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Memorial: M4799

Monument in Westminster Abbey, London commemorating Jonas Hanway d. 1786

Location

Westminster Abbey, Westminster, London, England

Transcript

'Sacred to the memory of / JONAS HANWAY / who departed this life Sept. 5th 1786 / But whose NAME liveth and will ever live / whilst active Piety shall distinguish / the CHRISTIAN. / INTEGRITY AND Truth shall recommend / the BRITISH MERCHANT. / And universal Kindness shall characterize / the CITIZEN of the WORLD. / The helpless INFANT nurtur'd thro' his care / The friendless PROSTITUTE Sheltered and Reform'd / The helpless YOUTH rescu'd from Misery and Ruin / and train'd to serve and to defend his country / Uniting in one common Strain of Gratitude / Bear Testimony to their Benefactor's Virtues / 'THIS was the FRIEND and FATHER of the POOR'

Details

Description: Sarcophagus above the inscription tablet, with a relief showing a kneeling boy being clothed by Britannia, a lion anchor and ship behind. A boy clad as a seaman to the left holding a rudder and pointing upwards to Hanway's coat of arms. Oval portrait of Hanway below inscription.
Type: Memorial
Position: North transept, west aisle
Materials: Marble
Artists: John Francis Moore, James Moore

People

Hanway, Jonas
Age: 74
Date of Death: 5/9/1786
Cause of Death: Unknown
Rank / Occupation: Philanthropist
Organisation: Marine Society

Extra

Notes: The sculptor's drawing is in the V&A 4910.20. This shows Hanway's portrait flanked by flags on the sarcophagus with the figures above.

Hanway was Commissioner for victualling to the Navy between 1762 -1783
Bibliography: John Physick 'Designs for English Sculpture 1680-1860' (London, 1969) pp. 130-131.
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