In an endeavor to locate Richard Hetheringtons wifes surname, I am wondering if anyone lives locally or passes the cemetery . Richards wife Mary is buried in a tomb there with an apparently long eulogy, which I'm hoping has her maiden name on it. I am wondering if someone could take a photo of the eulogy for me please. I do not know the location but DO have a photo of the tomb taken from the side.
Hi Joanne, Just in case nobody lives locally who could do this, then perhaps contact the local history group on the Thornton in Lonsdale Community website. http://www. thorntoninlonsdale.co.uk/local-history.html Good luck!
Hi Joanne We don't live too far away and I'm sure I can get over to Thornton - but it may not be till after Easter as things are a bit busy. Is the tomb in the churchyard?
Thankyou Grizel that would be wonderful. Yes it is in the churchyard somewhere am trying to upload the photo to show what it looks like
The info I have reportedly says Mary Hetherington - ( nee Pickering) wife of Richard Born 1743 Died 17th May aged 45 years (followed by eulogy) Unknown if nee Pickering on tomb or if added by person who took photo Also Ann daughter of Richard and Mary Hetherington and wife of Richard Hodgson Esq of Burton in Lonsdale Born 1769 Died 27th May aged 28 years Also in affectionate remembrance of Mary,wife of the late William Hetherington of Stone Bower, Burton in Lonsdale. Died 18th July 1869 in her 94th year
Thanks for pic and info. Will try and visit as soon as I can. Exciting! (If someone gets there before me I don't mind at all, but I plan to go over regardless. This has been so interesting.)
I'd like a ramble around through there too. Bit far to travel tho'. (along with so many other churchyards/burial grounds.
Exactly where we are headed shortly....rambling around church grounds and cemeteries. Not travelling that far though....Hunter Valley. Archie off to doggy holiday camp..(off piste ?)
I wonder if poor Mary realises what is happening down on earth in our search for her. She certainly didn't leave any hints, not obvious ones anyway. Thought I would add this to try and cover my tracks.
By the way, if you need them at any time, the transcriptions of the Thornton in Lonsdale Parish Registers 1576-1812 are available from Parish Chest, here.
Hi Joanne We went over to Thornton this afternoon more or less between showers. Cold and blustery so hope my notes are reasonably accurate! We tried a bit of stone rubbing without much success – the paper got all soggy. The inscription was all on the top flat stone and sadly greatly eroded at one end, particularly at the part you are interested in. The top layers of stone had flaked off. These letters were still clearly legible however. The Memory RICHARD HETHERIN Lonsdale Esq d this Life the 14th of 790, aged 45 Years. The words 'wife of' could just about be made out on the underlying stone, but not 'Mary' as the word had gone. I've written out what I think may have been there (having compared other stones). The line 'Mary, wife of Richard Hetherington' took up the entire width of the stone and there was definitely no room for the word Pickering. Other similar stones in the churchyard would say X wife of Y with no maiden name. So I am afraid you are no nearer to solving your mystery! I have guessed at Burton in Lonsdale but it may easily be Thornton in Lonsdale. The word had completely gone. Some of the other graves in the churchyard had Burton in Lonsdale. I wrote May as a date as that is what is on the burial register. The word had also gone. Most of the eulogy was reasonably legible but some of it is set to go fairly soon , as the top layer of stone is breaking away. I didn't copy down the bottom part of the inscription about daughter Ann etc but this is the first part. Sacred to the Memory of MARY, Wife of RICHARD HETHERINGTON of Burton in Lonsdale Esquire Departed this Life the 14th of May 1790, aged 45 Years. She was the best of wives, Oft affectionate and tender parent and acquaintant and bountiful Friend to the Poor, who complaints she always Listened to with compassion and always relieved. Her loss was greatly lamented by all who knew her for in her was everything comprised which can Dignify the character of a True Christian. The last part ALSO ANN etc was in capitals. We've got some photos and will get them off the camera later - I can try to put them in a message or email them if you wish. What a shame we still haven't got Mary's name, but I did enjoy the trip out. Blew away a few cobwebs if nothing else!
Oh Grizel,THANKYOU so very much . Sorry about the weather you endured on my behalf. to those responsible for such a lovely inscription and leaving off Mary's maiden name ! I can send you my email addy if that is easiest
Who knew? & they could not account for weathered stones. You need the burial book.!! Although the ones I've seen are very limited for word. Perhaps a friendly monumental mason?
It was fun - and the weather wasn't too bad for this time of the year. The photographs aren't wonderful but should give you an impression. I've just been wrestling with cameras and laptop in an attempt to download! Next challenge will be emailing. If you're happy messaging me with an address I'll have a go.
Hi Joanne, St Oswald's church at Thornton has a copy of their records dating to when church records began - I was shown them a few years back. Thornton in Lonsdale & Burton in Lonsdale share a vicar & at one time Burton people were buried at Thornton. if you you check on the web site mentioned in an earlier post you someone might be able to look in copy of the records for you & get some details . Hope this helps Aintree Girl
