and the families of Dukes, Parry, and Hughes.
The following is the inscription on the former:—
TO THE MEMORY OF THE REVEREND
JOHN BRICKDALE BLAKEWAY, M.A. F.S.A.
THIRTY-ONE YEARS ORDINARY AND OFFICIAL,
AND THIRTY-TWO YEARS MINISTER OF THIS PARISH,
THIS MONUMENT IS ERECTED
BY THE VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTION OF HIS PARISHIONERS
AS A TRIBUTE OF RESPECT FOR HIS TALENTS,
ESTEEM FOR HIS VIRTUES,
AND GRATITUDE FOR HIS LONG AND FAITHFUL SERVICES
AS THEIR FRIEND AND PASTOR.
HE DIED THE TENTH DAY OF MARCH, MDCCCXXVI,
AGED SIXTY YEARS.
These exquisite specimens of monumental skill, (together with many others in various parts of the edifice,) unrivalled in chaste elegance of design, and richness of execution, are the masterly productions of Mr. John Carline.
On the north side of the chancel is the vestry, recently erected in the Norman style, the windows of which are filled with “roundels” of old German and Flemish glass, exquisitely finished; and immediately adjoining is the chauntry chapel of St. Catharine; in the east wall of which is a window of very uncommon form, consisting of a pointed arch, within which is a trefoil, containing, in stained glass, Christ seated on a throne amid the clouds and the dead rising to judgment. Immediately beneath is a round-headed window, in which is a kneeling figure in stained glass of the Virgin Mary, with angels hovering over her head, bearing in their hands a crown. On the north side is a large window, of three lights, with perpendicular tracery, containing fine old German glass representing the Crucifixion; Saint and kneeling figure; Judas betraying Christ; and St. Lambert and kneeling figure. This chapel is now used as a Baptistery, and the beautiful Ancient Stone Font stands in the centre, on a rich pavement of modern encaustic tiles. Against the north wall, an alabaster slab, engraved with figures of a warrior and lady, commemorates Nicholas Stafford, Esq. and Katherine, his wife, the reputed founders of this chapel, who died 1463, which formerly lay under the arched recess in the north wall.
Over the door leading into the vestry is the monument, in white marble, erected by subscription, to the memory of the brave Admiral Benbow, a native of the parish.
ERECTED BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION TO COMMEMORATE
THE SERVICES OF
JOHN BENBOW, ESQ. VICE-ADMIRAL OF THE BLUE,
A SKILFUL AND DARING SEAMAN
WHOSE HEROIC EXPLOITS LONG RENDERED HIM THE BOAST OF
THE BRITISH NAVY,
AND STILL POINT HIM OUT AS THE NELSON OF HIS TIMES.
HE WAS BORN AT COTON HILL IN THIS PARISH, AND DIED AT
KINGSTON IN JAMAICA,
NOVEMBER 4TH, 1702, AGED 51 YEARS,
OF WOUNDS RECEIVED IN HIS MEMORABLE ACTION
WITH A FRENCH SQUADRON OFF CARTHAGENA IN THE
WEST INDIES,
FOUGHT ON THE 19TH AND FIVE FOLLOWING DAYS OF AUGUST
IN THAT YEAR.