The Organ Screen was erected by the Dean and Chapter in 1831, designed by Mr. Blore, Architect to the Abbey, and executed with great precision. Four pilasters with decorated finials divide the Screen into three compartments, the centre for the gate of entrance to the choir from the west, the other two contain the monuments of Sir Isaac Newton and Earl Stanhope; on each of the pilasters are projecting pedestals, on which are the figures of Henry III. and his Queen, Edward the Confessor, and his Queen, and Edward I. and his Queen.
Sir Isaac Newton.—This is a grand and expressive monument, every way worthy of the great man to whose memory it was erected, who is sculptured recumbent, leaning his right arm on four folios, thus titled—Divinity, Chronology, Optics, and Phil: Prin. Math: and pointing to a scroll supported by winged cherubs. Over him is a large globe, projecting from a pyramid behind, whereon is delineated the course of the comet in 1680, with the signs, constellations, and planets. On the globe sits the figure of Astronomy with her book closed. Underneath the principal figure is a most curious bas-relief, representing the various labours in which Sir Isaac chiefly employed his time: such as discovering the causes of gravitation, settling the principles of light and colours, and reducing the coinage to a determined standard. The device of weighing the sun by the steelyard has been thought at once bold and striking; and, indeed, the whole monument does honour to the sculptor. The inscription on the pedestal is in Latin, short, but fall of meaning; intimating that, by a spirit nearly divine, he solved, on principles of his own, the motions and figures of the planets, the paths of the comets, and the ebbing and flowing of the sea; that he discovered the dissimilarity of the rays of light and the properties of colours from thence arising, which none but himself had ever thought of; that he was a diligent, wise, and faithful interpreter of nature, antiquity, and the Holy Scriptures; that by his philosophy he maintained the dignity of the Supreme Being; and by the purity of his life, the simplicity of the Gospel. The inscription concludes with a beautiful exclamation—“How much reason mortals have to pride themselves in the existence of such and so great an ornament to the human race!” He was born December 25, 1642, and died March 20, 1726.—Rysbrack, sculptor.
James, Earl Stanhope.—This monument, in which, likewise, the principal figure leans upon his arm in a cumbent posture, holding in his right hand a general’s staff, and in his left a parchment scroll. A Cupid stands before him, resting himself upon a shield. Over a martial tent sits a beautiful Pallas, holding in her right hand a javelin, and in the other a scroll. Behind is a slender pyramid. On the middle of the pedestals are two medals, and on each side of the pilasters one. Under the principal figure is a Latin inscription, setting forth the merits of this great man, as a soldier, a statesman, and a senator. In 1707, he concluded an advantageous treaty with Spain, and in the same year was sent Ambassador to Charles III. In 1708, he took Port-Mahon. In 1710, he forced his way to the gates of Madrid, and took possession of that capital. In 1714, he impeached the Duke of Ormond. In September, 1715, he was made Secretary at War. In December, 1716, he was made Secretary of State. In 1717, he was made First Commissioner of the Treasury, and Chancellor of the Exchequer; and in July following created a Peer. In March, 1718, he was a second time made Secretary of State. In 1720, he died, in his forty-seventh year.—Rysbrack, sculptor.
“To the memory of Philip (second) Earl Stanhope, conspicuous for universal benevolence, unshaken public integrity, and private worth. Deep were his researches in philosophy, and extensive his ideas for his country’s good. He was ever a determined supporter of the Trial by Jury, of the freedom of Elections, of a numerous and well-regulated Militia, and of the liberty of the Press. On the 7th day of March, 1786 (and in the seventy-second year of his age), he terminated an honourable life, spent in the exercise of virtue, in the improvement of science, and in the pursuit of truth. In respectful remembrance of him, the above lines are inscribed by his affectionate son, Charles, Earl Stanhope.”
The Pulpit, in the Nave, is used only for the special evening services, and is composed of variegated marbles interspersed with rich foliage and some very tasteful mosaics, and around it are six excellent figures of St. Paul, St. Peter, and the four Evangelists, and in a medallion in front, a head of the Saviour surrounded with thorns, and pointing upwards with his right hand from his left shoulder. The following is painted on one side:—“This Pulpit is presented to the Dean and Chapter of Westminster by a few friends, in grateful commemoration of the Opening of the Nave for public worship and preaching, in January, 1858. ‘As ye go, preach, saying the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.’” (St. Matt., chap. 10, v. 7.)—Field, sculptor.
Robert Stephenson.—Nearly in front of the new pulpit, upon the floor, is a brass figure of life-size upon a rich foliage diaper over the remains of this eminent engineer, in addition to which has just been erected a superb painted window illustrative of his fertile genius. He died 12th October, 1859, aged fifty-six.
At the foot of R. Stephenson’s grave is a slab of black Irish marble inlaid with brass, sacred to the memory of Sir Charles Barry, Knt., R.A. and F.S.A., and Architect of the New Palace of Westminster and other buildings, who died A.D. 1860, aged 64 years, and lies buried beneath this brass, which represents the Victoria Tower and the Ground Plan of the Houses of Parliament.
Nearly opposite this slab is a granite tombstone, upon which is the following inscription:—“Beneath this stone rest the remains of Colin Campbell, Lord Clyde, who by his own deserts, through fifty years of arduous service, from the earliest battles in the Peninsular War to the Pacification of India, in 1858, rose to the rank of Field-Marshal and the Peerage. He died lamented by the Queen, the army, and the people, August the 14th, 1863, in the seventy-first year of his age.”—Gaffin, fecit.
Field-Marshal Sir George Pollock, Bart., G.C.B., G.C.S.I., Constable of the Tower. Died 6th October, 1872, aged 86 years. “O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, Thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.”—Psalm cxl. 7.
A little to the west of the latter is the tombstone of Tompion and Graham, the celebrated chronometer inventors. Tompion died 1713, aged seventy-five. Graham died 1751, aged seventy-eight.