Memorial: M3819

Memorial at St Helen’s Church, Sandown, Isle of Wight, commemorating Richard Matthews d. 1816

Location

St Helen's Church, St Helens, Isle of Wight, England

Transcript

'Sacred to the memory of Richard Matthews who died 5th December 1816. All you who pass by, pray look and see / how soon my life was ta'en from me / by the cruel officer who as you'll hear / Spilt my blood, which was so dear; / But God is good and just and true, / and will reward to each his due; / And when you come my grave to see / Prepare yourself to follow me.'

Details

Type: Gravestone

People

Matthews, Richard
Age: 34
Date of Death: 5/12/1816
Cause of Death: Unknown/None
Rank / Occupation: smuggler
Organisation: Unknown

Extra

Notes: A smuggler shot by a revenue man at Sandown. See also Thomas Sivell.
Bibliography: H.E. Matthews 'The Smugglers are Out' (1933); Richard J. Hutchings 'Smugglers of the Isle of Wight' (Newport, 1985).
JSON