Memorial in Westminster Abbey, Westminster, London commemorating Admiral Sir George Pocock RN d. 1792
Location
Westminster Abbey, Westminster, London, England
Transcript
'SACRED to the Memory of SIR GEORGE POCOCK, K.B. who entered into the Naval Service of his country under the Auspices of his Uncle LORD TORRINGTON. And who emulating his great Example rose with high Reputation to the Rank of ADMIRAL OF THE BLUE, His abilities as an officer, stood confessed by his conduct upon a variety of occasions But his Gallant and Intrepid Spirit was more fully displayed By the distinguished Part he bore at the taking of Geriah And in leading the Attack at the Reduction of Chandernagore And afterwards when with an inferior Force, he defeated the French Fleet under M. D'ACHE, In three general Engagments Showing what British Valour can achieve, aided by proffessional skill and Experience. Indefatigably active and persevering in his own Duty, he enforced a strict observance of it in others. At the same time with so much mildness, with such condescending Manners, As to gain the Love and Esteem of All who served under Him; Whose Merits he was not more quick in discerning, or more ready to reward Though he was ever backward in acknowledging his own. Returning from his sucessful career in the East, He was appointed to command the Fleet upon the Expedition against the Havannah, By his united Efforts in the conquest of which He added fresh Laurels to his own Brow, and a valuable Possession to this kingdom. Upon retiring from Publick Employment He spent the remainder of his Life in a State of dignified Ease and Splendour; Hospitable and generous to his friends and exhibiting a striking Picture of CHRISTIAN BENEVOLENCE By his Countenance and Support of Publick Charities, and by his Liberalities to the Poor. A Life so honourable to himself and so endeared to his Friends and Family was happily extended to the Age of 86 When he resigned it with the same tranquil and serene Mind which peculiarly marked and adorned the whole course of it. He left by SOPHIA his wife, Daughter of GEORGE FRANCIS DRAKE Esqr, and who was first married to COMMODORE DENT a SON and a DAUGHTER GEORGE POCOCK Esqr who caused this monument to be erected; and SOPHIA married to JOHN EARL POULET'
Details
Type: Monument
Position: Chapel of St John the Evangelist
Date Erected: 1796
Artists: John Bacon, the elder
People
Age: 86
Date of Death: 13/4/1792
Cause of Death: Unknown
Rank / Occupation: Admiral of the Blue
Organisation: Royal Navy
Extra
Bibliography: John Physick 'Designs for English Sculpture 1680-1860' (London, 1969) pp. 158-9.
Recorder: A.J. Richardson 1980