Vessel Loss

Memorial: M4777

Monument in Westminster Abbey, London, commemorating Rear-Admiral Richard Kempenfelt RN d. 1782

Location

Westminster Abbey, Westminster, London, England

Transcript

'In loving memory of / RICHARD KEMPENFELT Esq, Rear-Adm of the Blue / who was lost in his Majesty's ship 'Royal George' / which overset and sunk at Spithead on the 29th August 1782 / by which fatal event / about nine hundred person were launched into eternity / and his king and country depraved of the services of a great and meritorious officer / in the 64th year of his age / This monument was erected pursuant to the will of his brother/ Gustavus Adolphus Kempenfelt Esq / Who died at his seat, Lady Place, Hurley, Berkshire on the 14th March 1808 aged 87. / Of whose philanthropy and humanity / his liberal subscriptions and bequests to the most of the charitable institutions in the country / will be lasting records.'

Details

Description: Inscribed pedestal on which is a column with the following representations, at the bottom is the submerged 'Royal George' with masts sticking out of the water. Above, next is the soul of the dead Admiral ascending to heaven and further above a winged victory with a crown and palm-branch.
Type: Monument
Position: Chapel of St Michael
Materials: Marble
Artists: John Bacon
Vessel: HMS Royal George

Event Date

1782

Event Category

1775 - 1783 American Revolutionary War

People

Kempenfelt, Richard
Age: 64
Date of Death: 29/8/1782
Cause of Death: Vessel loss
Rank / Occupation: Rear Admiral of the Blue
Organisation: Royal Navy

Extra

Notes: Buried at Alverstoke in Hampshire. Monument erected by his brother, Gustavus Adolphus Kempenfelt.
Bibliography: R.F. Johnson 'The Royal George' (London, 1971); 'Dictionary of National Biography'.
Recorder: A.J. Richardson 1980
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