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Memorial: M1015

Memorial in St Peter ad Vincula, Tower of London commemorating Valentine Pyne d. 1677

Location

Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, Tower of London, London, England

Transcript

'Erected in Memory of Captn Valentine Pyne late Mr. Gunner of / England Second Sonne of George Pyne of Currymallett, in ye / County of Somerset Gent who following ye Footstepps of his Father / & in loyale obedience to his Sovereigne trayled a pike: under the / Command of his Father in ye last expedicon at Cadiz in ye yeare 1625 / and ye year 1627 in ye expedition at ye Isle of Rhe after that betook himself / to his Maies Fleet where he served at Sea till the late unhappy / Rebellion, & during that Rebellion in his late Maies Service at Land. / After whose death he voluntaryly followed ye comand of Prince Rupert / for ye space of XV yeares both in his expedicons at sea & in ye Warrs / of Germany till his now Maies happy Restauracon since wch tyme hee / Comanded some of his now Maies Shipps in the first Warr against ye Dutch / & in Recompence of his faithfull service his Matie was graciously pleased to / elect him Mr. Gunner of England in wch Capacity hee departed this life (wch/hee ledd single) the last daye of Aprill Anno Dni 1677 And in ye XXVIIIth/Year of his Majesties Reigne aged 74 Yeares. / Vndaunted Hero whose aspireing mind / As being not willing here to bee confind / Like birds in cage, in narrow Trunk of Clay / Entertained Death and with it soar'd away / Now hee is gone why should I not Relate / To a future Age his Valour, Fame and Fate / Iust, Loyal, Prudent, Faithful, such was hee / Natures accomplished worlds Epitomie / Proud hee was not and though by Riches tryd / Yet virtue was his safe his surest guide / Nor can devouring Tyme his rapid Jawes / Ere eat away those Axioms hee made Lawes'

Details

Description: 'This mural monument consists of a central panel containing the inscription with enriched moulded surround, flanked by panelled pilasters with moulded bases and enriched capitals forming part of the architrave. Each pilaster contains a cannon placed vertically, with swags of fruit and foliage springing from volutes on outer sides. The entablature over comprises moulded cornice and carved frieze, showing crossed artillery sponges and ribbon ornament above the pilasters; the centre portion of the frieze, supported by scrolls and slightly projecting is left plain, and may have been intended for an inscription or motto. The base is formed by a moulded string, eliptically arched in centre, and crowned by a bold gadroon ornament. The monument is supported on carved and moulded consoles, the space between being filled by carving in relief of a galleon in action, framed by palms of victory springing from a winged cherubs head. The entablature is surmounted by a shortened pediment, finished with carved rosettes, and shield with arms and mantling.' F. E. Pearce Edwards.
Type: Wall tablet
Position: North wall close to the organ

Event

1665-1667 Second Anglo-Dutch War

People

Pyne, Valentine
Age: 74
Date of Death: 30/4/1677
Cause of Death: Unknown/None
Rank / Occupation: Master gunner
Organisation:

Extra

Notes: Heraldry: Pyne of Curry Mallet-Azure a fess between 3 escallops or. Valentine Pyne appointed master gunner 15/12/1665/6 in the room of James Weyre deceased (PRO Pat Role No 3098.16). B & W image in English Heritage Archive, Red Box Collection and on the original record cards they hold for the RCHME Inventory volumes.
Bibliography: Lieutenant Colonel J.H. Leslie 'Monuments and Memorials of Soldiers in the London City churches', 'Journal for the Society for Army Historical Research' vol. vi, p.178-180 (1927).
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