Wall tablet in St Mary’s Church, Whitkirk commemorating John Smeaton d. 1792
Location
St Mary's Church, Whitkirk, West Yorkshire, England
Transcript
'sacred to the Memory / of JOHN SMEATON F.R.S. / A Man, whom God had endowed with the most extraordinary Abilities / which he indefatigably exerted for the benefit of Mankind, in works of Science / and philosophical research / More especially as an Engineer and a Mechanic. His principal work, / The Edystone Light-house erected upon a rock in the open Sea, / (where one had been washed away by the violence of a storm, And another had / been consumed by the rage of fire) Secure in its own stability and in the wise / precautions for its safety, seems not unlikely to convey to distant Ages, / As it does to every nation of the Globe, the name of its Constructor. / He was born at Austhorpe June 8th 1724 / And departed this Life October 28th 1792.' [Below] ' Also Sacred to the Memory of / ANN the Wife of the said JOHN SMEATON F.R.S. / who died January 17th 1784 / Their two surviving daughters / Duly impressed with sentiments of love and respect / For the kindest and tenderest of Parents / Pay this tribute to their Memories'
Details
Type: Wall monument
People
Age:
Date of Death: 1792
Cause of Death: Unknown/None
Rank / Occupation: Civil engineer
Organisation:
Extra
Bibliography: K.A. Esdaile 'English Church Monuments' (London, 1946) pp. 111, 112.