Holme Pierrepont
St Edmund

Monuments and Memorials

Click the numbers in the key plan for details of the items.

Key to Monuments

Chancel

1.On the north wall of the chancel there is a memorial to the Revd William Saltern by John Flaxman. He was vicar of Cotgrave and died in 1811 when he fell though the ice when skating on the lake at Thoresby. It is surmounted by a carved figure of a seated woman reading. The figure is renaissance in white marble but Flaxman has placed this in a Gothic ashlar frame the combination being quite pleasing.

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF
THE REVEREND WILLIAM SALTREN
RECTOR OF COTGRAVE, IN THE
COUNTY OF NOTTINGHAM,
HE WAS A PIOUS CHRISTIAN, AN AFFECTIONATE SON,
A SINCERE FRIEND AND A BENEVOLENT MAN:
DIED JANUARY 10TH 1811, AGED 29 YEARS.

THIS MONUMENT IS ERECTED BY HIS MOTHER
ELIZABETH SALTREN,
IN TESTIMONY OF HIS VIRTUES, AND HER GRATEFUL
AND AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE.

2.Over the door in the chancel is a memorial to John Shering of Nottingham who died in 1800 and was the son of Samuel Shering, steward to the 2nd Duke of Kingston.

SACRED BE THIS SPOT TO GRATITUDE
AND THE MEMORY OF MR JOHN SHERING
OF NOTTINGHAM;
DIED LAMENTED;
AND WAS BURIED HERE.
NATUS ANNO DOMINI 1726
OBIIT JANY 24TH 1800.

Large was his Bounty and his Soul sincere,
Heaven did a Recompense as largely send.
Here blooming Virtue drops a grateful Tear,
And pious, mourns a Father in a Friend.

3.The chancel north wall has a memorial to Evelyn Henry Frederick Pierrepont, who died 28 October 1801. Above the inscription is a large carved angel holding a book with an urn above.

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF THE TRULY HONOURABLE
EVELYN HENRY FREDERICK PIERREPONT,
ELDEST SON OF
CHARLES VISCOUNT AND ANNE VISCOUNTESS NEWARK.
HE REPRESENTED THE COUNTY OF NOTTINGHAM
IN TWO SUCCESSIVE PARLIAMENTS.
WAS BORN JANUARY 18TH 1775, AND DIED OCTOBER 22D 1801.

HOW FAIR A RECORD THY SHORT LIFE APPEARS!
THY EARLY GRAVE HOW WORTHY OF OUR TEARS!
FAR FROM THE CROWD. ABOVE THE LIGHT AND VAIN,
TOO JUST TOO FLATTER, AND BOLD TOO BOLD TO FEIGN,
HONOUR’S BRIGHT ORB THY STEADFAST MIND SURVEY’D
AND BY A PIERREPONT’S WORTH HIS DUTIES WEIGH’D.

IN FRIENDSHIP ZEALOUS IN AFFECTION LARGE,
FIRM IN THY COUNTRY’S DELEGATED CHARGE,
EACH ART DISDAIN’D EACH VENAL, LURE WITHSTOOD,
ONE IMPULSE FELT ALONE THE PUBLIC GOOD,
ALIKE TO THEE HOW WEALTH OR RANK MIGHT SHINE,
MAN’S NOBLEST PRAISE, INTEGRITY WAS THINE.

4.To the right of the altar there is a memorial to Evelyn Pierrepont, 2nd Duke of Kingston, credited to Michael Wright of York. The memorial was commissioned in 1800.  

To the Memory of
EVELYN PIERREPONT,
second Duke & Earl of KINGSTON,
Marquis of DORCHESTER,
Viscount NEWARK, & Baron PIERREPONT
of HOLME-PIERREPONT, MANVERS & HERRIZ,
Knight of the Garter,
& General in his majesty’s Service.

This Monument is inscribed,
as a Tribute of Respect,
& a Token of Gratitude.

He died September 22d 1773,
Aged 62.

Vestry

5.The north wall of the vestry has a memorial to Sophia Manvers Pierrepont, who died in 1823 aged 32, believed to be by Pierre Bazzanti. It comprises a tablet surmounted by a carving of a recumbent woman with angel over and portrays the Virgin Mary’s ascent to heaven. This pre-dates the organ and was installed when the vestry was treated as a private chapel.

IN MEMORY OF
SOPHIA
ONLY DAUGHTER OF HENRY FIRST MARQUIS OF EXETER
AND WIFE OF HENRY MANVERS PIERREPONT
SECOND SON OF CHARLES FIRST EARL MANVERS

MILD IN TEMPER MEEK IN SPIRIT
CHARITABLE IN DISPOSITION AND EXEMPLARY IN EVERY RELATION OF LIFE
SHE WAS SUSTAINED IN THE DECAY OF NATURE
BY THE CONSOLATIONS OF RELIGIOUS HOPE
AND RESIGNED HER SOUL TO GOD
NOVEMBER II MDCCCXXIII IN THE XXXII YEAR OF HER AGE
AT CAUDERAN NEAR BORDEAUX IN FRANCE
LEAVING AN INFANT DAUGHTER AND AN AFFLICTED HUSBAND
BY WHOM THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED
IN GRATEFUL AFFECTION AND LOVE.

HER REMAINS ARE DEPOSITED
IN THE FAMILY VAULT
IN THIS CHURCH

6.The east wall has a memorial to Sophia’s husband, Henry Manvers Pierrepont, who died in 1860.

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF
THE RIGHT HONBLE HENRY MANVERS PIERREPONT,
BORN MARCH XVIIITH MDCCLXXX,
DIED NOVR XTH MDCCCLI.
HIS REMAINS ARE DEPOSITED
NEAR THOSE OF HIS WIFE, IN THE FAMILY VAULT,
IN THIS CHURCH.

7.In the corner is a memorial to Charles Evelyn, Viscount Newark, who died in 1850, and his wife, Emily, who died in 1851.

In Memory
of
Charles Evelyn Pierrepont
Viscount Newark,
Born Sep: 2, mdcccv, married Aug: 16, mdcccxxxii, died Aug: 23, mdcccl
also of Emily his wife,
daughter of Edward, Baron Hatherton,
Born Nov: 16, mdcccxiv, Died March 11, mdcccli

“Lovely in their Lives,
in their Death
They were not Divided”

8.Further along the south wall is a stone and slate memorial to Charles, First Earl Manvers, who died in 1816.

SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
CHARLES, FIRST EARL MANVERS,
VISCOUNT NEWARK, AND BARON PIERREPONT,
OF HOLME PIERREPONT, IN THE COUNTY OF NOTTS;
WHO WAS BORN NOVEMBER 14TH 1737,
AND DIED JUNE 18TH 1816.

TO DWELL UPON EACH VIRTUE
THAT SHONE CONSPICIOUS
IN A CHARACTER SO TRULY CHRISTIAN
SO EXEMPLARY IN THE DISCHARGE
OF EVERY RELIGIOUS AND MORAL DUTY,
WOULD BE UNNECESSARY.
TO THOSE WHO WERE SO FORTUNATE AS TO KNOW HIM,
FEW WORDS WILL SUFFICE
TO RECAL HIS UNEXAMPLED WORTH,
HIS UNBOUNDED BENEVOLENCE,
AND ALL THOSE SOCIAL AND ENDEARING QUALITIES,
FOR WHICH HE WAS SO GREATLY AND SO GENERALLY
BELOVED, ADMIRED, AND RESPECTED :
AND TO THOSE WHO KNEW HIM NOT,
WORDS WILL NOT CONVEY AN ADEQUATE IDEA OF THEM.

THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED BY HIS ONCE HAPPY WIFE,
AND BY HIS SURVIVING AND SORROWING CHILDREN.

ALSO IN MEMORY OF
ANNE HIS BELOVED WIFE, BORN SEPTR 15TH 1756:
DIED AUGUST, THE 24TH 1832.

TO THE LAST PERIOD OF HER EXISTENCE HERE, SHE CHERISHED
HIS MEMORY WITH UNABATED REVERENCE, AND TENDEREST AFFECTION
PRESERVED THE MOST GRATEFUL RECOLLECTION
OF HER YEARS OF HAPPINESS PAST WITH HIM:
AND LIVED AND DIED IN THE BLESSED HOPE OF REUNION WITH HIM
THROUGH THE MEDIATION OF HER REDEEMER,
AND THE MERCY OF HER GOD.

South Aisle

9.A slate memorial at the east end of the south wall is to Hubert and Lady Sibell Argles who both died in 1968:

In affectionate memory of
HUBERT DAVYS ARGLES
and LADY SIBELL ARGLES
daughter of 4th Earl Manvers
of Holme Pierrepont
They worshipped here and
supported this Church with
great generosity for many
years. They both died
in January 1968.

The Pierrepont family memorials
were restored by their relatives &
friends in 1974 with the help of
the Pilgrim Trust

10.Below Monument 9 is a slate tablet in memory of Lady Alice Pierrepont who died in 1969 and was buried at Ystrad Mynach church near Caerphilly in South Wales.

In loving memory of
LADY ALICE HELEN PIERREPONT
second daughter of 4th Earl Manvers
born 1889 — died 1969

11.

The tomb has no inscription but there is no doubt that it is Sir Henry Pierrepont who died in 1499. His will, proved on the 18th December of that year, specified that he should be 'buried in the church and a tomb of alabaster be made and set upon a sepulchre and graven by the discretion of his executors'. The effigy is in the gothic style and form favoured in the period of the Wars of the Roses and the effigy carries the suns and roses collar of the House of York which is odd for the date as this decoration had fallen from favour many years earlier. It is possible that the tomb was carved some years earlier or that Henry’s executors wished to record his support of the Yorkist cause. In any case this is the last monument, still in existence, to display this decoration. The effigy’s head rests on a great helm with a fox passant crest. The source of the alabaster cannot be determined as the effigy has been stained during construction by oils that have given it a pleasant olive hue but in the absence of serious veining is most likely to be Chellaston. The sword at one time has been broken and the replacement, probably done during refurbishment, is in Fauld alabaster. The carver is unknown but the centre of such tomb construction in the late 15th century was Burton on Trent and as there are similarities with other monuments in the area indicating it is most likely to be a product of those workshops.

12.

Close by is another tomb of alabaster also to a Sir Henry Pierrepont who died on the 19 March 1615. The monument was designed by John Smythson, son of Robert. There is a drawing by Smythson for the design of the tomb in the R.I.B.A. Collections. Sir Henry married Frances Cavendish the daughter of Bess of Hardwick. The monument is an interesting one and this too may have been repositioned.

Hollar's
engraving

In 1676 Wenceslaus Hollar made an engraving (left) of the monument showing the tomb chest on a plinth which is not there today.

The monument comprises a wall mounted mural and an effigy on a tomb chest. The effigy is in Stuart renaissance style but rests on a tomb which displays panels from a completely different era more in keeping with the mid 16th century. The panels are in very poor condition and display figures, probably of the children, holding shields on the tomb chest. The panels may at one time have spent time outside. The chest frame however is contemporary with the date of death and is in Fauld alabaster. The conclusion is that the tomb chest has used parts from an earlier tomb which cannot be identified. It may well have been repositioned omitting the plinth shown in 1676.

The wall mural displays the Dutch style which came to England from the late 16th century. The features show two columns supporting cornice which includes armorial devices associated with the Manvers/Pierrepont family. The back panel displays two ovoids of a black marble-like stone. This is cockleshell 'marble' which is found only in South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire and only used on mural monuments between 1615 and 1626. The term marble is a loose description as Britain has no natural marble and the term is used for varieties of limestone.

It is credited to architect John or Robert Smythson but, although these men were trained as stonemasons, there are no records of any monuments being carved by them. The carver may well be from the Burton on Trent workshops in which case it was carved by the Hollemans but the style is more in keeping with the carvers of London. It could be from the Stone or Jannsen workshops the finished monument being shipped by coastal barque and river boat to Holme and assembled by the Smythsons.

The inscription reads:

HERE LIETH THE BODIE OF SR HENRIE PIERREPONT
KNIGHT WHO IN HIS LIFE TIME ABOVNDED
WITH CHARITIE & MANIE OTHER VERTVES
FOR WHOM THE LADIE FRANCES PIERREPONT
ELDEST DAVGHTER OF SR WLLLM CAVENDISH
OF CHATSWORTH KNIGHT & THE MOST
NOBLE & RENOWNED LADIE ELIZABETH HIS
WIFE LATE COVNTESSE OF SHREWSBE CAVSED
THIS MONVMENT TO BE MADE BEING THE
LEAST OF MANIE TESTIMONIES SHE HATH
GIVEN OF HER GREAT & DEARE AFFECTIO
TOWARDES HIM • HE DIED THE 19 DAIE
OF MARCH IN THE YEARE OF OVR LORD
GOD 1615 AGED 69 YEARES & A HALF.

13.A 17th century brass to Gervase Pierrepont is attached to the wall above monument 14. Gervase was the second son of Sir George Pierrepont and his second wife, Winifred (daughter of William Thwaites of Oulton in Suffolk).

The inscription reads:

AMORIS ET GRATITVDINIS ERGO
ERGA
OPTIMVM VIRVM GERVASIVM PIERREPONT AR=
MIGERVM FILIVM SECVNDOGENITVM GEORGEII
PIERREPONT MILITIS FRATREM HENRICI PI=
ERREPONT MILITIS PATRVV ROBT COMITIS
DE KINGSTON VIC. NEWARK BARONIS
PIERREPONT DE HOLME
PIERREPONT

14.

An effigy of which only the trunk, head and parts of the great helm (tilting helmet) remain. This is clearly 14th century Chellaston alabaster. It is believed to be Sir Edmund Pierrepont c.1370. The crest on the great helm has been broken of but may well have displayed a dog (or a fox) consistent with the other memorials. The alabaster effigy comprising of just the trunk of a knight wearing a pointed bascinet, camail, a jupon with crenulated edge and sword belt and may well have been demolished to make way for the later monuments. It too is not in its original condition and may have spent some time outside as it shows signs of agricultural implements having been sharpened on it. The effigy was, at one time, full length and is almost certainly the work of the Chellaston workshops then the only ones working in the area.

15.Near the door is a memorial to William Sanday (died 1920), one-time chaplain to Edward VII and George V.

TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND
IN GRATITUDE TO HIM FOR THE LIFE AND WORK OF
WILLIAM SANDAY D.D., LL.D., D.Litt.
Son of WILLIAM and ELIZABETH SANDAY
BORN AT HOLME PIERREPONT 1 AUG. 1843
DIED AT OXFORD 16 SEPT. 1920.

FELLOW OF TRINITY COLLEGE OXFORD 1866-1873
PRINCIPAL OF BISHOP HATFIELD HALL IN THE UNIVERSITY
OF DURHAM 1876-1883. DEAN IRELAND’S PROFESSOR OF
EXEGESIS AND FELLOW OF EXETER COLLEGE IN THE
UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD 1883-1895. LADY MARGARET
PROFESSOR OF DIVINITY AND CANON OF
CHRIST CHURCH 1895-1919.

He was appointed Chaplain in Ordinary to King Edward VII &
King George V: was elected a Fellow of the British Academy
and received Honorary Degrees from Universities in
England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany and Norway.

DOMINUS ILLUMINATA MEA.

16.

The monument is a magnesian limestone recumbent effigy of a civilian about 5ft long and is somewhat weathered indicating that it may one time been outside. Information dates this from the late 13th century and was believed to be Sir Henry Pierrepont c.1290, however, the style is in more in keeping with the mid-14th century. He is dressed as a merchant with curly long hair and long extensions to the sleeves. His head rests on a rectangular cushion supported by two angels and his feet on an animal which may be a dog or a lioness. The animal’s head is turned away from the effigy. The man’s tunic has a belt and a purse. The monument is not identified but is thought not to be of the Pierrepont family. It is not in its original position and may well have once been in the old chancel. This is believed to be the work of a local carver.

17.In the corner is a memorial to the Revd John Cleaver (died 1823), his wife (died 1818) and daughter (died 1828). This is the father of James Jarvis Cleaver (later Peach) mentioned in the incumbent list.

IN MEMORY
OF
THE REVD JOHN CLEAVER D.D.
RECTOR OF SLINGSBY FOR
UPWARDS OF FIFTY YEARS
AND PERPETUAL CURATE OF MALTON
BOTH IN THE COUNTY OF YORK;
WHO DIED AT THIS PLACE

AUGST 3RD 1823,
AGED 78 YEARS.
ALSO OF
ELIZABETH, HIS WIFE,
DAUGHTER OF
JAMES FENTON ESQRE
WHO DIED AT MALTON,
IN THE COUNTY OF YORK
FEBRUARY 1ST 1818,
AGED 67 YEARS.

IN MEMORY OF
CLARA SYBILLA,
DAUGHTER OF THE
REVD JAS J. CLEAVER,
AND ELLIN SYBILLA, HIS WIFE
WHO DIED APRIL 28TH 1828
AGED 5 YEARS.

18.

Affixed to the west wall of the south aisle is a brass of an unknown standing lady dating from 1385 which has been repositioned. It was found in 1960 when alterations to the church floor were carried out.

A fragment of the marginal inscription survives and reads:

Vo        Idq         a

19.On the westernmost pillar of the south arcade is a tablet memorial to satirical poet, John Oldham, dated 1683. William, Earl of Kingston, invited Oldham to be his chaplain; although he declined the appointment he accepted the Earl’s hospitality at the Hall. However, on the 9 December 1683 he died there of smallpox aged only 30.

The tablet has a surround of carved flowers and leaves with an angels head on the crown and a further carved head on the apron. The inscription is reputed to be written by the Earl but John Dryden also wrote an eulogy and he may well have been the author.

M.S.
OLDHAMI poetae quo nemo
sacro fvrore plenior: nemo rebvs
svblimior avt verbis felicivs ~
avdax! Cvjus famam omni aevo
propria satis consecrabvnt carmina
quem inter primos Honoratissimi
GVILIELMI comitis de KINGSTON
amplexvs. Variolis correptvm hev !
nimis immatvra mors rapvit et
in caelestem transtvlit chorvm.
Natvs SHIPTON in agro GLOU
CESTRENSI, in avla sancti
EDMUNDI OXONIAE gradvatvs
Obiit 19 April anno Dom.
1683  AETATIS 30.

Nave

20.At the west end of the nave there is a later Fauld alabaster mural memorial to Princess Gertrude, Countess of Kingston dated 1649. At the start of the Commonwealth the appearance of effigies on monuments was coming under scrutiny and so it was felt that only simple murals should be made. Therefore this is a plain inscribed tablet with a surround of shields with the base decorated with skulls, cross bones and swags. The tablet has two Corinthian columns which may be stained to resemble marble with decorated entablature over. Over the columns there are single obelisks and a crown tops the entablature. The monument has clearly been repositioned as it sits on modern ashlar corbels and the columns appear to be a composition. The Nottingham Evening Post of 23 October 1878 reported that the monument was moved from the memorial chapel to its present location as part of T C Hine's restoration work.

The monument may well be by Richard Hall of Nottingham.

Here lyeth the illustrious Princess GARTRUDE,
Countesse of KINGSTON, daughter to HENRY TALBOT
ESQr son to GEORGE late Earle of SHEWSBURY,
she was married to the most Noble & Excellent LOD
ROBERT Earle of KINGSTON, one of the Generalls
to KING CHARLES the first in the late unhappy
differences, and in that service lost his life, she had
by him many children, most dead, there are living
HENRY MARQUIS OF DORCHESTER, WILLIAM &
GERVAS PIERREPONT ESQr & one daughter the
Lady ELIZABETH PIERREPONT, she was a Lady
 replete with all qualities that adorne her sex &
more eminent in them then in the greatnes of
her birth. she was most devout in her dutyes
to GOD, most observant of those to her neighbour
an incomparable wife, a most indulgent mother &
most charitable to those in want, in a word her life
was one continued act of virtue she hath left a memo
ry which will never dye & an example that may be imita
ted but not easily equall’d. she died in the LXI yeare
of her age, A.D. 1649 And this monument was
erected to her by her Son GERVAS PIERREPONT.

21.Tablet to the Rev Thomas Donnithorne (died 1813):

In Memory of
the Revd THOS DONNITHORNE. A.M.
late Rector of this Parish,
who died 8th of October 1813,
Aged 61 Years.

Also of MARY his Wife,
who departed this life
July the 10th 1840, Aged 90.

There remaineth a rest to the people of
God.                      Heb. 4th Chap. 9th Ver.

22.Tablet to Pelham Donnithorne Warren (died 1837):

IN MEMORY OF
PELHAM DONNITHORNE WARREN
LIEUT. AND INTERPRETER
IN THE HONBLE EAST INDIA COMPANYS
XIX REGT OF NATIVE INFANTRY
WHO DIED AT CUTTACK IN THE
PRESIDENCY OF BENGAL
THE XVIII OF JUNE MDCCCXXXVII,
AGED XXIV.

THIS TABLET WAS ERECTED BY HIS
SORROWING PARENTS AS A TESTIMONY OF
THEIR LOVE AND AFFECTION.

23.Tablet to John Burgess (died 1842):

ERECTED
BY FRIENDS OF THE LATE
JOHN BURGESS OF CLIPSTONE
IN THIS COUNTY IN TESTIMONY OF THEIR ESTEEM
HE DIED ON THE XXVIIITH OF APRIL MDCCCXLII
AGED LI YEARS.

24.Tablet to Robert Burgess (died 1846) and his wife, Elizabeth (died 1856):

TO THE MEMORY OF
ROBERT BURGESS
OF COTGRAVE PLACE.
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
NOVEMBER VI. MDCCCXLVI.
AETAT : LXIV : YEARS

I WAITED FOR THY SALVATION, O LORD.
                                         GEN. XLIX. 18.


AND ELIZABETH,
RELICT OF THE ABOVE,
WHO DIED SEPR XII. MDCCCLVI,
AETAT : LXXII : YEARS.

25.Tablet to Henry Sydney Pierrepont (died 1882):

IN MEMORY
OF
HENRY SYDNEY PIERREPONT,
BORN AUGUST 18TH 1863,
DIED MARCH 4TH 1882.

THIS TABLET IS ERECTED
BY HIS BROTHERS AND SISTERS

“I LOOK FOR THE RESURRECTION
OF THE DEAD, AND THE LIFE OF THE
WORLD TO COME.”

Tower

26.Tablet to John Barfoot (died 1824):

IN
Memory of
JOHN BARFOOT,
who died June 27th 1824;
Aged 43 Years,
17 of which he passed in the service
of the right Honble EARL MANVERS,
& his family:
& the last 10 in that of
the Revd JAS J CLEAVER
Rector of this parish

When he reflected credit upon
the valuable & respectable character
of a confidential domestic servant
by his zeal, honesty & fidelity;
Cheerfully & strictly discharging
the various duties of his situation
in general obedience to the coming
of his SUPREME & HEAVENLY MASTER
who will duly appreciate & reward
All his faithful service.