Monument in Westminster Abbey commemorating Admiral George Churchill RN d. 1710
Location
Westminster Abbey, Westminster, London, England
Transcript
'P.S.E. / GEORGIUS CHURCHILL. / Winstonii Equitis Aurati Ex Agro Dorcestriensi / Filius natii secundus:invictisimi Ducis Marlburii / Frater non indignus / A prima juventute Militiae nomen dedit / et sub Regibus Carolo et Jacobo / terra mariq. / multa cum laude meruit. / Serenissimo Principi Georgio de Dania / Per Viginti plus annos a cubiculis / fide obsequio, moribus / gratum se reddidit et Charum. / Regnante Guilielmo Quo Die classis Gallia ab Anglis / ad oras Neutriae fugata et cumbusta est / (Die semper memorabili) / eo Anima Vigore et Fortitudine pugnavit / Quo Ducem Anglum decuit / Mox ab eodem Rege / oequisimo meritorum Judice / Unus e Commissariis Admiralliae constitutus / res maritimus quarum erat peritissimus / curavit diu et ornavit. / Sub faelicissimo demum Annae imperio / Instaurato iterum Bello contra Gallos / Insestissimos Hostes Britanni Nominis / ex Admirallis unus / et Celsissimo Principi Daniae / Magnae totius Britanniae Admirallo / factus e consistiis / curarum omnium et laborum particeps / Domino suo / faelicissimam navabat operam: / Donec fractae Gallorum vires / toto mari cesserant / Inde Principis optimi lateri adhaerens / Ad extremum usq diem / omnia Grati piiq animi officia / persolvit / Laboribus tandem et morbis confectus / Inter amplexus et lacrymas / Amicorum, Clientum et servorum / Quos Humanus, officiosus, liberalis, / Gratos devinctos et fideles habuit, / Pius tranquillus animosus, caelebs / obiit.VIII Maii ec.'
P.S.E. George Churchill second son of Winston, illustrious knight of the county of Dorset. Not unworthy brother of the victorious Duke of Marlborough, from his early youth he gave glory to the Army and under King Charles and King James he served as a soldier on land and sea with great distinction. For more than twenty years he served as gentleman of the chamber to the Most Serene Prince George of Denmark, making himself beloved by his Prince for his loyalty and his integrity. During the Reign of King William, On the day the French fleet was defeated and burned by the English at the mouth of the Neutria, [battle of Barfleur?] a day forever memorable, he fought with great strength and courage. Afterwards because he had proved fitted for the office, the king, being a most fair judge of men, made he alone of all the commanders Admiral, and for a long time he cared for and conducted the maritime affairs, in which he was extremely experienced. Lastly, during the most happy reign of Queen Anne, war against France (those most hateful enemies of the British) having broken out for the second time, he alone, among all the British admirals, was created First Admiral of England by the Prince of Denmark and taking part in all the cares and business, he conducted the affairs for his lord with the greatest zeal until the crushed forces of the French withdrew from the sea, then, always one of the closest advisers of the Prince, he continued to carry out all his duties with grateful and devoted spirit. Finally, worn out by labour and illnesses, he died in the arms and with the tears of his friends, dependants and servants. He was kind, dutiful, generous, grateful and faithful. He died pious, at peace, and unmarried on the eighth of May.
Details
Type: Monument
Position: South choir aisle
Artists: Grinling Gibbons
Event
Battle of Barfleur
Event Date
1692
Event Category
1688-97 Nine Years War
People
Age: c. 56
Date of Death: 1710
Cause of Death: Unknown
Rank / Occupation: Admiral of the Blue
Organisation: Royal Navy
Extra
Bibliography: Brian Kemp 'English Church Monuments' (London, 1980) p.111.
Recorder: B. Tomlinson