Vessel Loss

Memorial: M4806

Memorial in Westminster Abbey, Westminster, London commemorating Sir Cloudesley Shovell, Admiral of the Fleet d. 1707

Location

Westminster Abbey, Westminster, London, England

Transcript

'Sir Cloudesley Shovell Knt / Rear Admiral of Great Britain / and Admiral and Commander in Chief of the Fleet / The Just Rewards / of his long and faithful services / He was / Deservedly beloved of his country / And esteem'd and dreaded by the Enemy / who had often experienced his Conduct and Courage / Being Shipwreckt / On the Rocks of Scylly / In his Voyage from Toulon / The 22nd Oct 1707 at Night / In the 57th Year of his Age / His fate was lamented by all / But Especially the / Sea faring part of the Nation / To whom he was / A Generous Patron and a worthy Example / His body was flung on the shore / And buried with others in the sands / But being soon after taken up / Was plac'd under this Monument / Which his Royal Mistress has caus'd to be Erected / To Commemorate / His Steady Loyalty and Extraordinary Virtues'

Details

Description: The inscription within a curtained baldachino with a crest on top. There are two columns on either side above which are cherubs holding shields of arms. The reclining figure of Shovell is placed below the inscription tablet wearing Roman armour and periwig and wrapped in a cloak. Drops of laurel and oak are visible behind the columns. On the base, a relief of the wreck of 'Association' is flanked by panels with naval trophies. Addison 'As a foreigner is very apt to conceive an idea of the ignorance or politeness of a nation from the form of their public monuments and inscriptions, they should be submitted to the perusal of men of learning and genius before they are put in execution. Sir Cloudesley Shovel's monument has very often given me great offence: instead of the plain rough English Admiral which was the distinguishing character of that plain gallant man, he is represented on his tomb by the figure of a beau, dressed in a long periwig, and reposing himself upon velvet cushions under a canopy of state. The inscription is answerable to the monument; for instead of celebrating the many remarkable actions he had performed in the service of his country, it acquaints us only with the manner of his death, in which it is impossible for him to reap any honour'
Type: Memorial
Position: South choir aisle
Materials: Marble
Artists: Grinling Gibbons
Vessel: HMS 'Association'

People

Shovell, Cloudesley
Age: 56
Date of Death: 22/10/1707
Cause of Death: Vessel Loss
Rank / Occupation: Admiral of the Fleet
Organisation: Royal Navy

Extra

Notes: See also painting in the National Gallery, Washington by Mario and Sebastiano Ricci 'Allegorical tomb of Sir Cloudesley Shovell' See RA exhibition catalogue 'The Glory of Venice' 1994. DOSSIER

Bibliography: John Le Neve 'Monumenta Anglicana', vol. iv, p. 126 (London, 1718); Joseph Addison in 'The Spectator' (30 March 1710); K.A. Esdaile 'English Church Monuments' (London, 1946); 'An Inventory of the historical Monuments in London' vol. i 'Westminster Abbey' (London, 1925-9), 57a.
Recorder: A.J. Richardson 1980
JSON