Memorial Inscriptions
There are many fascinating memorials within St Peter's Church. In this sacred space we can trace 800 years of history in our town in the tributes to past parishioners.
Tap on the church plan to view the memorials in each part of the church.
North Aisle
| 1. To the memory of the Right Honourable Mark Lord Somerville Baron Somerville of Scotland who died at Berkhamsted on 3rd June 1842 aged 57 years. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2. To the glory of God and in memory of his servants who lost their lives while serving in the war in South Africa 1899-1902 Sergt. F. Pinner : Army Pay Corps died at Pretoria 25th April 1901 Sergt. A. Pavitt : 2nd Worcester Regt died at Heilbron 18th november 1901 Pte. T. Capell : "The Queens" fell at Colenso 15th December 1899 Pte. L. Chilton : 1st Rifle Brigade fell at Monte Cristo 18th February 1900 Pte. A. Bone : 4th Beds. (Herts Militia) died at Mafeking 13th December 1900 Pte. A. Norwood : 1st Suffolk Regt. died at Pretoria 11th February 1901 This tablet was erected by their fellow Townsmen 1903. |
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| 3. This tablet is erected by the inhabitants of Berkhamsted as a tribute to the memory of George William Joseph Pocock and Archibald Ernest Osborne privates in the Berkhamsted Company 2nd (Herts) V.B. Bedfordshire Regiment who volunteered for Active Service and gave their lives for the Empire in the war in South Africa 1899-1902. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4. In affectionate memory of the Rev. F. Bullock who was drowned in the lake of Neuchatel on the evening of 7th July 1872 aged 36 years. His blameless purity of life and his especial tenderness towards the Lambs of Christ are thus commemorated by many who knew his worth and benefitted by his example. (Brass) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5. To the glory of God and in memory of Elca Rose dearly beloved wife of Edward Constable Curtis and eldest daughter of Sir Francis Beilby Alston KCMG who died July 31st 1889 aged 24 years. (Brass) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6. To the honour and glory of God and in memory of Thomas Curtis Esq. of The Hall in this Parish who departed this life December 7th 1884 aged 86 years. The North Aisle and Clerestories of this church were restored by his nephew and successor Constable Curtis 1887. (Brass) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7. This window was erected by the Cooper family in affectionate remembrance of William Cooper of this Parish who was born December 26th 1813 and died May 20th 1885. (Brass) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
"So they passed over and all the trumpets sounded for them on the other Side".
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| 9. To the glory of God and in loving memory of William Longman who died at Ashlyns-August 13th 1877. (Brass) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10. To the glory of God and in loving memory of Alexander Dalzell Sprunt (B.A. New College Oxford) 2nd Lt. 4th battalion Beds regiment (Aug. 1914). Mortally wounded 10 march 1915 at the battle of Neuvechapelle where his company was selected to lead the attack died and buried 17 March 1915 at Lillers France aged 24. '0 man greatly beloved, fear not, peace be unto thee'. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Edward Lawrence Sprunt (Exhibitioner Jesus College Oxford 3rd year) private 1st battalion Hon. Artillery Company (Aug. 1914) stretcher bearer section killed in action 17 June 1915 at the battle of Chateau-Hooge-Ypres-Menin Belgium and buried somewhere near the Ypres Menin road aged 22. He saved others himself he cannot save. He discharge his duties with g reat valour under great danger. The circumstances were such as to lead me to specially recommend him for gallant conduct. Officer commanding 1st Batt. H.A.C. I am to express to you the King's appreciation of these services Gerald Harper Sprunt Lt. 2nd battalion Beds regiment very severely wounded 15 August 1918 near Morlan court France died (in consequence of these wounds) 15 October 1919 on troopship 'Novara' for Bombay and buried in the Red Sea aged 21. A good soldier of Christ as was each of his brothers. Your gallant sons they died that we might live King George V. Sons of John D. and Jane Naismith Sprunt. Also in memory of their parents John Dalzell Sprunt born 22 August 1850 died 9 March 1938and his wife Jane Sprunt born 11 October 1959 died 23 December 1946 for 40 years resident in this parish. This tablet is erected by the remaining members of their family. (Brass) |
8. To the glory of God and in thanksgiving for all who served their Country & especially remembering before Godthose here recorded who gave their lives in the Great War 1914-1919 their friends and fellow townsmen make this Memorial.North Transept
| 11. In this chancel are interred Elizabeth Parker the daughter of Capt. Francis Rogers by Elizabeth his wife, and the widow of Armstead Parker of peterborough Esq. She died Jan. 20th 1787 Also her daughter Elizabeth Parker who died Dec. 9th 1793 and also her son Rogers Parker of Munden in this county who died 10 April 1828 aged 84. |
| 12. Richard Richardson. this stone, adjacent to No. 13 (Donne) is now covered by a carpet. |
| 13 Beneath this stone lyes the body of Catherine Donne who dyed May the XXIX in the year of our Lord MDCCXXXIII aged LVIII. Here also lyes the body of Ann Cowper, her daughter, and 7E:= wife of John Cowper DD Rector of this Parish who dyed Nov. the XIII MDCCXXXVII. As also the bodys of Spencer, John, Anne, Theodora, Judith and Thomas, the children of the said John and Ann Cowper, who all dyed infants. And Mrs Cowper dyed in the XXXIV year of her age. |
| 14. Thomas Dorrien died 1 January 1847 in his 93rd year. Isabella wife of Tho. Dorrien daughter and co-heir of Tho. Drake D.D. Rector of Amersham died 18 August 1829 aged 72 years. Thomas only son of the above died 22 February 1841 in his 61st year. Isabella eldest daughter of the above died 18 September 1846 in her 68th year. Mary Ann second daughter, wife of Thomas Drever Esq MD died 26 June 1843 in her 51st year. Lt.Gen. John Dorrien second son of John and Ann died 14 March 1825 in the 67th year of his age. Henrietta Ann his widow born 28 October 1773 died 6 Jan 1816. George Dorrien Esq fourth son died 10 Feb 1835 aged 66 years. Governor of Bank of England 1818-1819. Grace wife of George Dorrien and daughter of Sir William Ashurst died 29 Nov 1826 aged 53 years. |
Lady Chapel
| 15. Faculty for making a burial vault for John Dorrien Esq and his family for ever exclusive of all other persons at or in North Chancel of the Parish Church of Berkhamsted St Peter 12 feet in length and 8 feet in breadth and 7 feet in depth. Dated Hitchin 15 Nov 1782 Signed Richard Tristram Dy Registrar Sealed with the office seal. (Brass) |
| 16. (Palimpsest brass) Original side Of your charite pray for the soul of Thomas Humfre late of Londc goldsmythe and Jone hys wyfe the daughter of Wyllyam Bayntu brue: whyche Jone dyssessyd the iiij day December (rest of brass cut c-Reverse side Ecce sub hoc tumulo conjunx uxorque jacemus aeternam pacem donet utrique Deus nil cuignam abstulimus si quid beneficimus ulli es: qui pro meritis praemia digna davit est tamen una salus Cristi miseratio quam qui transit ambobus sepe precare precor. |
| 17. This window was provided by subscriptions from James Hutchinson MA Rector and others. (Brass) |
| 18. H.S.E. Joannes Sayer Armiger Sermi: Domi Regis Caroli Secundi Archimagirus, cui, temporibus difficillimis tam foras quam domi in regnis suis Angliae et Scotiae, constanter adhaesi:: Singularem erga Deum pietatem, erga proximus egenos praecipue Charitatem semper exercuit, et mille libras testamento legavit, ad inopum hujus Burgi Berkhamstediae susteritionem prudentia dilectisimae conjugis Mariae disponendas per quam tres optimae indolis filios reliquit Joannem, Edvardum, et Josephum obyt ChancI o die Febr: MDCLXXXII aetat: suae LXIII. (Chest tomb) |
Old Chancel
19. In memory of Charles Gordon Esquire of bru coin the island of Jamaica and of this place who departed this life on the 28th of June 1829 aged 82 years. His remains are deposited in the vau_: of Pilkington manor House. Also of Eliza Anne Gordon third daughter of Charles Gordon Esq who departed this life 16th April 1820 aged 25 years. Also of Mary wife of the above Charles Gordon who died 18th June 1839 aged 75 years. |
| 20. To the memory or Capt. Richard Stratton or London deputy master of the Trinity House who died 8th July 1749 aged 77 and of his eldest son Richard Stratton Turkey merchant & member of parliament for new Shoreham in Sussex, who died 18th Decem 1758 aged 53. Henry Stratton his youngest son erected this monument. Henry Stratton Esq died Octr 9th 1768 aged 52 |
| 21. Josephum et Jacobum Moravius adolescentes indole suavissimus fratres charitate propinos filios obsequiopiisimos infaelix mater perpetuae securitati et memoriae aeternae fato cedens commendavit. |
| 22. Sacred to the memory of Ann Cowper late wife of John cowper D.D. Rector of this Parish. Consigned to earth lies (young bereft of life) The best of mothers and the kindest wife Who neither knew or practised any art Secure in all she wish'd, her husbands heart Her love to him preserving e'en in death Pray'd heaven to bless him with her latest breath Constantly studious never to offend And glad of an occasion to commend With ease could pardon injuried receiv'd Nor e'er was chearful when another griev'd Despising state, with her own lot content Enjoyed the comforts of a life well spent Resigned, when heaven demanded back her breath Her mind heroic midst the pangs of death Whoe'er thou art, thou dost this grave draw near Oh! stay awhile, and shed a friendly tear These lines, though weak, are as herself sincere. |
Crossing
| 23. In memory of John Wolstenholme Cobb rector. Chancel decorated by his parishioners and friends 1884.(Brass) |
| 24. In memory of Sir Edwin Pearson Kt and Hon Alicia Pearson. Placed here by their son Edwin James Pearson churchwarden 1895. |
| 25. To the glory of God in memory of James Hutchinson M.A. Rector of this Parish. (Reredos) |
| 26. To the glory of God in memory of Sophia Jane Hutchinson widow of the Rev. James Hutchinson Rector of this Parish born Aug 12 1820 died June 23 1893. Lord have mercy on us. Christ have mercy on us. Lord have mercy on us. (Brass) |
| 27. In affectionate memory of her husband Sophia jane Hutchinson caused this wall to be decorated. (Brass) |
| 28. To the greater glory of God and thank offering for mercies vouchsafed and for the safe return of three members serving in the South Africa War 1899-1902 this screen was adorned by the Smith-Dorrien family AD1903. (Brass) |
| 29. List of Rectors - see the red arrow for a list of names |
| 30. To the glory of God in memory of John Wolstenholme Cobb MA for 12 years Rector of this Parish entered into rest June 7 1883. (Brass) |
| 31. In loving memory of Elizabeth Mary Cobb who entered into rest January 20th 1901 aged 76 years. "Be thou faithful unto death". (Brass) |
| 32. This tablet is erected in memory of Dorothea Knightley Broome who died February the 8th 1811 aged 3 months. |
| 33. To the glory of God and in loving memory of Adelaide Bald for 30 years a constant worshipper and communicant in this church. Died on Christmas Day 1924 qged 74 years. "God is our refuge and strength A very present help in trouble". |
St Catherine Chapel
| 34. Here resteth the remains of Mrs Rachel Farquharson sister to Francis Farquharson Esq of Monalrrie in the county of Aberdeen Scotland. She died July the fourth 1757 aged 39 years. |
| 35. Giving thanks to God for the life and example and in loving memory of Elizabeth Ann Norris who in her 82 year passed to the life eternal June 14 1909. Her friends and children make this memorial, feast of the Ascension 1910. |
| 36. Hic sunt repoosti cimeres viri optims naturae dotibus conspicui Henrici Brabant de a edio templo Londini arnigeri fuit is Roberti Brabant hujus ecclesiae rectoris filius natu maximus Ceciliae filiae Joannis Conyers de Walthamstow in Essex armig mapitus longe des ideratissimus qui postquam conjugem carissimam amore magmo sed et mutuo beaverae patrem optimum atq indulgentissimum pio per omnia obsequio colverat propinquos sibi et amicos deviuxerat suavetate morum notos pariter atq ignotos bona fama demervarat non sine omnium ploratu febre correptus immedicabili post septimum conjugis mensem vigesimum atq septimum aetatis annum vitam hanc lacrim abilem beata breviculam hanc aeterna commutavit die XXVI Novembris anno domini MDCCXVIII. |
| 37. Here under lyeth interred the body of the worthy lady Dame Margaret Waterhouse deceased, daughter of Thomas Spilman of Chart in the county of Kent-, in the memory of whose virtues and dearest love Sir Edward Waterhouse Kt. her husband hath caused this monument to be erected. She died the 6th July 1587 aetatis suae 38, and he 30th October aetatis suae 55 and lyeth buried with his last wife Dame Deborah at the Manor of Woodchurch in Kent. |
| 38. To the glory of God and the memory of George Loader the friend of children Christmas 1908. (Glass) |
| 39. Hereunder lie the bodies of Thomas Waterhouse Gent. deceased and Mary his wife who lived together in marriage 32 years and had issue between them six sons and five daughters; he died 7th September 1600 and she died 4th December 1598 (he was aged 68 and she 54). Both of them in the love and favour of God and man. |
| 40. John Waterhouse Gent. deceased died the 11th August 1558 and Margaret his wife deceased 10th January in the same year. Which John and Margaret had issue viz. john Thomas, William, Edward, Arthur and Charles. |
| 41. To the memory of Joseph Kirkman Brewer of the parish of St. Giles in the Fields who died Dec 7th 1803 aged 47 years. His remains are deposited in the vault belonging to Pilkington Manor House. |
South Transept
| 42. Near this place rests the body of Mrs Elizabeth Cradock who dyed Oct 16th MDCCIV abouth the 48. year of her age. She was descended from y Wethereds of Ashlyns in this parish an ancient and worthy family of good report for hospitality, probity and piety, for unshaken fidelity to the crown and steddy adherence to the Church of England. She showed her self not unworthy of the stock from whence she sprung by the liberal and pious provision she made for the poor of this place to whom she bequeathed four hundred pounds to be laid out in land, the income of which is to be distributed annually on the day of her decease to such of them as are constant frequenters of their parish church. In memory of her and of her charity and that others may be incited to follow her example this monument is erected by her executors Sir Robert Bedingfield Kt. Lo. Mayor of London, Sir Simon Harcourt Kt. Mayor Attorny General. |
| 43. Sacred to the memory of William Walker Esquire of this parish who died suddenly 21st October AD 1829 aged 36 years. "Watch therefore for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come". Also In lovinq memory of William Newman Walker F.R.C,R. Eldest son of the above who died suddenly at West brighton Feb 13th 1890 aged 69 years. Interred at Manor park cemetery Essex. "His that cometh to me I no way cast out". |
| 44. Sacred to the memory of Mrs Katharine Gibbon Walker the beloved wife of William Walker Esquire of this parish who departed this life August 1st 1823 aged 25 years. A saint, a wife, a mother slumbers here To heaven, to husband and to children dear. But heaven (deserving of such worth alone) too quickly claimed and made her all his own. Three infant pledges of sweet love she left unconscious they of how much bliss bereft. Their tears may well be spared, they need not fall. There's one whose heat hoards grief enough for all who, but for them, as he bends o'er this stone would long to call this peaceful grave his own. Into thy hands O God all wise and just he puts his hopes, his sorrow and his trust. |
St John Chantry
| 45. In memoriam Carolinae vxoris Edvardi Bartrum scholae Berkhamstediensis Magistri informatoris qvae obiit die XX mensis Martii anno salvtis MDCCCLXIX. (Glass) |
| 46. In honorom dei et in memm Joh Rob Crawford a m quondm scholae ae rec Berkhamstediensis magistri informatoris qui obiit die XVIII mensis Jul a s MDCCCLXIII hanc fenestrm alumni et amici sui posuerunt die fest(?) ascens domini nostri MDCCCLXV. (Glass) |
| 47. Beneath lyes the remains of Mrs Frances Hawes spinster(?) daughter of the Rev M. Tho. Hawes late master of this chancel. She departed this life May 11th 1731 aged 72 years much regretted by her relatives, her friends & the poor and in grateful remembrance for kindness received. This marble was ordered to be erected by her kinswoman Mrs Mary Allcock likewise here deposited March 1st 1752. |
| 48. To the glory of God & in memory of Adelaide Frances Darrork.The gift of her children & only sister Easter 1901. (Glass) |
| 49. This window was erected by William Cooper of this parish in affectionate remembrance of Mary his devoted wife who was born December 2nd 1809 and died August 28th 1874. (Glass) |
| 50 Here lyeth buryed and thys stone the body of Robert Incent Gentylman late suant to the nobel pryncess Cecyle duchesse of Yorke & mother unto the worthy kyng Edward and Richard the thyrde whych sayd Robert dyed of the grete swetyng sykeness the first yere of the reygne of kyng Henry the viii upon whose sowlys Jhu have mercy amen. (Brass) |
| 51. The glory of God and in memory of Horatia Winifred second--wife of Edward Constable Curtis eldest daughter of Capt. Walter James Stopford C.B. late 52nd Light Infantry born 2 Aug 1864 died 10 March 1914 buried at North Petherton Somerset. (Brass) |
| 52. To the glory of God aBd in loving memory of George Frederick WhatelE for many years a medical practitioner in this town. Born Nov 21 181and died Aug 16 1878. Also of Mary Ann his wife formerly widow of tHon. William Howard born Oct 9 1821 died Jan 19 1892. Both interred at Berkhamsted cemetery. This memorial placed here by their 10 surviving children. (Brass) |
| 53. Here lyeth buryed und(er) thys stone the bodye of Kateryn sumtyme wife of Robert Incent,Vgent father and mother unto John Incent docto(r) of ye lawe who hath done many benyfyt & ornament given unto thys chapel of Saynt John whyche sayd Kateryn dyed the XII day of Marche ye xii yere of the reygne of kyng Henry the viii. (brass) |
| 54. Monument with female figure (front panel) Father into thy hands I commend my spirit To the memory of Mary Isabella wife of James Smith Esq of Ashlyns Hall. Died at Paris Feb XIV MDCCCXXIII aged XXXIX. (left panel) In a vault beneath rest the mortal remains of James Smith Esq of Ashlyns hall. Born 3rd Sept 1768 died 16th Feb 1843. Also of James his only child by his first wife Frances daughter of John Arbuthnot Esq. Born 30th April 1800 killed by a fall from his pony 12th Sept-1811. Augustus John Smith of Ashlyns Hall and Tresco Abbey, Isles of Scilly M.P. for Truro. Eldest son of the 2nd marriage. Born 15th Sept 1804 died 31st July 1872. His remains lie at St Buryan Cornwall. Robert Algernon Smith Dorrien of Haresfoot. Captain 3rd Light Dragoons and 16th Lancers, Colonel Herts Militia. Fourth son of the eldest marriage. Born 2nd oct 1814 died 8th Oct 1879. His body rests in the cemetery. Mary Ann Smith Dorrien his wife. Born 25th Jan 1825 died 28th July 1909. Thomas Algernon Smith Dorrien Smith eldest son of the above.Lord Proprietor of the Isles of Scilly. Born 7th Feb 1846 died 6th Aug 1918. (Right panel) In the same vault are deposited with their parents James Smith Esq and his second wife Isabella eldest daughter of Augustus Pechell Esq The bodies of Theodore Samuel their third son. Cornet in H.Ms Light Dragoons. Born 20th March 1806 died 29th June 1829. Of Pauline Wilhelmina their youngest child born 23rd Jan 1820 died at St Marys in the Isles of Scilly 28th oct 1835. "Bright and brief was her course as a meteor's vanishing into heaven". Frances Mary Isabella their eldest daughter, widow of Colonel Thomas le Marchant. Born 3rd April 1812 died 15th Oct 1902. Buried at Broadway, Herts. |
| 55. In memory of Major Edward Rodney Cecil Pechehl late 106th Light Infantry. Youngest son of the late capt S. G. Pechell R.N. Born 26 July 1837 died Toronto, Canada 12 Nov 1880. This tablet is erected as a mark of affection by his widow. "Thanks be to God who gave us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ". |
| 56. Sacred to the memory of Sir George Brooke Pechell 5th Baronet Col. of the 2nd Hampshire Rifles and formerly in the 47th Regiment Madras Native Infantry. Born at Chalfont St Giles, Bucks 19 march 1819 died at Alton House, Alton, Hamps. 8 July 1897 in the 79 year of his age. |
| 57. This tablet is erected as a widows tribute of affection to the memory of Capt William Mortimer Pechell H.M. 85 Kings Light Infantry. Son of Capt Samuel George Pechell R.N. He died at Grahamstown, Cape of Good Hope on the 18 Feb 1859 in his 36 year. His brother officers have erected a monument over his remains in S. Africa as a mark of the love and respect they entertained for him. Also to the memory of Charles Samuel Harris youngest son of Capt William Mortimer Pechell who died at Fort Beaufort, S. Africa on 12 Aug 1856 aged 3 years and 8 months. "Of such is the kingdom of God". |
| 58. To the memory of Augustus Pechell Esq obit 19 Supt "As gold in the furnace hath he tried them and receives a burnt offering". Also Paul William Pechell a judge in the Court of Appeal __ where he died May 23 1821 aged 38 years. Also harvey ThcTa_ obit 17 Oct 1803 aet 40. Also to the memory of Sarah wife of the above Augustus Pechell Esq who died 20 Jan 1839 in the 77 year of her age. Her chilcreservice may emulate her truth and singleness of heart, her kindness and beneficience, her devoted adoration of the creator and redeemer, but they can inscribe no just testimonial of her excellence and of their love. |
| 59. Near this place are deposited the remains of Samuel George Pechell R.N. second son of August Pechell Esq who was born July 6 1786 who died Dec 30 1840. In grateful recollection of whose memory this tablet is erected by his affectionate widow. Caroline relict of the above died Jan 17 1864 aged 70 and buried at Reading. |
South Aisle
| 60. Underneath rests from the Cares and Anxieties of this mortal life. From the torments of a long and painful illness (which he bore with a noble Christian fortitude) and in a firm hope of a Joyful Resurrection Henry Johnson Esqre to whose sacred memory this marble was erected by his disconsolate widow and attached daughters. He was descended from the barons of De Vesci who came into England with William the Conqueror. His ancestors were distinguished by many virtues which he inherited. Nor think reader this marble flatters when it tells thee he was a dutiful son and Tender Husband a most affectionate and indulgent Father a sincere Friend a generous benefactor and a true Christian. He departed this life May 12th 1760 aetatis 61. Here also are interred the remains of Laetitia widow of Henry Johnson Esqre who died Sept 7th 1784 aged 70. |
| 61. Give thanks to God for the honoured memory of Robert Algeron Smith Dorrien of Haresfoot. late Lt. Col. of the Hants Militia for the zeal shown by him as Churchwarden in the restoratio7 of this church and neighbours have rebuilt this aisle and dedicated this window AD MDCCCLXXX. (Brass) |
| 62. Giving thanks for the life of Mary Anne Smith Dorrien wife of Robert Algernon Smith Dorrien to whose memory the pulpit in this church was adorned by their 14 children AD MCMIX anc the cross erected in the churchyard to her memory by her friends and fellow parishoners. |
| 63. Bonae memoriae Thomae Baldvini armigeri Hertfordiensis qui est in hoc ipso agro Hertfordi 2do Maii Anno Salut Reparat CICICLXVIII vitam cum morte commutavit XX Junii Anno CICICC\__ et aetatis suae LXXIIII pia et maesti conjux Katherin quae c..illo par 44 Annos conjunctissimae vixit XLIIII hoc in loco ex Testamento monumentu ac C semina non nisi corrupta revirescunc. 1 Cor. 15 36. |
| 64. In ever loving memory of Capt Leonard Alfred Hardwick-Terry Royal Engineers and Royal Flying Corps (Flight Commander) beloved and only son of Edward and Edith Hardwick-Terry killed on Aug 31st 1917 near Amiens in the service of his country. Buried in Sept 1st at Aveluy, France aged 21. "These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth and their mouth was found no guile". Revelation XIV chaptr. |
Rectors
The Victorian brass plate on the southwest tower pier records the Rectors of Great Berkhamsted from the 13th century to the present day.Note the rapid succession of rectors during the 14th century, when England was ravaged by bubonic plague — in the three years 1369-1386, eight rectors are listed, suggesting they each died in office from black death!
Notable names among the rectors include:
- John de Waltham (1379-1380), Lord Privy Seal of England and later Bishop of Salisbury, who enjoyed an especially close relationship with King Richard II. He was the only commoner to be buried in the Chapel of Edward the Confessor at in Westminster Abbey.
- Rev John Cowper (1722-1756), father of the poet and hymn-writer William Cowper.
- James Hutchinson (1851-1871), who initiated Butterfield’s restoration of the building.
- Rev John Wolstenholme Cobb (1871 to 1883), author of The History and Antiquities of Berkhamsted (1855) who also oversaw Butterfield’s restoration.
- Arthur Johnson (1883-1902), who with his curate brother founded All Saints Church in Berkhamsted.
✠
List of Rectors of Great Berkhamsted St Peter
1222-2024
Ecclesia petri apud Berkhamsted ordo Rectorum. Quorum nomina extant.
Eorum qui antea per annos sexgentos huic ecclesiae praefuerunt non est memoria sed nomina scripta sunt in coelis.
Benedicite sacerdotes domini domino laudate et superexaltate cum in saecula.
Rectors of St. Peter's Church in Berkhamsted whose names are known. Of those who had previously presided over six years of the church of this nation, there is no memorial, but their names are written in heaven. With the priests of God, bless the Lord: praise him, and magnify for ever.
| Name | Date (Roman numerals) | Date (modern numeric) |
|---|---|---|
| Robert de Tuardo | MCCXXII | 1222 |
| Hugh de London | MCCXXIII | 1223 |
| John de Merse | MCCXXXVIII | 1238 |
| Walter de Braclesham | MCCLXX | 1270 |
| Roger de Castro | MCCXCIV | 1294 |
| Richard Abel | MCCCVI | 1306 |
| Thomas de Bamville | ||
| Walter de Bamville | MCCCXXXI | 1331 |
| John Conde | MCCCXXXIII | 1333 |
| Richard de Odecott | MCCCXXXIV | 1334 |
| William Wenlock | MCCCXLIX | 1349 |
| Philipe de Leghe | MCCCLII | 1352 |
| Ralph de Iddebury | MCCCLVI | 1356 |
| Nicholas de Bede | MCCCLVII | 1357 |
| John Osborn | ||
| Nicholas Turney | MCCCLXV | 1365 |
| Thomas Somenor | MCCCLXIX | 1369 |
| John de Waltham | ||
| Peter de Burton | MCCCLXXXI | 1381 |
| John Long | MCCCLXXXII | 1382 |
| Robert .de Bolton | MCCCLXXXIV | 1384 |
| John Milton | MCCCLXXXV | 1385 |
| John Cheeton | MCCCLXXXVI | 1386 |
| Thomas Brydde | ||
| Robert Bodersale | MCCCCVI | 1406 |
| William Watford | MCCCCXXXII | 1432 |
| John Staunton | MCCCCXXXII | 1432 |
| Michael James | MCCCCXXXV | 1435 |
| John Goddeslond | ||
| Richard Plomer | MCCCCLXII | 1462 |
| John More | MCCCCLXXVIII | 1478 |
| Henry Matthew | MCCCCLXXXIV | 1484 |
| Thomas Lee | MCCCCXC | 1490 |
| John Harden | MDI | 1501 |
| William Hone | MDIV | 1504 |
| Richard Lessy | ||
| John Dent | MDXXII | 1522 |
| Thomas Abell | MDXXII | 1522 |
| Richard Baker | MDXXX | 1530 |
| John Chamberlain | MDLIV | 1554 |
| William Parker | MDLX | 1560 |
| John lane | MDLXVIII | 1568 |
| Thomas Wethered | MDLXXIII | 1573 |
| Nicholas Clayton | MDLXXVIII | 1578 |
| William Painter | MDLXXXIV | 1584 |
| Thomas Newman | MDXCVIII | 1598 |
| John Napier | MDCXXXIX | 1639 |
| Robert Brabant | MDCLXXXI | 1681 |
| John Cowper | MDCCXXII | 1722 |
| John Jeffreys | MDCCLVI | 1756 |
| Charles de Guiffardiere | MDCCXCVIII | 1798 |
| John Crofts | MDCCCX | 1810 |
| James Hutchinson | MDCCCLI | 1851 |
| John Wolstenholme Cobb | MDCCCLXXI | 1871 |
| Arthur Johnson | MDCCCLXXXIII | 1883 |
| Henry G Constable Curtis | MDCCCCII | 1902 |
| Reginald de V Hart Davies | MCMVIII | 1908 |
| William Chipchase Stainsby | MCMXX | 1920 |
| Horace Spence | MCMXLVIII | 1948 |
| Robert Saville Brown | MCMLIII | 1953 |
| Edward M Norfolk | MCMLXIX | 1969 |
| H Roger Davis | MCMLXXXI | 1981 |
| Mark Bonney | MCMXCVI | 1996 |
| Michael Bowie | MMV | 2005 |
| Timothy Pilkington | MMXIV | 2014 |
Not recorded on this plaque: during the Civil War "intruder" priests were installed by Parliament; Napier, a Royalist, was ejected in 1650 but returned in 1661.
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