Memorial at St Martin’s Church, Nacton, Suffolk commemorating Admiral Edward Vernon, RN d. 1757
Location
St Martin's Church, Nacton, Suffolk, England
Transcript
'Here lies the Body of Sarah Vernon wife of Admiral VERNON who was twice Honoured with the thanks of both Houses of Parliamnt for his Military Services to his Country. She died the 9th of May 1756 AEt: 57. She was a Woman of uncommon Virtue & true piety. She filled the several characters of a kind Mistress, tender Parent, dutiful and affectionate Wife with that becoming dignity & Uniform Tenor of Conduct, as made her justly Esteemed, beloved, Admired. To the Steady Practise of every Moral Duty she joined the Zeal & Devotion of a true Christian. Thus in every station of Life she set an Example that would have greatly Distinguished her in the best of Times & which all must Praise, tho few can imitate in a Degenerate Age. To perpetuate the Memory of her Virtues & of his Love for the best of Wives, this monument was Erected by her Disconsolate Husband', 'Sacred to the Memory / of / EDWARD VERNON / Admiral of the White Squadron / of the British Fleet / He was the second son of JAMES VERNON, / Who was Secretary of State to King WILLIAM IIIrd / and whose Abilities & Integrity / were equally conspicuous / In his Youth He served under Admirals Shovel & Rooke / By their Example he learned to conquer / By his own Merit he rose to command / In the War with Spain of MDCCXXXIX / he took the Fort of Porto Bello with six ships / A force which was thought unequal to the Attempt / For this he recieved [sic] / the thanks of both Houses of Parliamentt / He subdued Chagre, and at Carthagena / conquered as far as naval Force / could carry Victory. / After these Services he retired / without Place or Title / from the Exercise of Publick / To the Enjoyment of private / Virtue / The Testimony of a good Conscience / was his Reward / The Love and Esteem of all good Men / his glory / In Battle: though calm he was active & though intrepid, prudent, / successful yet not ostentatious / ascribing the Glory / to God / In the Senate, he was disinterested, vigilant and steady / on the XXXth day of October MDCCLVII / he died as he had lived / the friend of Man, Lover of his Country / The Father of the Poor / Aged LXXIII'
Details
Position: Facing south door
Materials: Marble
People
Age: 73
Date of Death: 30/10/1757
Cause of Death: Unknown
Rank / Occupation: Admiral of the White
Organisation: Royal Navy