The
Monumental Inscriptions (M.I.s) in the churchyard of
St Margaret of Antioch, Lower Halstow, Kent with
Index
of names
Transcribed by D. E. WILLIAMS
2020
Viewed from the South,
this area of the churchyard contains the oldest monuments.
South wall of the nave of
Anglo Saxon work with many red Romano - British tiles. The tiles
were commonly used to support raised floors in Roman buildings
fitted with under floor heating.
There are numerous tiles in the church walls, their colour
enlivening the building.
This area of the
Medway Estuary was the site of major Romano -
British pottery manufacture. It
was carried out in
sites now submerged at high tides, which
then, were dry land, the pottery is known as Upchurch ware.
View from the West, looking
across the Creek.
The embankment hardly seems adequate for today's tides
I have divided the churchyard
into four sections. The South East Section is south of the nave
and east of the porch; the East Section is east of the chancel;
the South West Section is west and south of the church and the
North Section is the whole area north of the church. My thank to
Ted Connell for hosting this record and compiling the index, to
my wife, Beverley for her assistance in the churchyard, last but
not least to the staff of the County Archives at Maidstone. It
should be noted that the wills are my concise versions of the
originals.
D.E. Williams,
Borstal
27th December 2020
CHURCHYARD MONUMENTS
1. Headstone,
South West
In
Loving Remembrance of
EDWARD JOHN
Son of
CHARLES & MARY ANN ADAMS
died 26th Decr. 1879
Aged 5 Years
(Illegible Verses)
2. Headstone, South East
To
the Memory of
JOHN BEANLAND
of this Parish Yeoman who
departed this life the 21st of
March 1782 Aged 71 Years
Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will Dated 20th April 1779
John Beanland, Yeoman
He gives his two houses with yards and gardens in Lower Halstow,
occupied by himself and John Parkinson, to his
wife Ann, for her lifetime and after her death, then the
house he lives in, to his grand daughter, Sarah May,
for ever.
The house John Parkinson lives in to his
grand daughter, Hannah May for ever.
The use of his goods, chattels, the interest, profits and
dividends of his personal state and effects, to his wife for
life and after her death, he gives to his son in law, George
May, all his wagons, carts, ploughs, harrows, rollers,
horse tackle, implements of farming and husbandry, corn, grain,
hops and other effects on the farm, which he holds on lease from
Edward Hasted Esquire and now occupied by George
May.
To his grandsons, James and Joseph Mantle,
£200 each, within 12 months after the death of his wife, if
they are 21, if they are not, they are to be paid when they
respectively reach that age. He gives his grand daughter, Elizabeth
Mantle, £100, within 12 months of his wife's death if
she is 21, if not, then as above, or day of marriage if sooner.
To his daughter, Ann Young, wife of James Mitchell
of Milton next Sittingbourne, Yeoman, £30 within 12 months of
the death of his wife.
Rest and residue of his goods, chattels, rights, credits, ready
money, securities for money and personal estate and effects,
after payment of his debts, funeral and probate costs and
legacies, to his grandchildren, then living, equally shared
within 12 months after the death of his wife if they are 21, if
not, as above.
He appoints his good friend, Lake Marr of
Newington, Surgeon, his executor.
Witnesses: J. Hinde, William Lyng
and John Hinde, Junior
Proved 25th April 1782. Lake Marr died in
testator's lifetime, administration granted to testator's widow Ann.
3. Headstone, Close to above
To
the Memory of
ANN Wife of JOHN BEANLAND
of this Parish Yeoman who
departed this life the 7th? of May
1783 Aged 70 ? Years
Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will Dated 24th April 1783
Ann Beanland, Widow of John
To grandson, James Mantle, £100 if he is 21, if
not then 6 months after her death.
Rest and residue of personal estate and effects, after payment
of her debts, funeral and probate costs, to her grandchildren, James
Mantle, Joseph Mantle, Elizabeth Mantle,
George May, Charles May, Moses
May, Jesse? May, Joshua May,
Sarah May and Hannah May, equally
shared at their respective ages of 21.
She appoints good friend, Argyle Richard Turner,
Gentleman and Daniel Grace , Victualler, both of
Lower Halstow, executors and guardians of her grandchildren if
minors.
She signs the will with her mark X
Witnesses: Judith Parkinson and Br[yan]
Faussett
Proved 28th May 1783
4. Headstone, South East, Close to Porch
(Very eroded especially on right side)
Sacred
to the Memory of
HENRY CHRISTOPHER BROWN
Son of ROBERT CHRISTOPHER BROWN
who died [
]
Aged 17? Years
5. Headstone, Close to above
Sacred
to the Memory of
EDWIN STANDGATE
Son of ROBERT BROWN
Surgeon
and of CHARLOTTE his Wife
who departed this life
the 7th of September 1832
Aged 4 Years
Also of JULIA? ALICE Daughter
of the above
who departed this life
the 3rd?, of October 1832
Aged 9? Months
It should be noted that there was a substantial Quarantine
station at nearby Standgate Creek and that that a Robert Brown,
a Scottish Royal Navy Surgeon, left a Prerogative Court of
Canterbury will, proved 1849. 1832 was the year of a Cholera
epidemic in Britain.
6. Stone Tablet on South Wall of Nave
Here Resteth the Bodys
of JONATHAN and MARY
BUCKLAND MARY died 23rd
of Oct 1763 Aged Ten
Years all but 23 Days
JONATHAN died August? 10th
1770 Aged 12 Years
[ ] Months & 27 Days
(4 lines if illegible verse)
A Samuel Buckland of Lower Halstow left a
Prerogative Court of Canterbury will, proved 1775
7. Large Ledger at Ground Level, South East
In Memory of
STEPHEN CAREY
Born at Bredgar 23rd January 1808
Died at Camperdown House Bermondsey
11th July 1881
Also of FANNY
the beloved Wife of the above
and eldest Daughter of
RICHARD and FANNY CHAPMAN
of this Parish
Born Lower Halstow 9th November 1810
Died at Camperdown House
[ ] of [
]
1883
Also of EMMA CHAPMAN
who died 4th December 1890 (aged 90)
and ANN CHAPMAN
who died 18th February 1897 (aged 65)
Sister of the above FANNY CHAPMAN
H.M. Court of Probate Index
Stephen Carey of Camperdown House, Snow's fields,
Bermondsey, Contractor. Administration granted to his widow, Fanny,
personal estate valued at £1,7774s 7d
Ann Chapman of Lower Halstow, Spinster,
administration granted to William Chapman, Farmer.
Value of effects, £24 19s 11d
CAREY see HAWKINS
8. Headstone, South East
Here Lyeth
ye Body of WILL
CARRICK ye beloved Husband
of MARY CARRICK of ys
Parish He died on [ ]
[ ] 1729 Aged 25 Years
(Eroded Verses)
I am not sure who this William Carrick is but probably the
grandson in the will, son of Bateman? At time of writing, I
have not been able to see the film of the Burial Registers for
Lower Halstow due to the Archives closure in the present
pandemic. But I am including the will to represent this family.
Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will Dated 23rd January 1726
(1727 in modern calendar)
William Carrick, of Lower Halstow, Inn Holder
He is somewhat ill in body.
To his son, Bateman, 3 shillings, he also forgives him
any money he may owe on bond, bill or other account.
To grandson, William Carrick, son of Bateman,
£5, within 2 years of his death, in the meantime the money to
be held by Bateman.
To son William, £40, to be paid as follows, £20 within
a year of testator's death and £20 within 2 years.
To son, John, £50, as follows, £10 within 1 month of
testator's death, £20 within 1 year and £20 within 2 years.
He forgives his sister, Sarah Tilden, £10 given
him by the last will and testament of his brother (in law?), John
Tilden, her late husband.
Rest and residue of personal estate, goods and chattels, after
his debts, legacies and funeral costs are paid, to his wife, Elizabeth
and son Crosswell, in equal shares. In case his wife,
happens to remarry or she and son Crosswell can not agree
on sharing the estate, they shall choose a good honest man to
appraise the goods and chattels, is son Crosswell shall?
and hold? his farms? to his own use.
He appoints his wife, Elizabeth and son Crosswell
joint executors.
Witnesses: Francis Cobb and Samuel Crosswell
Proved 25th April 1727
CHAPMAN see CAREY
9. Headstone, South West
Sacred
to the Memory of
THOMAS Eldest and Beloved Son of
WILLIAM & JANE FRANCES CRA[YDEN]
of this Parish
who departed this life
the 13th of September 1868
Aged 19? Years
(Rest Illegible)
1851, 1861 & 1871 Census, William Crayden, a
Baker
10. Headstone, South West
Badly Flaked
To
the Memory of
JANE
[Wife] of SAMUEL CRAYDEN, Minster, Sheppey
who departed this life
the 14th of November 1872
Aged 84 Years
Also SAMUEL
Grandson of the above
who departed this life
the 21st Day of January 186[ ]
Aged [ ] [Yea]rs
11. Headstone, South West
In Affectionate Remembrance of
GEORGE CROUCHER
[ Died 2nd Quarter ] 1888
[Aged 24 Years]
[Rest Illegible]
12. Headstone, North West Corner, Under Large
Willow
In
Loving Memory of
GEORGE NORMAN CROUCHER
who died December 8th 1906
Aged 25 Years
"In the midst of Life we are in Death"
13. Headstone, next to above
In
Loving Memory of
WILLIAM JOHN CROUCHER
who died August 2nd 1908
Aged 28 Years
"He gives his beloved Sleep"
14a. Headstone North
In
Affectionate Remembrance of
JESSIE LAURA
the beloved child of
JAMES CHARLES & ANNIE FRIDAY
who died on the 29th of July 187[2]
Aged [ ] Months
"Suffer the little children to come unto me for
of such is the [Kingdom of Heaven]"
Also CHARLES EDWARD FRIDAY
who died [ ] [
] of April 1876
[Aged 1 Year]
1871 Census, James Friday, a Miller of Mill Yard
14b. Headstone and Curbs, South East
Sacred?
To the Memory of
HANNAH HAWKINS
Born at Stray House, Lower Halstow
and died there on the 3rd Aug 1924
Aged 83
Also of
JOSEPH HAWKINS
Husband of the above
who died 18th Dec 1896
Buried at Pupewa Cemetery, Auckland N.Z.
Also of
FANNY CAREY
Daughter of STEPHEN and FANNY CAREY
and Sister of HANNAH HAWKINS
who died 30th Decr. 1924
Aged 75
H.M. Court of Probate Index
Fanny Carey of the Stray, Lower Halstow and 45
Thurleigh Road, Balham. Administration granted to Frances
Hannah Carey, Spinster and Richard Edward
Carey, Accountant. Value of effects, £2,400 16s 6d
HAWKINS see CAREY
HEPTON see TRESS
15. Headstone, South East,
To
the Memory of
ESTHER Wife of EDWARD JEFFERIES
Shipwright of Chatham
who died March the 16th 1771 Aged 22? Years
16. Headstone, South East
Here lieth the Body of
ELIZABETH Wife of THOMAS LEWIS
of this Parish
who departed this life the 27th of
August 1808
in the 55th Year of her Age
[ Eroded Verses]
17. Headstone, South East
Sacred to the Memory of
ELIZABETH Wife of
WILLIAM LEWIS
(of this Parish)
who departed this life
the 17th of July 1822
Aged 33 Years
"Now my dear Wife's at ease and rest within her silent
Grave
Her Soul I hope is with the Blessed let fruitless sorrow wave
And may my loss be her great gain let not rude hand anoy
Her dust now sleeps exempt from pain in hopes of future
Joy"
Also the above named
WILLIAM LEWIS
who died the 9th of Aug 1862
Aged 76 Years
1851 Census, William Lewis, a Farmer. In the 1861
Census, a Fundholder
18. Headstone, next to 16
Sacred
to the Memory of
THOMAS LEWIS
of this Parish
who departed this life
the 7th of November 1828
Aged 76 Years
Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will Dated 10th May 1823
Thomas Lewis
All his 6 houses with the land belonging, occupied by James
Steel, [ ] Brown, [
]
Roberts, Gabriel Marriot, John Baker
and [
] Burton, in Lower
Halstow, to his 2 sons, Thomas and William.
Likewise, money, credits, household furniture, plate and linen,
to be equally shared. If either of his sons are not living at
the time of his death, then the survivor to have the whole. He
appoints his above sons, both of Lower Halstow, his executors.
They to first pay his debts, funeral and probate charges.
Witnesses: William Newman, Robert Emmerson
and John Clark
Proved 20th December 1828. Value of goods, chattels and credits
less than £200.
Son, Thomas is now of Whitstable and a Farmer, son, William
is still of Lower Halstow and also a Farmer, (of Pean Farm?).
19. Headstone, North
In
Loving Memory
of
WILLIAM LEWIS
who died June 1st 1880
Aged 67 Years
Also MARY ANN
Wife of the above
who died May 27th 1900
Aged 75 Years
"We all do Fade as a Leaf"
Isaiah LXIV VI
H.M. Court of Probate Index
William Lewis, Farmer. Administration granted
to his widow, Mary Ann, son William, a
Farmer and son, Thomas, a Grocer's Assistant of
Stalisfield. Effects valued at less than £1,500
20. Headstone, South East
Sacred
to the Memory
of
GEORGE BEAUMONT LEWIS
who died August 30th 1884
Aged 27 Years
"We Ne'er can tell who next may fall,
Beneath thy Chastening Rod,
One must be first so let us all,
Prepare to meet our God"
Also his Sister
ANN MARY LEWIS
who died in her Infancy
October 25th 1859
21. Curved Cope Stone, North
In
Affectionate Remembrance
of
JANE
the beloved Wife of
JOHN LEWIS
who died March 15th 1891
Aged [ ? ] Years
(Eroded Verses)
Also of JOHN LEWIS
of this Parish
who entered into rest
August 7th 1917
Aged 100 Years
"Thou shall come to thy grave
In a Full Age as a shock of Corn,
Cometh in it's Season"
H.M. Court of Probate Index
John Lewis. Administration granted to Phillip
Henry Bishop, Auctioneer's Clark and Frank Frederick
Boucher, Solicitor's Clerk. Value of effects, £5,961 12s
4d.
22. Headstone, South East
To
the Memory of
JAMES MANTELL
of this Parish who departed
this life January the 11th? 1776
Aged [ ] Years
23. Headstone , next to above
Here?
Lie? Deposited
the Remains of
Mrs ANN Wife of the late
Mr JAMES MANTELL
of this Parish Yeoman who
departed this life the [ ] of
February 1787 Aged 44 Years
24. Small Headstone, East of Chancel
[
]
Mr JAMES MARDEN
Late of Milton
who departed this life Oct. 22nd
1828 Aged 61? 64?Years
[Eroded Verses]
Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will Dated 14th October 1828
James Marden of Lower Halstow, Fisherman and
Drudgerman.*
To his wife, Sarah, all of his real and personal estate,
for life and after her death, to her daughter, Sarah
Peek executor of my said will (not clear?)
Signs will with his mark X
Witnesses: The marks of James Rainer X, John
Baker X and John Nullina? X
Proved 18th November.1828 Administration granted to his widow,
Sarah. Value of goods, chattels and credits less than £100
* Oyster Fisher
25. Small Headstone, South East
To the Memory of
LYDIA Wife of
G.J. MITCHELL
late of Twydall
who departed this life
[ ] of September 1826
Aged 63? Years
It should be noted that Gratnel James Mitchell
of Tunstall, who died c1833
left an Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury will, (PRC/16/534 M/2 )
26. Headstone, South East
Thomas MORELEY 1767
To the Memory of
LYDIA Wife of THOMAS MORLEY
of this Parish died 11th July 1767
in the 43rd Year of her Age
Also two of their Children
died in their Infancy
Left issue four Children
JOSEPH, THOMAS, LYDIA and
---------------Ground Level-----------------
27. Headstone, next to above
Thomas MORELEY 1782
To the Memory of
THOMAS MORLEY late of this Parish
who departed this life the [ ] of June 1782
Aged [ ]2 Years
Also JOSEPH Son of the above
THOMAS and LYDIA MORLEY who
departed this life the 5th of October
177[7] Aged [ ] [Years]
Note in the Burial Register, Joseph Morley was
drowned at the Naze (Essex Coast)
Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Will Dated 12th January 1781
Thomas Morley, Drudgerman.
He is sick and weak.
He desires his good friends Richard Sears of
Newington, Butcher and Stephen Rooke of Newington,
Shop Keeper, his executors and trustees to sell his personal
estate and effects, collect debts due to him and his Club money.
They to hold the money on behalf of his children, Thomas,
Lydia and John, until the youngest is 21 and
divide it equally between them.
Witnesses: William Judson and Daniel Grace
Proved 2nd July 1782
28. Headstone, East of Chancel
Sacred
to the Memory of
WILLIAM RAINER
for over 40 years Clerk of this Parish
who departed this life
July 11th 1883 Aged 74 Years
Also MARY ANN Wife of the above
who departed this life
January 9th 1885 Age 74 Years
"A Tender Father and Mother Dear
Two Faithful Friends lie buried here
Free from envy free from Pride
So they Lived and so they Died"
1851 Census, William Rainer, Parish Clerk, is
recorded as being Blind
29. Headstone, South West
William SMITH 1751
In Memory of WILLIAM SMITH
who departed this life
18th of April 1751 Aged 50
Years HESTER SMITH Daughter
of WILLIAM and MARY SMITH
died July the [ ] 175[1] Aged
5? Years
30. Headstone and two Body Stones, South West
Sacred
to the Memory of
ELIZABETH POTTER AUSTEN
Wife of
HENRY SOUTH
of Lower Halstow
who died the 23rd [ ] 1849
Aged 80? Years
Also the above
HENRY SOUTH
who departed this life [ ] [
]
1853
Aged 84 Years
In the 1851 Census Henry South is listed as a
Fundholder
Prerogative Court of Canterbury Will Dated 5th April 1849
Henry South, Yeoman
Appoints James Taylor of Milton (near
Sittingbourne), Saddler, nephews, Francis William South
and Thomas South, executors and trustees. To them,
£400 of his stock in the Bank of England, upon trust, to pay
the dividends to nephew, Henry South, for life.
After his death, they to pay the dividends to testator's brother
William South and Jemima, his wife, for
their lives and life of the survivor. After the death of the
survivor, the £400 stock shared by their children when they are
all 21, if any die under that age, leaving children, their share
to that child or children. If there are no children surviving to
21, he gives £150, part of the stock, to nephew, Francis
William South and £100 stock to nephew, Thomas
South, £150 of the stock to niece, Harriett Waters,
wife of John Waters.
To nephew, Francis William South, £450
stock in the Bank of England.
To niece Harriett Waters, £450 stock in the Bank
of England.
His two cottages at Newington, to Frances Knott,
Widow, for life, she keeping them insured and in good repair.
After her death, one of the cottages, nearest to Newington
Street, to her son, George Knott and the other
cottage, adjoining and also adjoining Beaumont's Cottage, to Henry
Knott, also a son of Frances Knott.
The house he now lives in at Lower Halstow, with buildings, yard
and garden and three cottages in Holly Bush Field in Lower
Halstow, to nephew, Thomas South, subject to the
payment of an annuity of £5 to his brother William and
his wife, Jemima, for their lives and life of the
survivor.
His three pieces of freehold land with barns and lodge in Lower
Halstow, now occupied by Robert Hughes , to
nephew, Thomas South, for life and after his
death, to Henry South, son of Thomas, for
ever.
His household furniture, plate, linen and china in his house, to
nephew, Thomas South.
To James Taylor, £10 in compensation for his work
as executor.
Tax due on the annuity and legacies to be paid from his
residuary personal estate.
Residue of his money, stock funds and securities, subject to the
payment of his debts, funeral and probate costs, to nephew, Francis
William South and niece, Harriett Waters,
equally share.
Real estate vested in him as mortgagee or trustee to his
trustees, subject to the trusts of the same.
(Involved trust details and conditions follow)
Witnesses: James Taylor, Jeremiah Chapman,
Gentleman and George Pope, Senior.
Codicil, 2nd February 1850
He has given his house and three cottages in Holly Bush Field to
nephew, Thomas South, for life and after his
death, to his son, Henry. He now revokes this bequest and
gives the property to nephew, Thomas South and his
wife, Jane and then to Henry William South
and Sarah Ann South, their children. If Jane
survives her husband Thomas and the rents and profits
from the property should, from any cause cease to be payable to
her (e.g. if she remarries?), the bequest is void, as if she
were dead.
Rest of will ratified.
Witnesses: Thomas Butler and James Gallehawk
Codicil 20th May 1850
He has given nephew, Francis William South,
£450 stock; he has also given his two cottages at Newington to Frances
Knott. He now revokes these bequests.
He now gives Francis William South, £400
of the stock . He gives nephew, Thomas South £50
of the stock and all the dividends, interest and rents due to
testator at his death.
The cottage at Newington nearest to Newington Street, to George
Knott and the other cottage to Henry Knott.
(It seems that Frances Knott has died since the
will was made?)
Rest of will ratified.
Witnesses: James Taylor and Matilda Jane
Taylor
Codicil 11th September 1850
He has given niece, Harriett Waters, £450 stock
but now revokes this bequest.
Rest of will and codicils ratified.
Witnesses: James Taylor and Thomas Rainer
Proved 18th April 1853
Rear of the above
Also
WILLIAM SOUTH
who died November 1859 Aged 93
Also
JEMIMA his Wife died Oct 12th 1854
Aged 84
31. Headstone, South West
In Loving Memory
of
FRANK
the dearly loved youngest Son of
H. W. and E. J. SOUTH
of this Parish
who passed away March 12th 1908
after many months of acute suffering
Aged 22 Years
"We have our Task to Finish
He has gone Home to Rest"
32. Headstone, South West
In
Loving Memory of
ELIZABETH JANE
the dearly beloved Wife of
HENRY WILLIAM SOUTH
of this Parish
who departed this life
March 15th 1920 Aged 78 Years
"Now the Labourer's Task is O'er"
Also the above
HENRY WILLIAM SOUTH
died May 15th 1934
Aged 93 Yeas
1871 Census Henry South, a Beer Retailer
SOUTH see WILSON
33. Headstone, South East
Sacred
to the Memory of
SARAH the beloved Wife of
WILLIAM SPICE
of this Parish
who departed this life 18th Decr. 1871
Aged 60 Years
"Prepare to meet thy God for ye know neither the
day nor hour when the Son of Man cometh"
Also the above
WILLIAM SPICE
who died 12th Decr. 1902
Aged 93 Years
1871 Census William Spice, a Licensed Victualler
34. Double Headstone,
North
William SWIFT 1747
Here Lieth Interr'd
the Body of
WILLIAM SWIFT
who died the 29th? of
September 1747
Aged 47? Years |
[Right Side Blank]
|
And also MARY Daughter of WILLIAM
and MARY SWIFT who died the 17th? of
June 1753 Aged 22? Years |
35. Headstone, South East
In Loving Memory of
HARRIET TRESS
Wife of WILLIAM TRESS
who died July 1st 1890
Aged 39 Years
Also MARY ANN HEPTON
Sister of the above
who died August 12th 1887
Aged 28 Years
"Therefore be ye ready for in such an
Hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh"
Also of the above WILLIAM TRESS
who died October 23rd 1899
Aged 54 Years
36. Headstone, South East
[
]
JAMES Son of
GEORGE and HARRIETT THOMAS
of this Parish
who departed this life
on the 1st? Of June 1869
Aged 15 Years
Also 6 Sons and 5 Daughters
"Go Home Dear Friends and shed no Tear
I must Rest here till Christ appears
Short was my Time Long be my Rest
God took me Home when he thought Best"
37. Headstone, South East
Sacred
to the Memory of
ELIZABETH HINDE
Wife of
JAMES TOWNSHEND WADE
who departed this life
on the 11th day of January 1837
Aged 43 Years
Also of the above named
JAMES TOWNSHEND WADE
who departed this life
on the 17th day of February 1879
Aged 68 Years
1871 Census James Wade, a Grocer of Halstow Street
H.M. Court of Probate Index
James Townshend Wade, Grocer, died at
Linden Villa, Hammersmith.
Administration granted to Mark Osborn Iggulden
of Milton, Harness Maker and Samuel Wood of Milton
, Grocer. Value of personal estate under £200
38. Headstone, South West
In Loving Memory of
LILY
the beloved Wife of
GEORGE J. WILSON
and younger Daughter of H.W. and E.J.
SOUTH
of this Parish
who passed peacefully away
March 11th 1918 Aged 39 Years
"We cannot Lord thy purpose see
But all is well that's done by thee"