Some Monumental Inscriptions in
the Churchyard Transcribed
by M. J. Sweet and D. E. Williams 2017-18
My special thanks are due to Mark Sweet
for photographing all the monuments transcribed here, and for returning
to the churchyard on many occasions, in cold weather, to attempt to
transcribed badly eroded sections.
D.E. Williams,
For pictures of the exterior of the church and
graveyard CLICK
HERE
Borstal,
Rochester
24th January 2018
St. Nicholas Church, Rodmersham,
from the south
1. HEADSTONE
IN AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE
OF
JOHN AKHURST
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE MAY 9th 1878
AGED 81 YEARS
(Obscure Verses)
ALSO OF ANN WIDOW OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED
[
] 1884
AGED 81? YEARS
(Obscure Verses)
2. HEADSTONE
IN
EVER LOVING MEMORY OF
MARIA
THE DEARLY BELOVED WIFE OF
RICHARD AKHURST
DIED MARCH 28th 1920
AGED 74 YEARS
"Thy Will be Done"
ALSO RICHARD AKHURST
OUR DEAR FATHER
WHO DIED DEC 24th 1936
AGED 94 YEARS
"At Rest"
1881 Census: At Eastling, Domestic Groom and Gardener
3. HEADSTONE
TO THE MEMORY OF
MARY THE WIFE OF
EDWARD ANDERSON
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
31st OF JANUARY 1838
AGED 62 YEARS
LEFT ISSUE 2 SONS & 2 DAUGHTERS
EDWARD, MARY, SARAH & CHARLES
(Verses)
ALSO THE ABOVE
EDWARD ANDERSON
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
28th OF APRIL 1852
AGED 78 YEARS
Canterbury Court Will Dated 2nd April 1852
Edward Anderson of Iwade, Yeoman.
To son, Charles and son in law, Stephen Hunt,
£400, upon trust. They to, within 2 years of his death, invest the money,
in their names, in the Public Funds or freehold estate mortgage. They to
permit his daughter, Mary Cooper, wife of John Cooper,
to have the annual interest, for life.
After her death, the £400 to his son, Charles,
absolutely.
To grand daughter, Emma Anderson, £200 at 21
years of age, until then the money to be invested at 4% interest; the
interest to be paid at the discretion of his executor towards her
maintenance and education, while a minor.
All household furniture, plate, linen, china, personal estate
and effects, subject to payment of his debts, legacy investment, funeral
and probate costs, to son, Charles, absolutely; also to Charles,
all real estate he holds as mortgagee or trustee.
Witnesses: James Taylor and William Hyder
Proved 8th June 1852. Goods, chattels and credits, value
less than £2,000
4. HEADSTONE
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
EDWARD ANDERSON
SON OF EDWARD AND MARY
ANDERSON OF THIS PARISH
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
JULY 11th 1846
[
]
LEAVING A WIDOW AND ONE DAUGHTER
(Obscure Verses)
1841 Census: Farm Servant, Rodmersham Court Lodge
5. LEDGER ON GROUND
JENNIFER GRACE
ARDIZZONE
1936-1957
AND
HER FATHER
DAVID
ANTHONY ARDIZZONE
1907-1988
AND
HER MOTHER
DOROTHY MAY
ARDIZZONE
1906-1988
6. HEADSTONE
PHILLIP
ARDIZZONE
1934-1978
7. HEADSTONE
EDWARD
ARDIZZONE
1900-1979
AND HIS WIFE
CATHERINE
1904-1999
National Portrait Gallery
Edward Ardizzone, R.A., C.B.E.
The distinguished artist, a prolific designer, book illustrator and author
lived permanently at Rodmersham from 1972
8. VERTICAL IRREGULAR
STONE
NICHOLAS ARDIZONE
BORN 1939
WHEELBARROW HILL
DIED 2004
CANTERBURY
9. LEDGER ON GROUND
CHARLOTTE
MAY
ARDIZZONE
24th OCTOBER 1943
TO
26th DECEMBER 2012
10. HEADSTONE
IN
LOVING MEMORY OF
EMILY DAUGHTER OF
JOHN AND MARY BARNET
BORN 26th APRIL 1857
DIED 17th AUGUST 1891
"Jesus said, "Come unto me all ye who,
[
] and are Heavily Laden and
I will give you Rest""
"Grant her Lord Eternal Rest
with the Spirits of the Blessed"
1881 Census: John Barnet, of Upper
Rodmersham, a Shepherd, wife Mary, a Laundress.
11. IRON PLAQUE
JOSEPH BEACH
[
Illegible ]
[
]
AGED 59 YEARS
(Illegible Verses)
(died 2Q. 1889)
1881 Census: Of Church Street, Agricultural Labourer, wife
Charlotte, son Charles.
12. HEADSTONE
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
JOHN CHAMPION
DIED APRIL 23rd 1860?
AGED 80? YEARS
ALSO SARAH WIFE OF THE ABOVE
DIED MARCH 27th 1867
AGED 75 YEARS
LEAVING ONE SON & EIGHT DAUGHTERS, VIZ.
GEORGE, MARY, ANN, SARAH, JANE MARIA,
MERCY FRANCES, OLIVE, CAROLINE
SUSAN EMMA
13. HEADSTONE
IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
OUR DEAR SISTER
ELIZABETH COZENS
WHO DIED JULY 17th 1910
AGED 62 YEARS
"In Pain and Care she has gone to Heavenly Rest,
Regretted and Beloved by those who Knew her Best,
She Feared not Death, mark the Reason why,
They who in Christ Believe shall Never Die"
Principal Probate Registry Index
Of Dungate, Widow, administration to Ellen Maria Farmer,
wife of James Farmer,
effects £281 2s 1d
14. HEADSTONE
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
MRS SARAH DANE
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
THE 11th OF NOVEMBER 1829
AGED 72 YEARS
SHE WAS TWICE MARRIED FIRST TO
MR JOHN HATCH OF THIS PARISH
YEOMAN AND SECOND TO
MR THOMAS DANE OF MILTON
"[
] and Pangs of Death are O'er,
[
] Sickness are no More"
Canterbury Court Will Dated 1st February 1820
Sarah Dane of Milton, Widow. (This will was made while her
husband was alive, it could only be valid after her husband's death)
To brother, William York, £150, to be paid to
him within 12 months of the death of her husband, if her husband survives
her, if not within 12 months of her death.
To nephew, John York, £150, to be paid in like
manner, also 2 silver table spoons and large bible in 3 volumes.
To niece, Sarah York, £125, to be paid in like
manner, 1 dozen silver tea spoons, pair of tea tongs, silver cream pot,
marked J.S.H., varnished tea chest and caddy spoon marked J.S.H.
To nephew, Frederick York, £125, in like
manner, 2 silver table spoons and a book, "The History of our
Saviour", to keep in memory of her.
To nephew, William Elvey, son of James Elvey,
£50to be paid in like manner and 1 silver table spoon, marked J.A.H.
To niece, Sarah Elvey, £50, to be paid in like
manner, also 6 silver tea spoons and pair of tea tongs, marked J.A.H.
To nephew, John Elvey, £50, to be paid as
before and 1 silver table spoon, marked J.A.H.
To Mrs Mary Isabella Price, Rev. Richard
Osborne Tylden, Sir John Maxwell Tyldem,
John and Major William Tylden, the children of her
late master, £100 divided equally to purchase any ornament they choose,
in memory of her.
Residue of personal estate, after payment of her debts,
funeral and probate costs to her husband.
Sir John Tylden is executor.
Witnesses: H. T. Montresor, Lt. General,
G.C.H., and Ralph Price, Rector of Lyminge
Proved 26th May 1830 Goods, chattels and credits less than
£1,000
She died at Sittingbourne
Sarah Dane's second husband, Thomas Dane,
is presumably buried at Milton.
His Canterbury Court will was made in 1820, he was a Mariner
and died 29th November 1822.
If Sarah is living at his death, his executors to make
an inventory of his furniture, plate and linen and allow Sarah to
take what she chooses. The residue to his grand daughter, Mary Dane,
natural daughter of his daughter, Mary, late wife of Charles
Craft.
After his wife's death, remainder of the estate to grand
daughter, Mary Dane.
His executor's to pay his wife, £10 per annum, in addition
to the £10 per annum settled on her after their marriage. Remainder of
estate profits to his grandchildren, Mary and William Dane.
After his wife's death, his 4 houses in Milton, occupied by
[ ] Parker, William
Wilson, Richard Harvey and William Hills,
to grand daughter, Mary Dane, for life, after her death, to
her children, lawfully begotten, shared equally. If she
leaves no children, then to grandson, William Dane, also to
him, testator's brick house and wharf and storehouse, in Milton, for life;
after his death, then to his children, equally divided. If William
leaves no children, (and presumably dies before his sister, then the
property to her for ever.) If his wife is not living when he dies, the
furniture, plate, linen and china, to grand daughter, Mary Dane
at 21 years of age, if Mary dies before then with no children, then
to grandson, William Dane.
Witnesses: Richard Tylden, Jane Tylden
and William Martin
Goods, chattels and credits, value less than £200
(See John Hatch Inscription and will)
15. COPED STONE, ONE OF
FOUR, RAILED
IN MEMORY OF
RICHARD DENNE
OF THIS PARISH WHO DIED SEPT. 8th 1859
AGED 60 YEARS
Principal Probate Registry Index
Richard Denne, Gentleman. Administration granted to Richard
Solly of Mayland, Essex, Gentleman and William Denne
of Mayland Hall, Essex, the brother. Effects value under £25,000
16. COPED STONE, NOT
WITHIN RAILINGS
[IN MEMORY] OF
JOHN
[
] & LUCY DENNE
[
] DIED [ ] 1875
[
]
"Life Short – Eternity Long"
17. HEADSTONE
IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
ELLEN MARIA FARMER
WHO PASSED AWAY AUG. 30th 1917
AGED 60 YEARS
"Earthly Cavern in Thy Keeping,
We Commit her Precious Dust,
Keep it Safely, Softly Sleeping,
Till the Lord Demand thy Trust"
ALSO JAMES FARMER
HUSBAND OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED JULY 9th 19[24]
AGED 77 YEARS
(Unreadable Verse)
FARMER see COZENS
1881 Census: James Farmer at Back Street,
Leeds, (Kent), Agricultural Labourer
18. HEADSTONE
TO THE MEMORY OF
JAMES HARRIS
OF THIS PARISH WHO DEPARTED THIS
LIFE [ ] SEPTEMBER 1792
AGED [ ] YEARS
ALSO [ ] CHILDREN WHO DIED IN [INFANCY] ?
[
]
[
]
ALSO MARY WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
THE 20th? OF
[
]
[
]
19. HEADSTONE
TO THE MEMORY OF
JOHN HATCH
OF THIS PARISH, YEOMAN
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
THE [22nd] OF [FEBRUARY] 1811
[
Canterbury Court Will Dated 30th January 1807
John Hatch of Rodmersham, Yeoman.
All debts, funeral and probate costs to be first paid.
All his estate to his wife, Sarah, absolutely, she is executor.
Witnesses: John Ellis of Rodmersham and Richard Tanner,
Attorney of Sittingbourne
Proved 8th March 1811. Goods, chattels and credits less than £450
Confirms date of death.
HATCH see DANE
20. HEADSTONE
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
FRANCES ELIZABETH
WIFE OF
WILLIAM JOHN JARRETT
WHO ENTERED INTO REST
3rd JUNE 1888
AGED 57 YEARS
"Blessed are the Dead that Die in the Lord"
ALSO THE ABOVE NAMED
WILLIAM JOHN JARRETT
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
30th
[
]
[
]
1881 Census: Farmer of Rawling Street, 106 acres,
employing 6 men and 3 boys, son, Charles, Poor Law Office Clerk.
21. HEADSTONE
[IN]
LOVING MEMORY
OF
HARRIET JARRETT
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
AUG. 3rd IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1890
IN THE 25th YEAR OF HER AGE
"My She Rest in Peace"
(Obscure Verses)
22. HEADSTONE
IN
LOVING MEMORY OF
GEORGE JARRETT
WHO DIED MARCH 29th 1895
AGED 62 YEARS
"Blessed are the Dead which Die in the Lord"
"Not Gone from Memory, not Gone from Love,
But Come to our Father's Home Above"
1881 Census: Of The Green, Grocer
Principal Probate Registry Index
Grocer of Rodmersham Green, administration to Kate Eliza, Ellen
and Minnie Jarrett, Spinsters, effects £432 4s 9d
23. HEADSTONE
IN EVER LOVING MEMORY OF
BILL
2nd LIEUT. KENNETH S. KELLY
133 FIELD REGIMENT
ROYAL ARTILLERY
BORN 23rd OCTOBER 1917
DIED 7th JUNE 1942
AGED 24 YEARS
24. HEADSTONE
IN
MEMORY OF
WILLIAM KING OF THE
PARISH OF [
?
]
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE
[ ] [OF] JUNE 1797
AGED 77 YEARS
(Obscure Verses?)
ALSO THREE CHILDREN [WHO DIED IN INFANCY] ?
HANNAH WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WILLIAM KING WHO DEPARTED
THIS LIFE 20th DECEMBER
1808 AGED 78 YEARS
25. HEADSTONE
IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
MADELAINE MARY
DAUGHTER OF
FREDERICK & MARY FANNY LAKE
LATE OF BARGAIN'S HILL
WHO DIED ON
SEPTEMBER 19th 1875
1881 Census: Frederick Lake, Farmer of Bargain's
Hill, employing 17 men and 3 boys
26. HEADSTONE
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
MARY ANN LOCKYER
WHO DIED MARCH 8th 1888
AGED 84 YEARS
ALSO JOHN LOCKYER
HUSBAND OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED MARCH 26th 1901
AGED 96 YEARS
"God is Love"
1881 Census: Of The Green, a Shepherd
LOCKYER see PALMER
27. FOUR COPED STONES IN
RAILED PLOT, ONE OBSCURED BY LICHEN
BENEATH THIS STONE
[
?
]
HENRY WILLIAM MATSON
OF KINGSDOWN SON OF JOHN AND MARY MATSON
OF THIS PARISH WHO DIED ON THE 18th? Of OCTOBER 1848 AGED 47 YEARS
LEAVING A WIDOW AND SEVEN CHILDREN
1841 Census: Farmer at Lynstead School House
28. IN MEMORY OF
JOHN GEORGE
ONLY SON OF JOHN & HANNAH MATSON
OF THIS PARISH WHO DIED SEPTEMBER 15th 1867
AGED 32 YEARS
29. IN MEMORY OF
HANNAH WIFE OF JOHN MATSON
WHO DIED MAY 17th? 1873
AGED 74 YEARS
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
JOHN MATSON
OF THIS PARISH
WHO DIED [ ? ]
[1880]
AGED 87 YEARS
1871 Census: Farmer of Church Street, 50 acres, employing
5 men and and 2 boys
30. PEDESTALS AND CROSS
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
SARAH FERNIHOUGH MELLOR
WIFE OF REV. W. J. MELLOR
VICAR OF THIS PARISH
BORN MAY 23rd 1838
DIED JULY 22nd 1886
"Lord all Pitying Jesus Blessed,
Grant her thine Eternal Rest"
31. PEDESTALS AND CROSS
IN EVER LOVING MEMORY
OF
WILLIAM JAMES MELLOR
PRIEST
BORN JUNE 13th 1834
ENTERED INTO REST DEC. 4th 1897
VICAR OF ST. NICHOLAS, RODMERSHAM
1875 TO 1896
"Until the Day Break and the Shadows Flee Away"
"Lux Perpetua Sanctis tuis Domine"
"Requiescat in Pace"
Principal Probate Registry Index
Of "Craigholm, Boscombe, Hampshire, administration to Leila
Anne, widow, effects value, £3,230 19s 8d.
32. WHITE AND RED CHEST
TOMB WITH PINK COLUMNS AT EACH CORNER, RAILED PLOT
MERCER TOMB
HELEN
WIFE OF ROBERT MERCER
DIED OCT. [ ] 1906
AGED 68 YEARS
ERECTED BY
ROBERT MERCER
IN LOVING MEMORY
1907
ROBERT MERCER, J. P.
DIED FEB. 13th 1917
AGED 78 YEARS
ROBERT MONTAGUE MERCER
DIED APRIL 11th 1939
AGED 73 YEARS
1881 Census: Robert Mercer, of Church
Street, Hop Grower and Farmer of 180 acres, employing 56 men, 14 boys and
12 women.
Principal Probate Registry Index
Robert Mercer, of Rodmersham House, administration
granted to Charles Betram Mercer, Farmer, Arthur
Lambert Mercer, Manufacturer and Guy Tassell,
Solicitor, effects, £239,260 13s 5d.
Principal Probate Registry Index
Robert Montague Mercer of 5 Maple Villas, London
Road, Faversham, administration granted to Robert Mercer,
Farmer, effects, £630 13s 6d
33. HEADSTONE, PARTLY
ERODED
HERE
LYETH YE BODY
OF JOHN MUNN
[&] [MAR]Y HIS WIFE
[HE] DEPARTED [THIS LIFE]
[ ] 172[ ] AGED
[74?] YEARS
[SHE DEPARTED THIS LIFE]
[
] 1704?
[
]
LEFT ISSUE ONE [SON ]
& 3 DAUGHTERS
34. HEADSTONE
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
JOHN PACKHAM
OF THIS PARISH
WHO DIED THE 19th OF MAY 18[53]
AGED 53 YEARS
LEAVING A WIDOW, TWO SONS AND
FIVE DAUGHTERS VIZ. SARAH,
MARY, MARIA, GEORGE, CHARLOTTE,
ELIZABETH AND JOHN
ALSO WILLIAM SON OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED 13th JAN. 1837 AGED 6 YEARS
LIKEWISE THOMAS ON OF THE
ABOVE WHO DIED THE 8th OF DEC. 1847
AGED 20 YEARS
ALSO ELIZABETH WIFE OF THOMAS
WHO DIED THE 1st DAY OF AUG. 1847
AGED 18 YEARS
ALSO GEORGE PACKHAM WHO DIED
[
] 1850 AGED 22 YEARS
[
]
WHO DIED JULY 21st 1864
AGED 3 WEEKS
"Of Such is the Kingdom of Heaven"
1851 Census: John, a Fruiterer, Charlotte has a Grocer's
shop.
Canterbury Court Will Dated 19th April 1853
John Packham, of Rodmersham, Fruiterer.
All real and personal estate to his wife, Charlotte, subject to
payment of his debts, funeral and probate costs. She is executor.
Witnesses: William Hyder and Jesse Thomas
Proved13th June 1853. Value of goods, chattels and credits less than
£300.
35. HEADSTONE
IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
JOHN PALMER
WHO DIED APRIL 11th 1899
AGED 70 YEARS
"Trusting in Jesus"
ALSO MARY ELIZABETH
WIDOW OF THE ABOVE
DAUGHTER OF THE LATE JOHN LOCKYER
DIED NOV. 12th 1930
IN HER 87th YEAR
"Peace at Dawn"
36. HEADSTONE
IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
OLIVE JANE
THE BELOVED WIFE OF
GEORGE PERKESS
WHO DIED MAY 28th 1887
AGED 48 YEARS
ALSO OF THE ABOVE
GEORGE PERKESS
WHO DIED FEBY. 4Th 1906
AGED 71 YEARS
"Thy Will be Done"
1881 Census: Of The Green, Agricultural Labourer
37. PEDESTALS AND CROSS
IN
EVER LOVING MEMORY
OF
CHARLES PORTER
CALLED TO REST AUGUST 19th 1912
AGED 60 YEARS
"My Times are in Thy Hands"
1911 Census: Retired Engineer, Eagle Lodge, born City of
London.
Principal Probate Registry Index
Of Eagle Lodge, Rodmersham, administration granted to William Stoke
Rayner, Solicitor's Managing Clerk and John Stroud,
Steward, effects value, £9, 817 11s 3d, re-sworn at £10,056 2s
38. HEADSTONE
IN AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE OF
THOMAS RANDALL
WHO DIED FEBRUARY 28th 1902
AGED 73 YEARS
"His End was Peace"
ALSO FRANCES
THE BELOVED WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DIED APRIL 22nd 1907
AGED 78 YEARS
LEAVING 10 CHILDREN TO LAMENT THEIR LOSS
1881 Census: Of Pitstock, Agricultural Labourer
Principal Probate Registry Index
Thomas, of Pitstock Farm, administration granted to widow,
Frances, effects value, £188 3s 6d
39. HEADSTONE
HERE LIETH THE BODY OF
THOMAS RAYNER SON
OF WILLIAM & ELIZABETH
RAYNER OF THIS PARISH
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE FEB.
21st 1757 AGED 3[ ] YEARS
40. HEADSTONE
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
RICHARD SAGE
LABOURER OF THIS PARISH
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
ON THE 2nd OF APRIL 1853 or 4?
AGED 80? YEARS
THIS STONE IS ERECTED BY HIS
EMPLOYER IN WHOSE SERVICE
SAGE DIED AND FOR WHOSE FAMILY
HE WORKED FOR 33 YEARS TO RECORD
THE STERLING WORTH OF ONE WHO DURING
A LENGTHENED SOJOURN HERE ON EARTH
HONESTLY DID HIS DUTY IN THAT STATE OF
LIFE INTO WHICH IT HAD PLEASED
GOD TO CALL HIM
ALSO SARAH SAGE
[WHO] DIED 21st NOVEMBER 1865
AGED
[
]
[
] CHILDREN
41. HEADSTONE
IN
LOVING MEMORY OF
MARY ANN
THE BELOVED WIFE OF SAMUEL SLARKS
WHO DIED MARCH 6th 1896
AGED 73 YEARS
"We do all Fade as a Leaf"
ALSO THE ABOVE
SAMUEL SLARKS
DIED MARCH 22nd 1909 AGED 82 YEARS
"Blessed is He that Watcheth"
"Honour"
PTE. CLIFTON W.J. CARRIER
KING'S ROYAL RIFLE REGT.
GRANDSON OF THE ABOVE
KILLED IN ACTION AT MONTAC
LE CATEAU, FRANCE
OCTOBER 23rd 1918 AGED 20 YEARS
"R.I.P."
1881 Census: Samuel Slarks, 3 Oak Cottages,
Tonge, Agricultural Labourer
42. HEADSTONE
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
ELIZABETH WIFE OF
JESSE THOMAS OF THIS PARISH
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
THE 10th OF APRIL 1808
AGED 26 YEARS
ALSO JESSE THOMAS, YEOMAN
HUSBAND OF THE ABOVE
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
THE 3rd OF APRIL 1834
AGED 46 YEARS
LEAVING A WIDOW AND ONE SON
Canterbury Court Will Dated 2nd April 1834
Jesse Thomas
To son, Jesse, all real and personal estate, on
condition that he pays his mother, Mary, £50 per annum, for her
lifetime, and that he pays his father's mother in law, Mary Sargent,
1 shilling per week, for life.
Son Jesse, wife Mary and brother Edward Thomas,
all of Rodmersham, are executors.
Signs will with his mark.
Witnesses: Thomas Divers?, Mary Divers?
and Elizabeth Nicholson
Proved 30th May 1834, goods, chattels and credits, value
less than £800. Power reserved to Mary Thomas. Son Jesse
is a Fruiterer.
43. HEADSTONE
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
MARY
WIDOW OF THE LATE
MR. JESSE THOMAS
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
JULY 15th 1864 AGED 69 YEARS
Principal Probate Registry Index
Mary Thomas, administration to Jesse Thomas, of
Rodmersham, Fruiterer and Farmer, effects value, less than £100
44. HEADSTONE
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
EDWARD THOMAS
WHO DIED AT HIS RESIDENCE AT
SITTINGBOURNE DEC. 24th 1865
IN THE 73rd YEAR OF HIS AGE
LEAVING A WIDOW AND FIVE SONS,
EDWARD, WILLIAM, HENRY, JESSE
JEFFERY AND LEWIS
ALSO
JANE THOMAS
WIDOW OF THE ABOVE
DIED APRIL; 29th 1882
AGED 85 YEARS
ALSO
ROSA JANE THOMAS
DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
EDWARD & FRANCES THOMAS
DIED APRIL 16th? 1863
AGED 15 MONTHS
Principal Probate Registry Index
Edward Thomas, Gentleman, administration to Edward
Thomas of Sittingbourne, Fruiterer, Henry Jesse Thomas
of Newington, Painter and Lewis Thomas of Rodmersham,
Fruiterer, sons, effects value under £5,000, re-sworn, under £4,000.
45. HEADSTONE
IN MEMORY OF
AGNES
YOUNGEST DAUGHTER OF
JESSE AND MARY ANN
THOMAS
WHO DIED OF CONSUMPTION
JUNE 20th 1866
AGED 10? YEARS
46. HEADSTONE
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
JESSE THOMAS
OF THIS PARISH
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
OCTOBER 22nd 1877
AGED 62 YEARS
ALSO OF MARY ANN
WIFE OF THE ABOVE
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
FEBRUARY 21st 1891
AGED 80 YEARS
"Present with the Lord"
2 Cor. Chap. 8 Verse
Principal Probate Registry Index
Jesse Thomas, Fruiterer and Farmer, administration to Albert
Jesse Thomas, Farmer of Sittingbourne, son, Isaac Balkwill
Vanstexe of Sandown, Isle of Wight, Bible Christian Minister , Henry
Packham and Daniel Wills of Sittingbourne, Brickmaker.
Effects value, under £25,000
47. PEDESTALS AND CROSS
IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
ALBERT JESSE (BERTIE)
DIED JUNE 30th 1887
AGED 8 YEARS & 10 MONTHS
ALSO
ALICE LOUISE
DIED JULY 12th 1887
AGED 13 YEARS & 11 MONTHS
THE DEARLY BELOVED ELDEST SON & THIRD DAUGHTER OF
A.J. & A.M. THOMAS
OF BARGAINS HILL
"We Loved them, oh, no tongue can tell,
How much we Loved them, nor how Well,
God Loved them too and thought it Best,
To take them Home with Him to Rest"
According to the Thomas Family article on the Kent
History Forum website, Albert died after falling into a sheep dip and
was found dead in an upright position.
48. PEDESTALS?
ELIZABETH
WIDOW OF JOHN THOMAS
WHO DIED SEPT. 4th? 1909
AGED 80 YEARS
ALSO
JOHN THOMAS
[
]
[
]
49. PEDESTALS AND CROSS
IN
LOVING MEMORY OF
ANNIE MARIA
THE BELOVED WIFE OF
ALBERT JESSE THOMAS
WHO DIED JAN. 11th 1920 AGED 77
ALSO OF ALBERT JESSE THOMAS
[ DIED 4th QUARTER 1929 AGED 87]
1881 Census: At Highsted Farm. Fruit Grower and
Nurseryman, employing 23 men and 4 boys, in the house 1 servant and a
Governess,
1911 Census: Fruit Grower of the "Brownings". Albert Thomas
built "Brownings" in 1908
50. COMMONWEALTH WAR
GRAVES COMMISSION HEADSTONE
M2/202840 PRIVATE
E. TICKNER
ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS
26th MAY 1918 AGE 24
(See War Memorial on last page)
51. DAMAGED HEADSTONE
This badly damaged headstone seems to be that of George Violet
or Vylet, who probably died in 1667,
the lettering would fit an early date. I am assuming this is the 1667 Violet,
so am including his will.
[HERE] [L]YETH
[YE] BODY OF GEOR[GE]
[V]IOLET WHO DE[P]
[ARTED THIS LIFE TH[E]
[ ] OF [DECEMBER? ]
[1]6[67] ?
[
]
Canterbury Court Will Dated 18th December 1667
George Vylet, Taylor.
Desires to be buried in Rodmersham churchyard.
To daughter, Elizabeth Thomas ?, to whom he has
already given a portion, 4 shillings over and above the portion. To
daughter, Susan, £10 at 20 years of age, to be raised out of his
stock. In case she dies before she is 20, then the £10 goes to his son, Christopher,
To son, William, the lease of 1 ½ acres of land he had from Mr Pordage,
to go to him after the death of testator's executor. If William
dies before the executor, then, after the executor's death, the lease goes
to son Christopher.
Also to Christopher, 4 shillings. To wife, Susan,
his house and land belonging, for life; after her death, then to son Christopher
and his heirs, for ever. Wife, Susan is his executor. All household
stuff of all sorts and ready money, goods, chattels to her. He desires son
Christopher to assist his mother.
Signs will with his mark.
Witnesses:Thomas? Pordage and Christopher
Violett
Proved 3rd April 1668
52. HEADSTONE
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
THOMAS WARR
DIED APRIL 18th 1909
AGED 60 YEARS
"He Giveth his Beloved Sleep"
53. HEADSTONE
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
JOHN THOMAS NATHAN
SON OF THOMAS AND CONSTANT
WITHAM OF THIS PARISH
WHO DIED 5th MAY 1863
AGED 2 YEARS AND 6 MONTHS
"On Life's Wild Ocean, Sorrowful and Pain'd,
How many Voyagers, their Course Perform,
This Little Bark, a Kinder Fate Obtained,
It Reached the Harbour, 'ere it met the Storm"
54. HEADSTONE
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
THOMAS
SON OF
THOMAS & CONSTANT WITHAM
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
JUNE 13th ? 1882
AGED 15 YEARS & 4 MONTHS
ALSO
ADA CONSTANCE
DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
DIED MAY 26th 1868
AGED 5 YEARS & 3? MONTHS
ALSO
EMILY ALBERTA
DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
DIED JUNE 24th? 1868
AGED 3 YEARS & 6 MONTHS
ALSO
STANLEY
SON OF THE ABOVE
DIED OCTOBER 21st 1876
AGED 2 MONTHS
ALSO
MAUDE
DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE
DIED NOVEMBER 17th 1876 ?
AGED 9? MONTHS
55. HEADSTONE
IN
LOVING
MEMORY OF
THOMAS WITHAM
WHO DIED DECEMBER 18th 1895
AGED 64 YEARS
"Thy Will be Done"
Principal Probate Registry Index
Thomas Witham, Fruiterer, administration granted to widow, Constant
and Harry Greensted, Solicitor, effects value, £188 13s.
There is a Thomas Witham on the 1881 and 1891 Census, the former, a
Miller of the Green, the latter an Agricultural Labourer at Pitstock.
56. HEADSTONE
[THIS STONE
ERECTED HERE ?]
IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
CONSTANT WITHAM
WIDOW OF THE LATE
THOMAS WITHAM
OF THIS PARISH
WHO DIED DEC. 15th 1910
AGED 73 YEARS
"Her End was Peace"
Principal Probate Registry Index
Constant Witham of Histed, Murston, administration
granted to Kate Elizabeth Simmons, wife of Harry
Simmons, Edward Charles Bourquin, Excise
Officer and David Miller, Butcher, value of effects, £1,844
9s 10d.
57. HEADSTONE
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
JANE
WIFE OF JESSE WOOD
DIED NOV. 12th 1900
IN HER 74th YEAR
"The Lord Gave and the Lord hath Taken Away"
"Gone but not Forgotten"
ALSO
JESSE WOOD
WHO DIED MAY 13th 1907
AGED 84 YEARS
1881 Census: Of Church Street, Agricultural Labourer.
58. HEADSTONE
IN
LOVING MEMORY
OF
HANNAH ELIZABETH
WIFE OF JAMES WYLES
DIED JUNE 25th? 1909
AGED 59 YEARS
"Thy Will be Done"
ALSO THE ABOVE NAMED JAMES WYLES
DIED JANUARY 17th 1927
AGED 74 YEARS
"At Rest"
THE CREMATED REMAINS OF
HENRY JAMES 2nd AUG 1982
ANN ADELAIDE 8th JAN 1983?
[ ] EDWARD 11th AUG 19[ ]
1881 Census:James Wyles of the Green,
Agricultural Labourer
1911 Census: James Wyles, Rodmersham Green, Fruit Manager.
59. RODMERHAM FIRST WORLD WAR
MEMORIAL,
AS REPORTED IN A LOCAL
NEWSPAPER PRESS CUTTING
RODMERSHAM WAR MEMORIAL. There
has been on view at the monumental works of Messrs. Thomas Fowle
and Son, Chatham, a beautifully executed Scroll of Honour, which
is to be erected and dedicated in Rodmersham Parish Church. It
is four feet high, is executed in solid bronze, and bears the
Rampant Horses of Kent at the top, with the dates 1914, 1919 on
either side, with the motto, "Finis Coronato pus." In
a panel on the right hand side is the raised figure of a
soldier, carrying a full kit, and on the opposite side of that
of a sailor with a rifle on his shoulder. At the foot of the
shield are figures of St George and the Dragon. The names of the
fallen heroes from the parish are in raised gilded letters. The
inscription is a follows:-
|
TO THE GLORY OF GOD. |
|
In memory of the men of this parish
who gave their
lives for King and Country in the Great War.
1914-1319 |
Capt. B. W. M. Pearson, R.A.S.C.
2nd Lieut. A. B. Ward, East Yorks.
Corpl. E. Worsley, Royal West Kents.
Ptes. F. Busbridge, Royal Fusiliers.
C.
Chittenden, Buffs.
R. J.
Eastman, Royal Sussex.
W.
Gardner, R.A.S.C.
H.W.
Hollands, R.O.A,C.
E.
Knight, Buffs
J.
Lamkin, R.H.A.
J.
Mitchell, Buffs.
M.
Prett, Royal West Kents.
H.J.
Pettit, R.A.M.C.
W.
Ransom, Royal West Kents.
F.
Saunders, Royal West Kents.
E.
Tickner, R.A.S.C., M.T.
P. W.
White, Machine Gun Corps.
1st Class Stoker C. Lamkin, R.N |
Index of
names from gravestones only