jenkinson who died June 3rd 1829 aged 68 years"
Kilner "In loving memory of a dear husband and father, William Richard Kilner 16/1/1917 - 16/10/1986"
Kingston "Here lyeth ???? William Kingston Son of Thomas and J??? [Looks like Jsheni; the stone has flaked away] he Dep[art]ed this life August ?? 10th D(ay?) Anno Domini 171(9 or 0) Aged 2(0?) Weeks".
Kirby "Thomas Kirby died January 1st 1869 aged 64 years. Also of Rebecca wife of the above who died June 21st 1879 aged 69 years. John Garner Kirby died July 20 1850 aged 7 years. William Kirby."
Lamburne "To the memory of Lazurus Lamburne who died Nov 16[?] 1832 aged 70 years also of John Lamburne died Feb 26th 1837 aged 78 years".
The Burial Register records a John Lamburn died age 73 and was buried on January 29th 1837.
Line "Erected to the memory of Richard Line late of this town, saddler, who died 6th June 1818 aged 58 years. Also of Elizabeth Line relict of the above who died 4th Nov. 1836, aged 60 years."
Manning "In memory of William Brown Manning husband of Sarah Manning who died Feb 11 1859 aged 51 years. Also Sarah, wife of the above who died Feb 11 1888 aged 78."
Manning "...... of ...Mannin... ter of .... Sarah M.... Dec 2nd 185... ..of.. Mann ..son. And also of Catherine Manning their daughter who died April 22nd 1852 aged 7 days'"
Manning "Richard Manning on of ....... & Sarah Manning aged 12 days. Also of Jo... their son who died .... 12 1847 aged 14 days.".
Joseph Manning (infant) was buried on 16th September 1847
Middleton "In the memory of Elizabeth daughter of Joseph and Mary Middleton in the 5th year of her age."
Joseph Middleton has not so far been found in parish records.
Middleton "Sacred to the memory of John Middleton who was a master builder in this town. He lived beyond the common age of man bu.. .... is appointed to all. Once he dropt mortal life to die and entered into a world of spirits on 12th May 1801 aged 82 years./ Mary relict of John Middleton died March 1803 aged 88."
Nourse "In memory of Thomas son of George and Eliz. Nourse who died 20th Dec. 1807 aged 17 years."
Nourse "Erected to the memory of Eliz. wife of George Nourse who departed this life June 7th 1793 aged 46. Also of John their son ........ Lord ........... .............. from his birth to his death which was on the years 1792 aged 8."
Nourse " In memory of Elizabeth daughter of George and Eliz. Nourse who departed this life September 9th 1803 aged 36 years."
The inscription probably reads "aged 20 years" as she was baptised in 1783
P "Sacred to the memory of Ann P........ who departed this life ...............178. aged 85."
Paine "In the memory of Will[ia]m Paine who died April 17th 1803 aged 66 years. Also of Ann daughter of Will[ia]m and Sarah Paine who died June 18th 1788, aged 12 years."
Paine "Sarah the wife of John Paine who died Oct. 19th 1806 aged [6]5 years."
Pearson "Affectionate memorial of Catherine the beloved wife of John Pearson who died at Middleton Cheney Feb 5th 1860 aged 59 years. With angels wing she soared on high, to meet her saviour in the sky, raised her triumphant voice and cried, for me he lived for all he died. John Pearson who died at Bugbrook Jan. 9th 1871 aged 73 years. So teach us to number our days that we may apply our heart unto wisdom. Ps XC 12."
Prestidge "Sacred to the memory of Daniel Prestidge who departed this life June 19 1850 aged 76 years. Also Sarah Prestidge relict of the above who died June 19 1851 aged 82 years."
The Burial Register has 75 for Daniel Prestidge's age.
Roby "..... Of Ameilia Roby who departed this life the 20th of April 1855 aged .. years."
Sharp " I H S Erected in remembrance of Samuel Sharp of this town he was born in ...... and ....."
Shephard " To the memory of Mrs Sarah, wife of Mr Francis Shephard late of Paulerspury who departed this life January 21st 1865 Aged 73 years. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of ..... Also of Mary Ann Tyrell daughter of the above who died April 3 1883 aged 66 years."
Sheppard "In loving memory of Amy, loving wife of Frederick James Sheppard died March 23rd 1896 aged 40 years. / .I.P. Light at Evening time / Frederick James Sheppard died September 22nd 1927 aged 81 years.".
Amy was nee Gee and appears on the 1851 census as a 6 year old. On the 1881 census her age is 35. Hence her date of death might be 1886 not 1896.
Simco "Sacred to the memory of Jane wife of Samuel Simco, chemist, no ...and elde...........".
Not found so far in parish records
Simco " To the memory of Samuel Simco late of this town, baker, who departed this life February 27th Anno Domini 1763 in the ..9th year of his age. Also near this place lie the bodies of four children of Samuel Simco by Ann his wife, one son and three daughters. Here we commit unto thy ...... O graves these dear remains of .... till the archangel from .... sky ............................"
Simco " Sacred to the memory of Frances Simco (wife of Josiah Simco) who departed this life May 17th 1831 aged 36 years. Also 5 children who died in infancy. Oh cruel death the could no longer spare, A tender mother and a wife most dear, Great is the loss to those she left behind, But she we trust eternal joys will find."
Simco "In memory of Henry Simco late of this town, baker, who departed this life 29th September 1816 in the 65th year of his age. Also of M[ary] Simco, relict of the above, who departed this life 6th March 1857 aged 70 years.".
There is an inconsistency here. Henry's wife was Rebecca Eburn whom he predeceased. According to the Eburn family bible she died on 4th March 1833, and according to the Burial Register was buried on 8th March 1833 aged 70 years.
Simco "Sacred to the memory of Sarah second wife of Joseph Simco of this town who died June 20th 1851 aged 69 years. Joseph Simco who died ........ 16 1837 aged 68 years.".
For Joseph read Josiah. The Burial Register show that Sarah died aged 70 and was buried on 28th June 1851, and also Josiah died age 68 and was buried on 21st November 1857. His date of death was given as 16th November 1857 on his Will.
Spence "In loving memory of Hannah Willsher died October 13th 1840 aged 71 years and of Joseph Willsher died October 1st 1843 aged 71 years. Also of Joseph Willsher Spence born May 12th 1828 passed away July 26 1892. Also of Elizabeth wife of the above who died March 1st 1925 aged 95 years."
Spencer "In loving memory of Alfred C. Spencer. Died 27th April 1981 aged 75 years".
Tamms " Samuel Tamms who ........"
Taylor "Sacred to the memory of Richard Brown late of this town ironmonger who departed this life October 30th 1864 aged 61 years. Also of Ann widow of David Taylor and sister of the above who died February 20th 1883 aged 85 years. Cast me not off in the time of old age, foresake me not when my strength faileth."
Taylor "Sacred to the memory of David Taylor husband of Ann Taylor who died Sept. 12th 1845 aged 45 years. These graves around of even size, Bid the with warning voice be wise, Delay no more - to Jesus fly, For grace to live - for grace to die."
Thomason "In memory of Mary the wife of George Thomason who died June 21st 1873 aged 42 years. It is the Lord: let him do what seemith him good. Samuel III, 18. Also of the above George Thomason of Towcester, who died Dec 25th, 1882 aged 51 years. Our days on the earth as as a shadow and there is none abiding. Chron XXIX, 15."
Thomason "Sacred to the memory of Will. Thomason late of this town, mason, and Frances his wife. He departed this life 6th November 1835 aged 73 years. She departed 26th February 1834 aged 70 years."
Thomason "Underneath this stone lies the body of Susanah Wright who died February 11th, 1817 aged 75. And of Ann Thomason who died May 3rd, 1821 aged 83 years. Oft have I stood as you stand now to view the graves as you view mine."
Thomason "In affectionate remembrance of six children of George & Mary Thomason.William died Aug. 27 18[ ]9 aged 2 years. James Howes died Feb 1 1862 aged 3 years. Frances Elizabeth died Feb 2 1862 aged 1 year & 10 months. Joseph Bennett died March 9 1866 aged 2 years & 11 months. Harry George died April 3 1866 aged 0 months. "
Vernon " In memory of the beloved children of W.E. & A.E. Vernon. Emily Augusta Vernon died July 8th 1850 aged 6 years. .......................... Anne Eliza Vernon died April 11th 1858 aged 20 years ..................... also of the above William Ebenezer Vernon who died August 15th 1884 aged 72 years. And of Anna Eliza wife of the above who died February 16th 1889 aged 82 years."
Vernon " Erected to the memory of Thomas Vernon who departed this life March 12th 1824 aged 52 years. Also of Sarah the beloved wife of Thomas Vernon who died September 26th 1854 aged 80 years."
Vernon "In affectionate remembrance of Thomas Vernon who departed this life on the 14th September 1875 in the 73rd year of his age. The memory of the just is blessed. In affectionate remembrance of Mary Vernon who departed this life 11th February 1886 in the 78th year of here life."
Vernon "In memory of William the infant son of Thomas and May Vernon who was born September 2nd 1843 and died May 30th 1845."
Walker "In affectionate remembrance of Thomas Bignell who departed this life Aug. 16th 1835 aged 42 years. Also of Mary relict of the above who departed this life Jan 20th 1865 aged 73 years. And Ellen their daughter who died Feb. 14th 1865 aged 43. Likewise of Elizabeth Walker sister of the above Mary Bignell who died Feb. 3rd 1832 aged 38 years. May they rest in peace."
Willsher "Sacred to the memory of Mr John Willsher late of this place, grocer & tallow chandler who died June 30 1836 aged 37 years. Also of Mary Willsher widow of the above who died April 24th 1837 aged 36 years. Also of Mr Joseph Willsher late grocer, son of the above who died March 24 1850 aged 23."
Willsher "In loving memory of Hannah Willsher died October 13th 1840 aged 71 years and of Joseph Willsher died October 1st 1843 aged 71 years. Also of Joseph Willsher Spence born May 12th 1828 passed away July 26 1892. Also of Elizabeth wife of the above who died March 1st 1925 aged 95 years."
Worth "Remembering with love a very dear husband, father and granddad. John H Worth 1903 -1981"
Wright "Underneath this stone lies the body of Susanah Wright who died February 11th, 1817 aged 75. And of Ann Thomason who died May 3rd, 1821 aged 83 years. Oft have I stood as you stand now to view the graves as you view mine."
Wright "In memory of Eliz. Wright who died Nov. 30th 1776, aged 23."
Wright "Sacred to the memory of William Wright (late of this town, saddler) who departed this life August .. 1843 aged 69 years regretted by his friends and remembered .... by all who loved him.".
The Burial Register records that William Wright died age 69 years and was buried on 10th August 1843. The date of death was given as 6th August 1843 on his will.
  "In loving memory of Peter Rice. Died 26th April 1965 aged 53 years. And of his beloved wife Margaret Elaine Rice. Died 21 May 1974 aged 65 years."
  " ....e ..y....s........ of this town, saddler, who departed this life .... day of ........"
  "Mary ..............."
  "John ........... who departed this life 2.. December 18..2 aged 1.. years."
  "To the memory of William .......... who departed............."n



Acknowledgements
Transcribed by Brian Giggins in the 1990s. Details checked against other sources by Mary Taylor in 2004. Edited by David Wilcock. The Burial Registers are at the Northampton Record Office, and are the three volumes dated 1725-1812; 1813-1842; and 1842-1872.



This page is from the Towcester and District Local History Society website.
The section was last updated on 12th March 2009

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